WNCParent May 2012 by Stacey

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

contents This month’s features 5 8

10 13 15

22 31

Gear up Local experts offer advice on outdoors equipment.

Outdoor skills Groups, classes teach kids to respect and enjoy the outdoors.

Dog-friendly hikes Take your pet along as you hit the trail.

Mark your calendar May is full of kid-friendly races and contests.

A park and more Asheville’s Carrier Park is home to a playground and beyond.

Versatile quiche

New attraction

Zesty meals

Dollywood opens a new breed of roller coaster.

Quiche isn’t just for ladies’ lunches. Lemons add a happy tang to spring meals.

First name? Last name? Just how should a child address an adult?

In every issue

On the cover

Artist’s Muse ...................28

Kayla Sampayan, by Amanda Prince Photography, www.aprincephoto.com

Kids’ Voices .....................18

Nature Center Notes ........32 Growing Together............34 Home-School Happenings.38 Librarian’s Picks ...............41 Story Times .....................41 Divorced Families ............42 F.E.A.S.T...........................46 Kids Page ........................59 Puzzles............................60 Calendar .........................62

.com Are you a member? Join the conversation, post photos and connect with other parents at WNCParent.com. Look for WNC Parent on Facebook and Twitter.

Take family time outside Katie Wadington, editor Hiking rule No. 1: Lie. As my family has hiked more and more, I find stretching the truth to be essential. As in fibbing to children about 1) how far we’re going in the first place; 2) how far we have left to travel to our destination or the turnaround; and 3) whether I knew the trail was really this long. Stretching the truth didn’t become a required element of our hikes until a hike in Wyoming turned, unintentionally, from a casual stroll into a seven-mile trek up a mountain. Did we know we’d be hiking seven miles? No. Would we have done it anyway? Probably. Would the kids have protested that? Absolutely. As a friend says, it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. This issue celebrates the outdoors. Living around Asheville, families have no excuses when it comes to getting outside and being active. Start simple: Head to Carrier Park, one of the gems of Asheville. We look at what the facility offers on Page 15. If you want to go hiking with your kids, plus the family dog, read our story on Page 10 from hiking-with-dogs expert Karen Chavez. She gives great tips on how and where to hike. Looking for organized outdoor events? The story on Page 13 highlights a few upcoming races and goings-on for families. May is also a time to celebrate moms, with Mother’s Day on May 13. I visited with some lovely ladies at Biltmore Baptist’s MOPS group to see what they dreamed of for the holiday, and I loved their answers. Check them out on Page 20. Perhaps yours would be similar (such as no diapers, no cooking and time alone). Next month’s issue will have results from our Family Choice Awards. See you then!

P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 828-232-5845 | www.wncparent.com PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Randy Hammer WNC PARENT EDITOR Katie Wadington — 232-5829 kwadington@citizen-times.com

FEATURES EDITOR Bruce Steele bsteele@citizen-times.com

ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION Tim (Bo) Head — 232-5860, thead@gannett.com CALENDAR CONTENT Due by May 10. E-mail calendar@wncparent.com ADVERTISING DEADLINE Advertising deadline for the June issue is May 15.

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

Kurt Shoemaker, a buyer and manager at Black Dome Mountain Sports, with his son Rowan, who rides in the Deuter Child Carrier. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT/

GEAR UP for gettingOUTDOORS

By Betty Lynne Leary, WNC Parent contributor

Local outfitters can equip families with everything they need to be active

The mild winter we enjoyed in Western North Carolina, plus the early arrival of spring, have many families itching to get outdoors. These bonus weeks of good weather offer opportunities for hiking, camping, biking and paddling for families looking to create fun and lasting memories. But what do you really need to make your time in our beautiful mountains more enjoyable, comfortable and safe? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve asked some local outdoor experts for their opinions on the must-have gear Continues on Page 6

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

GEAR UP Continued from Page 5

Diamond Brand’s Sarah Merrell suggests families take a day pack and hydration pack on their adventures. The Camelbak Scout hydration pack is shown at center and the Deuter Junior Pack is at right. Carleigh White models with the packs and other gear available at the Arden store. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

✃

for the season. “We recommend taking along a day pack and a hydration pack,” says Sarah Merrell, marketing manager with Diamond Brand Outdoors in Arden. “Our favorites are the Camelbak Scout hydration pack and the Deuter Junior Pack.” Merrell notes that quality footwear for hiking is also a must. “If your feet hurt or get wet, you won’t have any fun,” she says. “For kids, we recommend the Keen Pyrenees waterproof hiking boot, and don’t forget a good pair of merino wool hiking socks.” Since the weather can be unpredictable, Merrell suggests packing a good rain shell such as the North Face Resolve Jacket for kids and the North Face Venture Jacket for parents. If you’re ready for some paddling action on the river, Diamond Brand also sells water shoes that are quick drying, durable and come in fun colors kids love. The Patagonia Cap 1 Stretch Tee is also a great choice as it offers 50+ UPF sun protection. If camping is on your agenda, Merrell recommends the Mountain Hardware Mountain Goat Adjustable sleeping bag for kids. “This bag grows with your child thanks to an internal drawstring,” she explains. “And stay comfy sleeping outdoors with the Big Agnes Air Cord Pad.” Merrell notes that since kids tend to grow quickly, Diamond Brand offers a Trade Up Program. “When your kids outgrow a product, just bring it in, and we’ll add it to our clothing donations,” she explains. “In return, you’ll save 35 percent off the new version of the product for your child.” Baby backpacks are always a hot item in outdoor gear stores, and Kurt Shoemaker has found what he calls “the most comfortable carrier in the industry.” Shoemaker, a manager and buyer for Black Dome Mountain Sports on Tunnel Road in Asheville, is the father of Rowan, who, as a baby, enjoyed the outdoors from the comfort and safety of Dad’s back. “The Deuter Child Carrier has a fit that is comparable to a real backpacking pack, and it completely opens from the side,” he says. “It makes for a much easier transition in and out for both of us.” Shoemaker and his son also love a good paddle but never leave shore without their Patagonia PFDs for safety and their Patagonia Board Shorts for comfort.

TOP 10 ESSENTIALS FOR FAMILY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Pack a daypack with these essentials and keep it handy so you can grab it for spur of the moment outings. You’ll never be caught without a critical item if it’s already in the pack!

1. Map 2. Compass 3. Sunglasses and sunscreen 4. Rain gear/extra socks 5. Flashlight

LOCAL OUTFITTERS » Diamond Brand Outdoors, www.diamondbrand.com » Black Dome Mountain Sports, www.blackdome.com » REI, www.rei.com » Rightline Gear, www.rightlinegear.com » Second Gear, www.secondgear wnc.com

“Patagonia is an environmentally friendly company that makes some of the best outdoor apparel on the market for all ages and their products are guaranteed for life,” he says.

Books and more

If your kids are old enough to get involved in the planning of your outdoor adventures, consider a bit of reading beforehand. Brianna Simpson, manager at REI in the Biltmore Park Town Square, suggests “Outdoor Parent, Outdoor Kids,” by Eugene Buchanan, a guide to getting your kids active in the great outdoors, or “Campout!” — the ultimate kid’s guide

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

6. First aid supplies 7. Fire starter 8. Matches 9. Knife 10. Extra food SOURCE: BRIANNA SIMPSON, REI

GREAT AMERICAN BACKYARD CAMPOUT Put your gear to use on June 23, the Great American Backyard Campout. Visit www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/GreatAmerican-Backyard-Campout.aspx. » For other upcoming family friendly classes and events, check out www. rei.com.

from the backyard to the backcountry. “REI also carries a family adventure journal that has suggestions for kidfriendly hikes,” Simpson says. “Kids can download a Kid’s Adventure Journal from our website where they record their adventures.”

Transporting

Once you have all your gear in order, how do you get it to the river, campground or trailhead? Loran and Sue Evans, of Rightline Gear in Candler, have two collections — PackRight and CampRight — designed to help you get into the great outdoors with ease. “We originally designed the CampRight

pop-up tent as an easy tent for kids while their parents were truck tent camping,” explains Loran Evans. “But it has turned into a way of camping for the entire family. You can take a few pop-up tents and have a camping village set up in just a few minutes.” Their SUV Tent with screen room is an option for those with pickup trucks or other SUVs. This tent fits snugly onto the open back end of the SUV and extends to a large family camping tent that can accommodate everyone. Mom and Dad sleep off the ground in the comfort of their vehicle while the kids have the run of the tent. The screened room is perfect for playing games, eating or relaxing away from the bugs. “Our Car Top Duffle Bag is also a new product with some buzz,” Evans adds. “You load this large waterproof duffle bag with your gear then attach up to three of them to the roof of your vehicle even if you don’t have roof racks.”

Saving on gear

Consignment stores are a great way to find the gear you need to outfit the entire family at a fraction of the cost. Eric Smythers is managing partner at Second Gear, a consignment shop specializing in outdoor gear and clothing with locations off Haywood Road in West Asheville and in a new downtown location. Second Gear has a kids’ section at the Haywood store, featuring clothing, shoes, boots and gear, he says. “Consignment is a natural fit for kids because the stuff is expensive to purchase new,” he says. “Children grow out of these items so quickly.” Smythers adds that baby backpacks are always a big seller because once kids outgrow them, they are of little value to parents. “You can frequently find lightly-used items in our store especially because some parents are overly optimistic about how much they will be hiking with their wee one,” Smythers says. “Lots of new parents are so eager to be active again, they think they can jump right back into the same activities they did pre-children.” He suggests following the Boy Scout motto of “Be Prepared” and being realistic about what you and your family can do. “Have water, snacks, rain gear and maps,” Smythers suggests, “and know the weather forecast, the terrain, elevation and length of your hike.” All of these preparations, plus some practical gear, will ensure you make the most of your time in the woods and on the water.

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

Opportunities abound for to learn

CHILDREN OUTDOOR SKILLS

By Paul Clark, WNC Parent contributor

Maybe you can show your child how to create a spreadsheet with Excel. But can you teach her how to build a fire in the woods? Learning outdoor skills and becoming self-reliant in the woods helps children in many ways, boosting their self-confidence and teaching them to use their minds and muscles in new, exhilarating ways. Children are never too young to start learning how to use a compass and map, instructors say. “It’s really empowering for them,” said Lena Eastes, director and a counselor at Earth Path Education, a primitive skills institution near Weaverville. “It builds their confidence and helps them feel comfortable in who they are. They begin to feel safe in the woods. Our culture teaches children to have a lot of fear about the unknown in the woods. But our kids begin to see the unknown as a great mystery that they’re excited to learn about.” “When I was kid, my mother couldn’t find me. I was out in the woods splashing in the creek and catching bugs,” said Rich-

ard Cleveland, founder and director of Earth School, a wilderness skills school between Asheville and Candler. “Now, if you want to find children, all you have to do is find the nearest electrical outlet. “Kids need to know how to take care of themselves. Teaching them how to pitch a tent or make a fire, you see them glow.” Unless parents have spent considerable time learning how to build shelters or purify water, they may not be able to teach the skills that they want their children to know.

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

Where to turn? There are several places in Western North Carolina that teach outdoor skills. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are excellent places to learn the joys and disciplines of being outside. Scouts learn knots, knives, fishing, archery, fire-building, outdoor cooking, water purification, camping safety, wilderness first aid and how to stay dry, among other skills. Possibly most important, they’re taught respect for the outdoors and its caprices. Cleveland has taught survival and selfreliance skills to Navy Seals and civilians. From time to time at Earth School, one of his instructors is Victor Wooten, bassist for Bela Fleck & The Flecktones and an avid naturalist. Cleveland’s Earth School has a “Back to Basics” class recommended for ages 8-17 accompanied by an adult. Students will learn fishing, first aid, survival skills, nature awareness, wild edible and medicinal

FOR MORE INFORMATION » Boy Scouts, www.danielboone council.org » Girl Scouts, www.girlscoutsp2p.org » Earth School, www.lovetheearth.com » Earth Path Education, www.earth patheducation.com » Firefly Gathering, www.firefly gathering.org » TAASC, www.ashevilletaasc.com

Kohl Kohlsaat, Skylee Fox Schomber and Grace Rossell work together on a fire-building exercise during last year’s Roots Day Camp in the Reems Creek Valley. MEGAN RICHARDSON/SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

plants, archery, hunting, outdoor cooking and more. Earth School also offers its Family Adventure Camp that shows participants how to build fires and emergency shelters and collect drinkable water and wild edible plants, among other skills. Included in the instruction is teaching children how to avoid getting lost in the woods. Earth Path Education in the Reems Creek Valley near Weaverville holds its Roots Day Camp during summer to teach

children “nature awareness” skills based on Appalachian folk wisdom, ancestral skills and plant lore, among other disciplines. Instructors will highlight plants that can be used as food and medicine, as well as show forest products that can be used in basketry, cordage, clay vessels and natural paints. “We focus on what’s going on around us in the woods — bird language and how to recognize plants as teachers,” Eastes said. Earth Path Education also does rites of

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

passage for girls 11-16 via nature awareness and primitive skills. Events to consider include the Firefly Gathering on June 21-24, a weekend at Camp Pinnacle in Hendersonville of wildcrafting classes for adults that has a children’s component. Young naturalists will learn things such as fire by friction, first aid and survival basics and woodcarving. The American Adventure Service Corps is an all-year after-school program for students ages 8-18. Students meet once a week to learn outdoor skills that prepare them for wilderness activities that include navigation, camp-craft, cave exploration and rock climbing. Students and instructors go out one weekend a month on adventure trips, as well as for a 10-day (or two five-day trips for younger students) expedition during summer. In all these programs, students will learn much more than the outdoor skills. They’ll learn to love being outside. “Nature speaks to us in a different language,” Cleveland said. “Looking at the moon on a starry night, you can’t help but feel that you are a part of it.”

HIKING

is fun, and healthy, for

FAMILIES DOGS

By Karen Chávez, kchavez@citizen-times.com

Betty Trexler, of Asheville, and Lila enjoy a hike through Bent Creek. When hiking with a dog, be sure you have supplies for both of you and know the trail’s leash rules. JOHN COUTLAKIS/JCOUTLAKIS@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM

ASHEVILLE — If you love your dog, and your children, you’ll take them hiking. And if you love hiking, you should definitely take your dog, and your kids, along for the adventure. Hiking is a wonderful way to expose children to a different form of “playing” outdoors, away from digital, beeping boxes and give them a chance to be creative and get exercise and fresh air.

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

Taking along the family pet can enhance the time outside together as a family, and help your dog burn off energy (so she won’t be so apt to chew the furniture at home), and stimulate her doggie senses — that is, sniffing woodsy smells, seeing squirrels and birds and tasting a cold creek. Before heading out on the trail, make sure you pick a spot that is welcoming to dogs (for instance, Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not allow dogs on trails), and know the leash laws. Dogs are allowed on Blue Ridge Parkway trails and in North Carolina state parks but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and owners must clean up after their dogs. Knowing your dog’s abilities and temperament will also make a hike more enjoyable. Pick trails that have gentle climbs for older dogs, or those who tire easily, and less-crowded trails for dogs who do not interact well with strange dogs or people. Trails with soft-footing — gravel can be hard on little paws — and hikes with a water feature such as a creek, pond or waterfall are also enticing to four-legged friends. For those who don’t have dogs, the Outward Hounds program of the Brother Wolf Animal Rescue has the perfect option

SAFETY TIPS FOR HIKING WITH DOGS » Bring plenty of drinking water for yourself, your children and pets. » Carry a map and compass and know how to use them. » Don't hike alone. » Even when hiking with buddies, let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. In warm weather, be sure to bring:

» Extra snacks and food for yourself and your pets. » Rain jacket (no matter what the forecast). » Extra insect repellent and sunscreen. » Tissues and allergy medication if you suffer from allergies. » If hiking with a dog, bring a leash, water, collapsible bowl and snacks for the dog and plastic bag for trash or dog poop.

— shelter dogs available for “hiking loan,” either on group hikes or one-on-one. “It’s great exercise for the dogs, it offers them new stimulus, sights and sounds and it’s good for them to interact with new dogs and new people,” said Beth Stang, a

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

Brother Wolf volunteer and Outward Hounds hiker. The groups meet Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays for morning jaunts in the woods near Asheville, and folks who work can meet up with a dog in the evenings. What makes a good hike for dogs? Something that catches their eyes, nose or mouth. “We like Bent Creek (Experimental Forest) for the water. Dogs can wade in it or put their paws in, and we like to take hikes in Montreat because it’s cool and shaded,” Stang said. Being prepared with proper gear can also make for a safe and fun hike for dogs and their people. Trail maps and a compass or a GPS unit are essentials in the woods. But it’s also important to have layers of moisturewicking and water repellent clothing, drinking water and snacks — for everybody. Diamond Brand Outdoors sells a wide variety of doggie hiking gear, including backpacks, “so people can remember to bring water for their dogs,” said marketing director Sarah Merrell. Continues on Page 12

HIKING DOGS

Continued from Page 11

“They come in different sizes for different size dogs and are big enough to pack collapsible nylon bowls, drinking water and treats, like organic dog treats by Zuke’s, that are good for active dogs.” Always having a collar with owner contact information and a leash are imperative. If you’re hiking during hunting season (which is most times of year in Western North Carolina), be sure to pack a “hunter orange” vest or jacket for your dog to distinguish them from game animals. Diamond Brand’s Women’s Hiking Group meets the third Saturday of every month, and on most hikes, they are escorted by dogs. “Participants are welcome to bring dogs. I just make sure that they bring a leash,” said hike leader Amy Williams. “Some people don’t think about enough drinking water for their dogs. If you get off course or don’t encounter the water source you were expecting, you should always have extra water for your dog.” One of her favorite places to hike with her own rescue hounds Bella and Sophie, is the new Bearwallow Trail in Henderson County, a 2-mile roundtrip hike to a mountaintop bald on Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy land. “It’s the highest peak in Henderson County, and it’s bald on top,” Williams said. “It has 360-degree views. It’s a wonderful place to take dogs and kids.”

Try these local hikes:

» N.C. Arboretum. The public gardens just southwest of Asheville are a great hiking spot for families, with 10 miles of well-maintained wooded trails. Dogs are welcome and must be on a leash. Bent Creek crisscrosses Arboretum trails, a treat for dogs and kids. The Arboretum also offers geocaching kits for families who can hunt for “buried treasures” using a GPS unit. Take Brevard Road to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance, or exit at Milepost 393 if you are on the parkway. The Carolina Mountain Trail, which crosses Bent Creek, is a great trail. For a map and more information, call 665-2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org.

Josh Redman, of Asheville, and his golden retriever Sparkles enjoy the Hard Times Trail area in Bent Creek. Trails in the N.C. Arboretum cross those in Bent Creek, giving hikers and cyclists a wider range of options. JOHN COUTLAKIS/JCOUTLAKIS@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

» Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site: This national park site in Flat Rock has five miles of hiking and walking trails. Dogs are welcome but must be on a 6-foot leash, must stay on

trails and owners must clean up dog waste. Entrance to the park is free, with safe parking and well-maintained trails ranging from the nearly halfmile trail around Front Lake to a more strenuous 1.5-mile climb up to Big Glassy Summit. For information, call 693-4178 or visit www.nps.gov/carl. » Mount Mitchell State Park. This is a great place to go hiking with dogs and children in the summer since it’s high elevation, cool and has spectacular views. From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north about 30 miles to Milepost 355. Drive to the park office, park and take the Mount Mitchell Trail — about 2 miles up and 2 miles back to the the 6,684-foot-high summit, which is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Trail maps are available at the park office. Call the park at 675-4611 or visit www.ncparks.gov. » Sam Knob-Flat Laurel Creek. This is another high-elevation hiking area that is pleasant in warmer months. In Pisgah National Forest, access the trailhead a mile south of the Graveyard Fields area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 816 and go to the end of the road. Sam Knob tops out with 360degree views at an elevation of 6,040 feet, and connects with the Flat Laurel Creek Trail with plenty of river crossings for dogs to drink from and play in. Pick up a map or call the U.S. Forest Service’s Pisgah Ranger District office at 877-3265. » Mountains-to-Sea Trail: This trail traverses the entire 1,000-mile width of North Carolina. Hop on and off at these spots: Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 382 at the Folk Art Center in Asheville for a short out-and-back hike; Rattlesnake Lodge at MP 376 for a trail with spring wildflowers and historic building remains; Graybeard Trail at MP 363 just north of Craggy Gardens on the parkway, 20 miles north of Asheville, for cool, high-elevation hiking and wild blueberry picking in the summer. For more, visit Friends of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail at www.ncmst.org or call the parkway Visitor Center at 298-5330, Ext. 304. Outdoors writer Karen Chávez is the author of “Best Hikes with Dogs: North Carolina,” (Mountaineers Books). Follow her on Twitter @KarenChavezACT or on her blog CITIZENTIMES.com/girlsgoneoutdoors.

Enticing kids outdoors is easy with these

SPECIAL EVENTS By Paul Clark, WNC Parent contributor

How do you get kids away from their computers and cellphones? Let them get muddy. May really ramps up the get-outdoors season in Western North Carolina, especially for parents of kids who have spent too much of the winter in front of video screens of various sizes. “Our society is definitely more obese than it has been in the past. Anything that we can do that can promote physical activity is needed at this point,” said Heather Boeke, executive director of Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, a downtown Hendersonville experiential learning center for children.

Mad Mountain Mud Run Hands On! is the beneficiary of proceeds from Mad Mountain Mud Run on June 2-3, billed as the dirtiest event in WNC. From 5-7 p.m. June 2, children of all ages and their parents can participate in muddy games and a small mud run at Berkeley Park in Hendersonville. Registration ($15 per person) includes supper from Chickfil-A. “It’s an event with mud pits and mud puddles and obstacles that you have to accomplish,” Boeke said. “It’s all about fun and getting dirty.” The Mad Mountain Mud Run, for people at least 12 years old, is June 3. For adults, too, the 3.5-mile mud-filled obstacle race at Berkeley Park is designed for participants with varying levels of ability. The 15 obstacles must be scaled, traversed or maneuvered successfully unless participants opt to take a time penalty if the challenge proves too difficult. “I’m expecting to get really dirty,” said Carson Bockoven, a 13-year-old Hen-

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

dersonville resident. “I’d never heard of a mud run before, but it sounds pretty cool. It definitely looks like fun.” “This course will make you grit your teeth and push yourself, but it will also make you smile and laugh,” course designer Andy Hayes said. For details, visit www.madmountainmudrun.com.

GNAR Ahead of the Mud Run, kids will have a chance to get down and dirty during the inaugural Gnarliest Kids Adventure Race at Camp Pinnacle in Hendersonville on May 18. Beginning at noon, kids ages 5-14 working in teams of two will navigate a variety

of challenges that may include (the course is top secret!) wall climbing, mountain biking, a low ropes course and other problem solving events. There will be many surprises that event volunteer Ellen Seagle said she couldn’t talk about (the kids will find out at the event), as well as a big, fancy finale. “There’s really nothing like this for kids,” she said. “It’s all about getting dirty and having fun.” A benefit for Mountain Community School in Hendersonville, GNAR will begin with instructions and a safety briefing by the race director. Competitors will be divided into three groups based on age and will start at set intervals. Tailored to each team’s age and ability, the race is meant to encourage teamwork while promoting active, healthy lifestyles. Registration is limited to 100 teams; cost per team is $50 (there is also an adult/child team category). For more on GNAR, visit www.active.com/adventure/hendersonville-nc/ gnar-the-gnarliest-kids-adventure-raceever-2012.

Mountain Sports Festival The Mountain Sports Festival over Memorial Day weekend in Asheville has lots of kids’ events, nearly all of them at the Festival Village. The free Keen Iron Kids events let kids test their strength in noncompetitive climbing, sprinting, basketball shooting and other activities. The festival also has relay races, a youth ultimate tournament, a kids’ duathlon and night hikes. There will also be a kids’ obstacle course, a bike race and a “wacky” golf tournament. The festival will have a Rise ‘n’ Shine 5K race hosted by Girls on the Run of WNC, a curriculum-based, character-development program that helps girls in grades three to eight train for a 5K race. “When I was in school, there was one chubby kid in my class. And now, unfortunately, there are a lot,” said Rachelle Sorensen-Cox, who founded the WNC chapter of Girls on the Run. “Kids live very indoor, sedentary lives. We need to give them safe places to run.” To that end, Girls of the Run

(www.gotrwnc.org) is also holding its Girls on the Run 5K on May 19 at Biltmore Park Town Square. Primarily for girls who are part of the program, the nontimed event is “absolutely” open to all girls, Sorensen-Cox said. For details on Mountain Sports Festival, visit www.mountainsports festival.com. Find information on Girls on the Run at www.gotrwnc.org.

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

Ramble Run On May 12, Mother’s Day weekend, the Ramble Run is expected to draw more than 1,000 runners and walkers to Biltmore Park in South Asheville. In its second year, it has a new feature — an expanded mother/child category in the 5K and 12K races for moms and kids younger than 18. The event also includes a rarity for races — free child care. Parent’s Race Out opens at 7:15 a.m. for children ages 12 and younger. It closes at 10:30 a.m. That gives parents time to run one race and then participate in the Great Beginnings Pediatric Dentistry and Haldeman Orthodontics Kids Kilometer Fun Run, a halfmile run around one of Biltmore Park’s quiet neighborhoods. The Fun Run starts at 10 a.m. For details and to register, visit www.ramblerun.com.

Kids can run and ROAM at

CARRIER PARK By Paul Clark

WNC Parent contributor

Those of you who don’t live on the west side of Asheville might be missing out on the coolest park in town. Built on the site of the old Asheville Motor Speedway, Carrier Park may be the most heavily used park in the Asheville park system. Located at 220 Amboy Road, the 31-acre park serves all age groups, from tiny tots that play in the playground to families that ride their bikes along the trail that unravels beside the French Broad River. “There’s a lot of space for kids to run around and just be kids,” said Frank McGowan, superintendent of business services at Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts. “For parents who want to see kids get more exercise and be active, it’s a great place to take them.” During the day, the park fills with parents walking their children in strollers along the trail that runs by river. In the afternoons after school, parents take their children to soccer, basketball, baseball or softball games there. Many walk along the park’s wetland interpretive and education trail, part of which is boardwalk out over the wetland, a wonderful place for children to look at the plants and bugs in the water. The park’s inline skating rink is a big hit among kids and adults who play in the Asheville Hockey League. And there are volleyball courts and pavilions for picnics and gatherings. Mike Smith lives “20 minutes by bike, 10 minutes by car” from the park. An avid bicyclist, he rides around to the velodrome there, called the Mellowdrome because of Continues on Page 16

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

CARRIER PARK Continued from Page 15

The trails around Carrier Park are ideal for a family outing of bike riding, walking or running. ERIN BRETHAUER/EBRETHAU@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

its softly banked track. “It’s really nice to get out there,” he said. “The city has been really great working with the cycling community to keep it going.” Starting at 6 p.m. every Wednesday night, from April to September, there are races at the track, one week for street bicycles and the next for track bikes (fixed gear, no brakes). Smith has seen as many as 80 cyclists turn out on Wednesday nights. On Saturday mornings, there are often as many as 30 cyclists going ’round and ’round on training rides. Often there are people on the pedestrian bridge over the track, taking photos of the riders. Inside the track, Smith watches children playing on the elaborate playground (built in five days by 1,000 volunteers). He’s seen lots of people playing on the beach volleyball court. Next to the track is the lawn bowling pitch. “It sure looks tempting,” he said. Hans Momkes is president of the Asheville Lawn Bowling Club, which has more

than two dozen members who bowl there three times a week. Affiliated with the U.S. Lawn Bowling Association, the club is one of only two in North Carolina (the other is in Pinehurst). The lawn attracts visitors from all over the country who, when they visit Asheville, get in touch with the club to arrange a few games, Momkes said. Lawn bowling “is a game where women and men can compete with each other or against each other,” he said, explaining that lawn bowling is a game of finesse and skill, not strength. The seven lawns are also used by people playing bocce, he said. Once or twice a week, Momkes visits the park just to walk his dog. Carrier Park is used “very, very much,” he said. “You see a lot of people there walking, playing or picnicking. It’s a very well laid-out park.” The French Broad River Greenway links the park to two other Asheville parks — Hominy Creek and French Broad River parks. The two-mile trail follows the river along an asphalt trail that is open the whole way to biking and walking. Some people use it to inline skate over. “It’s a beautiful park,” McGowan said, “and right now, with a lot of foliage in bloom, it’s a beautiful place to go walk and take in the natural beauty of the area. “The park provides a pretty diverse group of activities. And the parking is free.”

Asheville Hockey League teams play at Carrier Park in spring and fall. ERIN BRETHAUER/EBRETHAU@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

kids’ voices

Best outdoor spots

Kids can stay active for hours when they get outdoors. We asked fifth-graders in several classes at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School in Skyland where they like to spend time outside and what they like to do. Here is a selection of their answers:

I like to spend time outdoors by biking at Bent Creek. I especially enjoy biking on the black diamond trails because they give me a challenge to work toward. I also like seeing the large variety of plants and animals as I ride by. Chloe Bruns, 10

My favorite place to spend time outdoors is at Chimney Rock. I like hiking there because I find interesting animals. I like wildlife. Octavius Brown, 11

One of my favorite places to spend time outdoors is in my yard because I have lots of beautiful gardens. In my garden, I have a plum, a pear and an apple tree. Also, I have strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Zachary Moss, 11

When I get the opportunity to spend time outdoors, I like to go to Lake Keowee. I like going to the lake because I get to swim and hang outside with my family while having a cookout. Juliza Montiel, 11

My favorite place to spend time outdoors is the tennis court because it is fun. I work hard to get better and play with my friends. I love to play the sport. Noah Dohle, 10

My favorite place to spend time outdoors is the basketball court. I like the basketball court because basketball is my life. I really enjoy the sport. Devin Dickens, 11

My favorite place to spend time outdoors is the Biltmore House. Mainly I like to visit the animals at the farm. My favorite animals are the chickens. Then we sit on the patio and have ice cream. McCarty Shingleton, 10

I like spending time outdoors in my grandfather’s forest because it is full of wildlife and nature. Gabriel Reece, 11

My favorite place to spend time outdoors is Triple Falls. I like to see the waterfalls. The water is cold and loud. I go on lots of hikes. Nicholas Hemanchandra, 11

My favorite place to be outdoors is my neighbor’s yard because they have a big yard where my friends and I can play soccer. Chris Pinon, 11

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

I love spending time at my Aunt Rachel’s farm ... because she has horses that I ride and she has four small dogs. I love to ride horses and it is so fun. This is why this is my favorite place in Western North Carolina. Madison Penix, 10 If I could choose one place to go in Western North Carolina, it would be the Blue Ridge Parkway. I chose this place because in the afternoon the sunset is beautiful over the mountains. Also the view of North Carolina’s gorgeous mountains and trees can take your breath away. Drue Donatiu, 11 My favorite place in Western NC is probably Lake Julian. Even though you can’t swim in the lake, I love looking at the scenery! I also like to look at all the life living there. Bugs, ducks, fish, amazing! Even just looking at the lake itself is so beautiful, lovely, amazing! Olivia Soosaar, 11 My favorite place outside is Grandfather Mountain. I enjoy hiking there because it has challenging trails for my dad and I to hike. Connor Davis, 11

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

moms’ voices

Mother’s Day dreams

What does the perfect Mother’s Day look like? We visited the MOPS group that meets at Biltmore Baptist Church to ask moms just that. Here’s what they described. “My perfect Mother’s Day would be to spend a picnic in the park with my family — that I didn’t have to prepare the meal for — and not having to change diapers all day long.” KC Hart, of Arden, mom of one

“For Mother’s Day, I would love to have a getaway with my husband, just him and I, so I could be a better mother.” Jackie Brown, of Fairview, mom of four

“My ideal Mother’s Day would be just spending the entire day with my kids and my husband, doing whatever they chose to do for me.” Angela Bailey, of Arden, mom of two

“My perfect Mothers’ Day would be to sleep in and have a late breakfast in pajamas with my whole family and just hang out at home all day.” Mandy Brown, of Candler, mom of two

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

“As I think about my ideal Mother’s Day, it’s not ... a certain gift or a certain act, but it’s that my children and my husband would enjoy doing it. I would love for them to love on me and it not be a burden, just a simple thing that no one has to work on too hard. ” LeAnn Moffitt, of Candler, mom of two “Be able to go grocery shopping by myself — that would be my perfect Mother’s Day.” Trista Lozano, of Asheville, mom of three

“My ideal Mother’s Day would start off with breakfast cooked for me, a sweet loving card from my 3-year-old daughter and a good hug, my husband taking care of our newborn boy in the morning. And then being surprised by a spa treatment where (my husband) says, ‘You go out, spend the day by yourself, if you want, buy yourself something nice,’ and to return to a house that’s not chaotic and a husband who doesn’t look like he’s about to pull his hair out, and a wellcooked meal for dinner, and then for Dad to continue to do bath time and bedtime. Is that asking too much?” Jana Martin, of Fletcher, mom of two “I would like my children to make me breakfast in bed, and I would like to sleep and read all day by myself.” Rebecca Nicholas, of Candler, mom of three

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

b m i l c e h t s d a e l d o o s w r e y l t l s o a o D c y r a n o i t u l o of rev By Jayne Clark, USA TODAY PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton does not do roller coasters. She’ll tell you she has too much to lose. Like her wig. She makes no exceptions. Not even for the newest ride, Wild Eagle, which recently made its debut at the entertainer’s namesake Dollywood theme

park. Not even if it cost a cool $20 million, the most ever spent on a single attraction in the park’s history. And not even if it’s the first so-called steel-wing coaster in the entire USA. “I definitely ain’t ridin’ that,” she says, as the first carload of 28 riders begins the slow, steep, 21-story ascent and abruptly plummets out of sight. “You don’t want to see what a real bald eagle looks like.” Tim Baldwin, 49, does do coasters — more than 900 different ones, at last

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

count. In fact, by Dollywood’s opening day in late March, he’s already taken the plunge on the Wild Eagle 25 times

Visitors enjoy the new $20 million Wild Eagle roller coaster on opening day of the Dollywood theme park season in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. MICHAEL PATRICK/KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL/

while doing live TV and radio interviews. The elementary school teacher from the Dallas area is also editor of RollerCoaster! magazine, published by American Coaster Enthusiasts. His next stop: Six Flags Great America in Chicago, where a similar wing coaster takes off in mid-May. A different variation opens at Hershey Park in Hershey, Pa., on May 26. You have to be the sort of person who knows a zero-G roll from a giant flat spin to understand why these new coasters are such a big deal. But after a two-minute, 22-second spin on the Wild Eagle, even a hesitant rider begins to get it.

What makes it special The primary design difference in the coasters is that riders are seated on “wings” on either side of the track with nothing but air above and below them. The lack of underpinnings or overhead equipment enhances the sensation of flying. Add to that an initial 13-story drop into assorted spirals, curves and loops, and the Wild Eagle fulfills its extreme-thrill-ride aspirations. “What makes a satisfying coaster is its extremeness, but also its grace. This one has elements of both,” says David Lipnicky, 48, another coaster enthusiast in

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

from the Dallas area for the opening. “Because there’s no track above or below you, you get these panoramic views. I could have sworn I heard the angels singing.” The wing coasters are also buzz-worthy among hard-core fans simply because they’re the Next Big Thing. “Enthusiasts like us have ridden everything,” says Baldwin. “It’s big to find anything different. And this isn’t a copy of anything. My favorite parts were the second and fourth inversions that have you rotating around the track like a windmill. You see the whole world revolve around Continues on Page 24

A look at the trains, which will hold up to 28 people, for the new Dollywood Wild Eagle ride, as they were being built in January. The coaster has a floorless design that positions riders, seated four across, with two on each side of the “wings” as they cruise along the 3,127-foot track through four inversions and speeds topping 60 mph. CURT HABRAKEN/THE MOUNTAIN PRESS

Dollywood Continued from Page 23

your point of view.” The first wing coaster rolled out last year in Italy. A second premiered in March in England’s Thorpe Park, where test-run photos showed mannequins returning to the station sans limbs. Retired fighter pilots were recruited to take their place. Upon hearing that news from a reporter, Parton gasps, exclaiming, “Oh, my! I’ve got kin on that ride!” An assistant assures her the maimed dummies were merely part of a cheeky publicity stunt. (It isn’t the first one. The same park last year hired an exorcist because of “paranormal activity” around one ride, generating a flurry of news media coverage.)

Take a $750 spin for charity

Dollywood took a more charitable approach in drumming up advance interest. The first 52 rides were auctioned online

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

for about $750 a pop and sold out in less than 12 hours. The $37,000 in proceeds will benefit the American Eagle Foundation, which rehabilitates birds of prey and is headquartered at Dollywood. Among the winning bidders was Jason Taylor, 35, of White Plains, N.Y., who happily forked over $750 — or about $5.28 per second — for a fleeting taste of Wild Eagle. The inaugural riders also were granted a meet-and-greet with Parton, which to some, like Taylor, made the event particularly worthwhile. “This ride is the first of its kind in America,” he says. “Besides, this is Dolly and Dollywood.” As a regular season-pass holder, Karen Talley, who drove five hours from her home in Lebanon, Ohio, may have spent less money on the venture, but her time investment is considerable. The 65-yearold teacher’s aide arrived at the park at 7:30 a.m., waited for the gates to open and inched her way along in line, finally climbing aboard the Wild Eagle more than four hours later. Exiting the coaster after her second ride of the day, Talley is positively giddy. “I’ll be back in May,” she declares.

More grandparents take on role of parent By Christine Facciolo Gannett

WILMINGTON, Del. — These are supposed to be their golden years. They worked hard, earned a decent living and raised their family. Now it’s time to relax and reap the benefits of a life well lived. But not for those who have had to take on the responsibility of raising grandchildren. Their golden years have been put on hold as they have begun another cycle of child-rearing. Delores and Larry Kling have been parenting their 8-year-old granddaughter, Amber, since she was an infant. The Klings’ son and the child’s mother abandoned their baby and have yet to remember her on birthdays and holidays. While Amber is a loving child who does well in school, her grandmother worries how much the situation with her biological parents has affected her and is seeking counseling to help them all cope. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Delores Kling. “I’m sure it’s on her mind all the time.” The number of grandparents who provide primary care for their grandchildren is growing. Nationwide, more than 2.5 million grandparents are taking on the responsibility of raising grandchildren in what the AARP calls “grandfamilies.” Although grandparents raising grandchildren is not new, the percentage is the largest seen in the past 40 years. “Grandparents are the new safety net and it’s not going to change,” said Judy Pierson, a licensed clinical psychologist from Rehoboth Beach, Del. Grandparents are faced with the responsibility of raising their grandchildren for a variety of reasons, in-

Continues on Page 26

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

Grand families Continued from Page 25

Delores Kling helps her granddaughter, 8-year-old Amber Anuszewski, with her homework. Amber lives with the Klings. BOB HERBERT/GANNETT

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

cluding parental death, substance abuse, incarceration, mental health issues, military deployment, teen pregnancy, abandonment, abuse or neglect. The economy has also played a role. The rate of unemployment among workers ages 22-34 is double that of 55- to 64-year-olds. Grandparents often assume the role of parents to keep the children safe and out of foster homes. Indeed, the 2008 federal Fostering Connections Act says states must first look to kin when a child is removed from a home because of abuse or neglect, allowing grandparents to be considered a replacement when the family has experienced a crisis. Being called upon to parent on such short notice creates challenges for grandparents. There may be financial constraints as many grandparents live on a fixed income. Moreover, retirement nest eggs have shrunk as a

result of the economic downturn. Behavioral problems can also be an issue. Children may act out because they don’t understand why they can’t be with their biological parents. “Psychologists call it ‘externalizing problems’ where they’re going to be resistant and really difficult to deal with,” said Pat Tanner Nelson, a professor and certified family life educator at the University of Delaware.

Demands and fears

Grandparent caregivers may feel they can’t keep up with their grandchildren because they are in poor health or because the children are so active. “Kids are hard enough to raise when you’re younger but when you’re older …,” said the 64-year-old Kling, who lives in Dover, Del. Grandparents raising grandchildren must also deal with a welter of emotions, including anger, resentment and guilt. “For one thing, all of their plans for retirement go out the window,” Pierson said. They may also feel they have been robbed of the traditional grandparenting experience. “If the kids are going to grow up healthy, they have to add that additional layer (of discipline),” Nelson said. “It

QUICK TIPS » Acknowledge your emotions and find safe ways to express those feelings. » Take care of yourself and try to get some “alone” time every day. » Make time for your spouse or partner. » Consult with an attorney and financial planner. » Set limits and rules for your grandchildren and teach them interpersonal skills. Consider counseling to help them cope with their feelings. » Ask family and friends for help and utilize existing resources.

Source: Judy Pierson, licensed clinical psychologist

makes it less fun.” And grandparents may feel that they themselves have failed as parents. “They may feel a sense of shame and worry that it says something about the parenting of that (adult) child,” Pierson said. Raising grandchildren can also cause difficulties with other family members. “The other adult children may resent their parents that are putting out money and

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

resources to take care of the sibling who is not living up to their responsibilities and they may feel that those grandchildren are more important to the grandparents,” Pierson said.

Support is essential

Becoming a parent again can be an overwhelming experience, but it can also be a rewarding one with the proper support. Experts agree that grandparents can benefit from sharing their concerns and needs with others in support groups. Experts also recommend that grandparents take care of their health and make time for themselves. They should also reach out to family and friends for help. “Even people who live far away can do some things like make phone calls about resources or send a coupon for a massage,” Pierson said. Grandparents who assume the responsibility of raising their grandchildren have a unique opportunity to play an important role in their grandchildren’s lives. “We’re talking about shaping another human being’s life and giving these kids a chance at having a more promising future,” Pierson said.

artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s muse

Keeping it simple By Ginger Huebner WNC Parent columnist

Be creative and place tape on diagonals as well as an orthogonal grid. Then paint. PHOTOS BY GINGER HUEBNER/SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

Sometimes it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get any better than tape, paint and paper. As an art educator, it is easy to overcomplicate things; I try to pull in too many themes, artist references, teaching points, artistic materials, etc. As a parent, I do the same thing. What I plan as a simple activity is quickly unleashed into an entire weekend undertaking! During a recent project inspired

by artist Piet Mondrion’s work, students arranged tape on pieces of paper creating an orthogonal grid design. Then they painted in between the tape. They let it dry and could not wait to pull the tape off! The next day, many of them requested to do it again. I found out later that some students went right home to try it with their parents and siblings. I was struck that such a simple project had such a draw for the students. Sometimes the act of creating is just that. It does not need to be driven by specialized materials, a detailed lesson plan or even some amazing idea that you are trying to harness. Finding a way to use a simple palette of common materials can result in someone finding their creative outlet and wanting to do more. It also offers something that can be done again and again in dif-

ferent settings: at home, school orGrammy’s house! For this project, you need a heavyweight paper or canvas, different width painter’s or artist’s tape, paint (you could use acrylic, tempera or watercolor), brushes and water cups. Start by putting strips of tape all the way across the paper either horizontally or vertically. Choose colors to paint in between the tape. You can paint on the tape (it will be pulled off later). You can go with any color or you could choose to use primary colors, complimentary colors, etc. Let the paint dry, and pull off the tape! A few ideas for variations: » Place the tape at diagonals, not just orthogonal » Paint the paper or canvas first with a background color or design, then it will be revealed after peeling the tape.

When the paint dries, peel off the tape to reveal a design.

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

First name or formal title? Children’s greetings of adults reflect the culture

By T.J. Banes Gannett

INDIANAPOLIS — “Hey.” “Waz Up?” “Hi ya.” “Good afternoon, Mr. Jones.” A simple greeting can speak volumes about the person offering the salutation. Some people say that a greeting — like a first impression — is a window to a person’s values, culture and upbringing. So, what does it say when a child addresses an adult by first name? Or by the more formal title of Mr./Mrs.? And why are there so many different opinions about how a child should address an adult? Like many habits, it’s a learned behavior influenced by the world we live in — an environment filled with varied personality types, said Beth Goering, an associate professor of communication at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Specializing in the areas of intercultural communication and organizational communication, Goering observes that Americans in general are less formal than people of other countries. “You definitely see this in the workplace, where people are addressed by first names. That’s unheard of in many other countries,” said Goering. And from a historical perspective, the world of technology has evolved into text messages and emails — replacing the personal calling card of yesteryear. “Communication is fast and informal. It’s like a world of shorthand,” Goering said. So, “Hello, Mrs. Sanders” becomes “Hi, Julie.” There are a few institutions that may always define hierarchy based on title. Kristin Seed, of Wanamaker, Ind., started her parenting with a more informal approach to children addressing adults; that is, until her children entered parochial school. “It seemed to be what the school community expects,” said Seed, 39, the mother of three children, ages 9, 10 and 12. They made the switch to formal titles when their eldest daughter started school. “It was hard because there were adults in our neighborhood and our close friends that had always been called by their first names,” Seed said. “But now, if I hear

JANET SCHNEIDER/GANNETT

other kids call me by my first name, I take offense and correct them.” Seed views titles as a way to demonstrate a clear division between student/ child and disciplinarian. “It shows respect and allows you to be the authority figure,” Seed said. She’s not alone. Many adults think that whether it’s a teacher, neighbor or parent, all should be addressed by formal title as a courtesy. “With title come authority, responsibility and reverence. A doctor or a lawyer earns that title, and so do parents. They have paid their dues,” said Linda Clemons, founder of Sisterpreneur, a sales and bodylanguage consulting business. “It doesn’t matter if you are in a college

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

interview or you are meeting your mother’s friend, you should always address someone by ‘Mr.’ or ‘Mrs.,’ ” said Clemons, 54. “It is about age; it’s about culture; it’s about a lot of things,” Clemons said. “We have younger parents now raising babies, and they want to be their child’s friend, but look what happens when they become a friend. It creates an equal level.” Clemons believes that “first names,” like nicknames, are an earned privilege. “I have people who call me ‘Diva,’ and people who call me ‘Chi-Chi,’ but those people have earned my trust,” Clemons said. “I have given them permission to come into that emotional circle. You have to win people past ‘hello.’ ”

nature center notes

Backpacks help kids explore nature in detail By Jill Sharp

WNC Parent contributor

Summer is made for children to get outside. The sunny weather, the rich colors, the beautiful landscapes — nature is in a riot of life. Children who visit the WNC Nature Center are encouraged to not only look at wildlife but to interact with their natural environment through Wild Child Packs. Thanks to a grant from REI, the Center is able to provide a fun and educational activity for kids. With a paid admission, Wild Child Packs are available at no extra charge to be checked out at the front desk of the Nature Center (first come, first served). Each pack is brimming with real field tools used to monitor native ecosystems as well as activities for kids to complete. Soil and field thermometers allow kids to learn how shade and sunlight, proximity

to water and more affect the temperature of the soil, thereby determining what can live where. Magnifying glass, measuring tape, pocket scope and compass give kids free reign to create their own experiments and adventures as they find interesting rocks, weird insects or wild plants. There’s even a field guide to songbirds, in case a budding bird watcher spies one of the many species that regularly visit the Songbird Garden. Wild Child Packs are designed to engage children of all ages and encourage them to spare more than a passing glance to the world around them. Get close, get involved and learn while respecting the habitats and delicate balances of the environment — that’s what being outside is all about! Learn more about wildlife found in WNC at the WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, and www.wncnaturecenter.com.

WNC Nature Center’s Wild Child Packs contain real field tools used to monitor native ecosystems as well as activities for kids to complete. IAN JENSEN/SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Women drive surge in volunteerism rates WASHINGTON — Looking for volunteers? The person most likely to say yes is a married white woman between 35 and 44 who’s a college graduate, works part-time and has at least one child under 18, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics survey. For millions of women who fit that profile, the findings, released recently, are no surprise. They know the social pressure to help out as classroom moms, PTA volunteers, sports team coaches, snack moms at soccer games, cookie sale coordinators for the Girl Scouts and a multitude of other self-sacrificing assignments. In the 12 months that ended Sept. 30, the rate at which Americans volunteer rebounded by half a percentage point to 26.8 percent after falling the year before. The reason for the uptick: women. Their volunteerism rate of 29.9 percent was six-tenths of a percentage point high-

er than in 2010. Women of all ages, educational levels and races volunteer more than men with the same demographic characteristics. Men volunteered at a rate 6.4 percentage points lower. And their participation was almost unchanged from the year before. So why the gender gap? Diane Luftig, 42, of New Rochelle, N.Y., said her husband, Larry, would volunteer more, but doesn’t have the time. He works long days as a banker, heading out at 5:30 a.m. weekdays to commute to lower Manhattan’s financial district. Allison DiMarco, 40, of Rochester, N,Y., cites the same issue — long work hours — as the major obstacle for her husband, who works in construction. “The men have to be the breadwinners,” she said. John Gomperts recalled that when he ran Experience Corps, a national program that seeks people 55 and older to serve as tutors and mentors in urban schools, about

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

By Brian Tumulty Gannett Washington Bureau

80 percent of the volunteers were women. Gomperts, now director of AmeriCorps, said one woman told him, “Women step out in faith and guys hang back.” “Whether you buy the language or not, she was hitting on something fundamental about the way people do engage,” he said. He also said the key to getting anyone to volunteer is to ask them, and women are asked more frequently. That’s what happened to Diana Luftig when a friend asked her to co-chair the annual fundraising dinner for the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle. It helps that Luftig’s children are in school. “I have a little bit more of a structure to my life as opposed to when my kids were 10 months and 3,” she said. The Bureau of Labor Statistics report found the greatest variation in volunteer rates was based on education. The volunteer rate for people without a high school diploma was 9.8 percent. It was 42.4 percent for people with a bachelor’s degree.

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

growing together

Some advice is worth heeding By Chris Worthy

WNC Parent columnist

The world has no shortage of parenting advice. If you’ve been a mom for more than 30 seconds, someone has offered well-meaning nuggets of wisdom (or not) intended to help. But few of those messengers base their ideas in science. Almost none offer what I see as the best advice of all: Trust your instincts, love your child and give them your best. (And there you go. I offered advice. Sorry.) I had the pleasure of interviewing Mayim Bialik last year. She is famous for her roles on TV’s “Blossom” and as

Amy Farrah Fowler on “The Big Bang Theory.” She is also totally without pretense. She struck me as a passionate mom who loves her babies and wants other moms to feel empowered. In short, I liked her a lot. I think we mothers are too quick to judge and even quicker to open our mouths. What all moms — and especially new moms — need is encouragement to trust themselves with their babies. Bialik offers that in her new book, “Beyond the Sling.” While I don’t agree with every choice she’s made, that’s OK. She wouldn’t agree with all of mine, I’m sure. The real wisdom of this book is its nonjudgmental tone that empowers parents to do what they think is best for their child, as well as its grounding in good science. (Bialik holds a doctorate in neuroscience. And no, it’s not an honorary degree.)

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

While Bialik uses an attachment parenting approach — co-sleeping, breast-feeding, baby wearing — her message is much broader. You were made to be a parent. Everything within you prepared you for this season of your life. There are those who think this approach is permissive, resulting in spoiled rotten kids. If I had a nickel for everyone who told me babies need to “cry it out,” well, I would have lots of nickels. That feels horribly wrong to me, to let a new person learn the world alone and crying, when I know in my heart that babies don’t manipulate and can’t be spoiled by contact with the people they love most in the world. According to Bialik (and me, but I only have 19 years’ experience as a parent, not a degree in neuroscience), babies don’t really need much, just

milk, their parents’ arms and a few other simple things. It’s not rocket science but it is hard work. It also provides the most rewarding results you can imagine. There is nothing glamorous about nursing a baby at 3 a.m. Nothing. It becomes even less so when that baby wants to eat again an hour later. Moms need to know that’s OK. That’s part of the deal when you get the positive pregnancy test. We conform to them. Their schedule becomes ours. Their needs are primary. It’s just for a while, I promise. Light years from Hollywood drivel, “Beyond the Sling” is a book of encouragement, a pat-on-the-back guide for parents who are in the trenches of infanthood. Bialik’s book is a gift for moms who are finding judgment and criticism at every turn, instead of the support they deserve. Read it and take it to heart. Tuck it in with that next baby shower gift. I think the next generation will be all the better for it. Worthy is an attorney who took down her shingle to be a stay-at-home mom. Contact her at chris@worthyplace.com.

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

home-school happenings

The changing face of home-schooling By Nicole McKeon WNC Parent columnist

Several months back, I wrote an article about my desire to change the name “homeschooling” to “newschooling.” I have given this a lot of thought and spent time observing many home educating families. I really believe that as more and more families leave traditional school and enter the home education realm, the face of home-schooling is changing. I think this is for many reasons. What I observe in the home-schooling community, both online and in our local setting, is an ever more “in tune” parent. Parents are taking the time to learn about how children learn, about why children struggle and have an under-

standing that just because a child struggles in a traditional school setting, he or she is not defined by this struggle. Add to this the fact that while many families are comfortable with a limited intimacy and interaction, that is sometimes a result of everyone having many responsibilities and demands outside of the home that keep them apart frequently. An equal push back is occurring there. Many families feel that one way they can emphasize the importance of family closeness and parent/child relationship is to cut out the middle man that traditional school sometimes becomes, thereby creating an environment where family relationships trump the peer relationships that sometimes become more important in a school setting. In step with these changes, I have observed the ever-changing and often creative ways in which home-educating parents are getting the job done. Of course, there are still the home-

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

schooling families whom many nonhome-schoolers reference, families like TV’s Duggar family, who primarily home educate to pass along their particular religious values on to their children. But, there is a whole new breed of home-schooler, one who enters the home education realm knowing that they will be choosing carefully every class their child attends or participates in, based on that child’s individual learning style, strengths, weaknesses and interests. Research has shown that children learn and retain more enthusiastically when they are involved in the choices and are inherently interested in the subject matter. I’d like to take some time, over the next several columns to introduce you to some of the services available for this type of home-schooler in WNC. This month, I would like you to meet Convenient Tutor, a tutoring service started by James Foust, former Asheville

Christian Academy teacher. We were very excited to meet Mr. Foust and relieved to find that there was a place where we could find the assistance we needed to continue into advanced mathematics. North Carolina law states that the parent must be the primary teacher. Convenient Tutor offers courses that allow the parent to maintain a lead teacher role, while supplementing the learning that takes place at home. Mr. Foust, a public high school graduate, holds a math/computer degree from Messiah College. His company offers classes ranging from middle and high school math to Latin, art to screenwriting. In addition to classes, they offer private tutoring and PSAT/SAT classes. While most of the classes that take place during the day hold homeschool students, Convenient Tutor also offers tutoring and classes for traditionally schooled kids. Mr. Foust and all the teachers employed at Convenient Tutor have many years of both tutoring and teaching experience. It is a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, and there is also a great understanding that many students struggle with some area of learning, so they are flexible and proactive in arranging the classes to accommodate all learning styles.

In line with the number of homeschoolers in WNC, Convenient Tutor has seen its student numbers increase, so much so, that they will be moving into a larger facility in the Biltmore Forest area by June. While the current facility is great, they have definitely outgrown the space. The cost involved is $50-$60 per month for classes, with individual tutoring prices in the evening at an average of $40 per hour. Additionally, students can start tutoring or classes immediately, with no â&#x20AC;&#x153;pretestingâ&#x20AC;? requirement, and no long-term commitment required. Convenient Tutor does very little advertising, and most people find out about the services through word of mouth, which says a lot about the quality of the service. You can contact Convenient Tutor at www.convenienttutor.com to see all the services that are offered. I look forward to sharing other wonderful homeschooling opportunities over the next several months! Nicole McKeon is a home-schooling mom and owner of Homeschool Station in Fairview. Email her at homeschoolstation@hotmail.com.

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

librarian’s picks

Lively tales of two U.S. presidents By Jennifer Prince

Buncombe County Public Libraries

The lives of U.S. presidents are an endless source of inspiration for children’s writers. Children’s books have been written about not only the presidents, but their wives, children, pets, and vegetable gardens. Perhaps none of the presidents are more perennially popular than George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. According to www.answers.com, more than 16,000 books have been written about Abraham Lincoln. More than 3,000 have been written about George Washington. With so many books about these two esteemed gentlemen, is there a need for more? When the books are as outstanding as these two new ones, the answer is a resounding yes. The first book is “George: George Washington, Our Founding Father.” Written by Frank Keating and illustrated by Mike Wimmer, it is not a play by play of Washington’s life, but is a tribute to his beliefs on how to behave. In an introduction, Keating explains that by the time Washington was 15, “he had handwritten for himself the ‘Rules for Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation.’ ” For the rest of his life, Washington shaped his deportment around these beliefs. Each two-page spread presents a vignette

area story times Buncombe County Libraries

Visit buncombecounty.org Black Mountain, 2504756 Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Mother Goose: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday Toddler: 10:30 a.m. Thursday East Asheville, 250-4738 Preschool: 11 a.m. Wednesday and Saturday Enka-Candler, 250-4758 Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Toddler: 10:30 a.m. Thursday Fairview, 250-6484

in Washington’s life. For each vignette, Keating includes a few sentences of description. One of Washington’s rules is included as well. For instance, when Keating describes Washington’s years as a school boy, the accompanying rule reads, “Rule 73: Think before you speak. Pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly.” Wimmer’s illustrations are magnificent. Rendered in oil paint on canvas, each illustration is composed so that it appears the reader is an eye-witness to the events. Wimmer’s attention to historic detail and his use of dramatic lighting make each image look as if it is a photograph. Author and illustrator Maira Kalman has an altogether different approach for her new book about Lincoln, “Looking at Lincoln.” The book is a balance of facts about Lincoln and what Kalman imagines about Lincoln. She wonders about Lincoln’s private moments with his family. In the illustration Kalman modeled after the famous Mathew Brady portrait that shows a lost in thought Lincoln seated at a desk, Kalman suggests, “He was thinking about freedom and doing good for mankind. And maybe he was also thinking about getting a birthday present for his little son. Maybe a whistle. Or pick up

Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Thursday Leicester, 250-6480 Mother Goose: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday North Asheville, 2504752 School age: 3:15 p.m. Thursday Preschool: 11 a.m. Wednesday Toddler: 10 a.m. Wednesday Oakley/South Asheville, 250-4754 Mother Goose: 11 a.m. Thursday Toddler: 11 a.m. Wednesday Preschool: 10 a.m. Wednesday Pack Memorial Library, 250-4700

Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Mondays Mother Goose: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays Toddler: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays School age: 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays Skyland/South Buncombe, 250-6488 Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Thursday Toddler: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Swannanoa, 250-6486 Preschool: 11 a.m. Thursday Toddler: 10 a.m. Thursday Weaverville, 250-6482 Mother Goose: 11 a.m. Wednesday Toddler: 11 a.m. Thursday Preschool: 11 a.m. Tuesday West Asheville, 250-

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

sticks.” This approach encourages young readers to think about not just Lincoln the presidential icon, but Lincoln the husband and father as well. Kalman’s gouache paintings are lively with broad, thick brush strokes, bright colors and bold black lines. A proliferation of eclectic colors — bright pink, lime green, pumpkin orange — do not represent reality so much as they represent life, energy, and movement. Both titles are dynamic supplements to the existing body of biographies about these important men. Both titles are available through the Buncombe County Public Libraries. Visit www.buncombecounty.org/library for more information. These books are available in the Buncombe County Public Libraries. To learn more, visit www.buncombecounty.org/library.

4750 Mother Goose: 11 a.m. Monday Toddler: 11 a.m. Wednesday Preschool: 11 a.m. Thursday

Tuesdays Rompin’ Stompin’ Story Time: 10 a.m. Thursdays

Haywood County Public Library

No programs in May. Visit www.henderson.lib.nc.us.

Visit www.haywoodlibrary.org. Waynesville, 356-2512 or 356-2511 Baby Rhyme Time: 9:30 a.m. Mondays Ready 4 Learning: 11 a.m. Tuesdays Family story time: 11 a.m. Wednesdays Movers and Shakers: 11 a.m. Thursdays Canton, 648-2924 Family story time: 11 a.m.

Henderson County Public Library Barnes & Noble

Asheville Mall, 296-7335 11 a.m. Mondays and 2 p.m. Saturdays Biltmore Park Town Square, Asheville, 687-0681 11 a.m. Saturdays

Blue Ridge Books

152 S. Main St., Waynesville, 456-6000 10:30 a.m. Mondays for ages 3 and younger.

divorced families

Turn off gadgets, and tune in to outdoors By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist

Western North Carolina is heaven. It truly is. Where else can you imagine living in which you are 10 minutes from hiking, camping, fishing, biking, rock climbing or kayaking? As a child growing up in Atlanta, I dreamed of being in a place like this. I lived instead within the suburbs with some woods, so I still got to build “forts” with my friends, play in the creek and collect bugs, but I didn’t get that full Daniel Boone experience that I wanted. You know, where you can split a tree with one hatchet throw and have a Cherokee Indian named “Mingo” as your best friend. Not that I can do that hatchet thing now that I live here. I have become suspicious that the stunt by Fess Parker was actually a TV special effect. More disappointing than Fess Parker is my belief that fewer children are growing up with much interest in the outdoors. Most of the children I work with, especially boys, profess to have stronger interest in video gaming. All other interests seem to pale by comparison. When I am out on the parkway or attempting to fish at Bent Creek (only to hear the trout laughing as they swim by my bait), I rarely see other children around, just adults. When I talk to scout leaders and people involved with 4-H, I get the impression that their membership is declining. So, what is going on? I think that whether you are married or single, many parents are being pressured by the same thing: lack of time. Like fast food, video is cheap, easily available, peer encouraged and stimulating. It keeps kids quiet for hours whether they are in an after school program, staying in the basement while the adults have time upstairs or being transported in a car for long distances. And just look at the portable devices we have to pick from, including smart

One way to be a more active family: Pick a day and shut off anything with a screen. Then pack a picnic and take the family outside. BILL SANDERS/WSANDERS@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM phones (one child I saw today just got one and told me he couldn wait to start loading games on it), iPods, iPod Touches, iPads, Kindles, Nooks, multiple handheld games offering 3-D capacity (the latter carrying a warning that more than 45 minutes of straight playing could result in brain damage), computer notebooks and laptops. Meanwhile, at home we have ever-growing flat-screen TVs with high definition and 3-D capacity, quad core computer tower systems or all-in-one-screen touch computers. And these are developments that are only a few years old. Can you imagine what the next decade holds for us? So, what can we do? What should we do? Here are a few semi-radical, but workable solutions: » As a parent, become active in your local PTO, child care and/or after school programs. Put pressure on all these groups to limit or eliminate video and replace them with activities such as organized sports, running/fitness clubs, and nature exploration, learning music or dancing. » At home, turn all video off one day a week. Video includes ALL mediums such as gaming systems, TV, movies, computers, pads and pods, and smartphones. Read about what is out there and plan trips accordingly. Do activities such as biking together as a family. Pre-cook a family dinner together and have a picnic. Come to Bent Creek and scare the trout so they run

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

head long into my bait. Start a hobby of star watching and being able to name the various planets and constellations. » Make a rule that on pretty days only to allow one hour’s worth of video … then kick everyone out of the house. Set up basketball goals or skateboard ramps for everyone to play. Challenge everyone as to who can build the best fort or collect the most bugs to win a prize of going for an ice cream. » Take one day a week to go to the library to pick books that could be read outside. Another excuse for a picnic! I could go on and on as I think there is a lot at stake here. I believe video games can be fun and useful in moderation, but in excess they seem to function as a drug. Kids lose their ability to be patient and are easily “bored.” Why do housework, homework or classwork? It is boring. And which parent hasn’t gotten into a fight with their kid just over the statement, “Turn that game off.” If any of this alarms or scares you, then it should. I encourage all parents to become as smart as they can be about their child’s interests in electronics and to persistently push for alternative interests, at least to get things in balance as to how personal and family time is spent. Woodard is a licensed family and marriage therapist and a clinical member of the N.C. Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Contact him at 606-8607.

‘Charlotte’s Web’ at 60 By Bob Minzesheimer USA TODAY

E.B. White’s children’s novel about a noble spider, naive pig and determined farmgirl marks its 60th anniversary recently. In a foreword to a new edition of “Charlotte’s Web,” out last month, awardwinning children’s author Kate DiCamillo celebrates the book’s miracle: How “something terrible, something unbearable happens. And yet, we bear this unbearable thing. And in the end we even rejoice.” Here’s a look at the book by the numbers: » 25 million: Copies sold, in more than 30 languages. » 514: Eggs in Charlotte’s sac, “my magnum opus … the finest thing I have ever made.” » 31: Age at which DiCamillo finally read Charlotte’s Web. As a kid, she thought the pig on the cover, drawn by Garth Williams, looked worried, and the girl “seemed stoically resigned to whatever it was that the pig was worried about … a tableau that virtually guaranteed the reader some sort of misery.” Later, she wished someone had told her: “It turns out beautifully, I promise.” » 5: Words Charlotte weaves in her web: “Some Pig!” ”Terrific.“ ”Radiant.” ”Humble.“ » 2: Movie adapations: a 1973 musical animation, detested by White, who died in 1985 at age 86, and a 2006 live-action/ computer animation with Julia Roberts as the voice of Charlotte. » 1: Rank in Scholastic Parent & Child magazine’s recent list of the 100 greatest children’s books.

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

Child-safety seat study passes only 21 of 98 vehicles By Jayne O’Donnell USA TODAY

Vehicle back-seat designs can make it hard to install child-safety seats correctly — despite changes required a decade ago to make the process easy, according to a report out last month. Just 21 of 98 vehicles tested met all of the requirements for ease of use, says the report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Seven of the 2011 vehicles didn’t meet any requirements. The attachment system, known as LATCH (for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), was mandated a decade ago because inspections frequently found child-safety seats were installed incorrectly. A 2004 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found three out of four child seats and booster seats had “critical misuse” problems that could

increase the risk of injury. Cars, SUVs and pickups were tested based on whether the child-seat anchors were visible, easily accessible and usable without excessive force. For example, if more than 40 pounds of force was needed to secure the seat, the vehicle didn’t pass muster. Parents may blame themselves, but often these days, “the problem lies with the vehicle, not the user,” said IIHS senior vice president of research and study coauthor Anne McCartt. The study found belt buckles or other seat hardware can get in the way of the child-seat connectors, or the anchors can be buried so far in the seat that they’re hard to reach. The researchers also found most parents fail to use the upper tether that is designed to secure the top part of the car seat in the event of a crash. These straps prevent front-facing child seats from moving forward too much in a crash, which can cause head or neck injuries.

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

Cooking without going by the book By Kate Justen WNC Parent columnist

People often think cooking has to be complex and tricky to be good. If you watch cooking shows, you see chefs under a lot of pressure to make a meal with a secret ingredient, under the pressure of the clock or with obstacles in the way. In a way, cooking as a parent is like these cooking shows, just without the really nice cooking equipment. We have to make a meal but soon realize that we forgot to purchase the key ingredient, our children are melting into the kitchen floor because they are so hungry they can no longer stand up or hold a reasonable conversation, or we got home later than expected. It is pretty common for everyday life to get in the way of cooking healthy meals for our families. Cooking can be fun, easy and affordable, even for the busy family. We all have different likes and dislikes. What tastes good to me may not taste good to you; but by changing one thing in a recipe, it becomes what you like. You can take the same five foods and make five different meals just by changing the seasoning. FEAST classes teach individuals how to use a recipe as a guide in cooking. We rarely have the exact ingredients for a meal we are making, so everyone is comfortable with finding substitutions for the missing foods. If you look in a cookbook or online for a recipe you will find specific measurements, foods and sometimes even brands of foods to use. And we think we have to follow it exactly or it will not turn out. Here is a recipe, written as you would find it in a cookbook. But next to each ingredient and direction youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find substitutions, as many as could work for this recipe. Kate Justen is the program director of FEAST â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Fresh Easy Affordable Sustainable Tasty, a program of Slow Food Asheville. Contact her at feast.avl@gmail.com or visit www.slowfoodasheville.org.

Asian rice salad 3 cups cooked and cooled brown rice (any kind of rice, any kind of pasta) 1 carrot, peeled and cut in round discs (sweet bell pepper cut any way) 1 zucchini, julienned (cucumber or summer squash cut any way you like) 1/2 small red onion, chopped (any onion, leeks, scallions, shallots) 1 bunch kale, chopped (spinach, any cabbage, any dark leafy greens) 1 cup snow peas (green sweet peas, sugar snap peas) 1/2 cup green beans, cleaned and cut in 1-inch pieces (any green bean, broccoli) 1 cup cooked chicken (lentils, tofu, tempeh, shrimp, crab, lobster, fish, pork, beef, turkey), cubed (shredded, crumbled, chopped) Dressing: 2 tablespoons peanut oil (olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil) 1 tablespoons sesame oil(sesame tahini, peanut

THINKSTOCK

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

butter, almond butter) 1 clove crushed garlic (freshly grated ginger) 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro(basil, parsley, chives or herbs of your choice, or 1 T dried herbs) 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (any vinegar can work) 2 tablespoons soy sauce (tamari) 1 teaspoon sugar (honey, agave or sweetener of your choice)

Combine dressing ingredients in a plastic jar and shake well for 2 minutes. (Or mix in blender, food processor, in a bowl with a whisk, spoon or fork.) Combine all ingredients, stir in salad dressing and let sit for 10 minutes to 4 hours before serving. Top with chopped nuts (any nut you like, or sesame or sunflower seeds, or finely chopped dried or fresh hot peppers).

QUICHE REVISITED WHETHER LIGHT AND LADYLIKE OR MEATY AND MANLY, THIS VERSATILE EGG DISH IS MORE THAN IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE By Karen Fernau Gannett

Real men don’t eat quiche. At least according to the satirical title of the 1982 book that delivered a black eye to a dish with a distinguished 1,000-year history. True, sports bars and ballparks aren’t known for quiche, but there’s nothing unmanly about this baked egg dish. Quiche — with its light pastry crust, creamy egg filling and such additions as sausage, ham, bacon, peas, chiles, seafood and asparagus — appeals to egg lovers of both genders. “There’s nothing particularly feminine about quiche. You can make it as light or heavy as you want. The eggs are like a blank canvas that easily pairs with so many different foods and flavors,” said Linda Hopkins, owner of Scottsdale, Ariz.based Les Petites Gourmettes Cooking School and prolific food blogger. “It’s hard to beat quiche’s versatility.” Sex appeal aside, quiche took another hit in the 1980s with the cholesterol scare. It’s true that eggs are packed with cholesterol, but medical researchers now say that dietary cholesterol isn’t nearly as dangerous as once was thought. Only some of the cholesterol in food ends up as cholesterol in your bloodstream, and if your dietary cholesterol intake rises, your body compensates by producing less cholesterol of its own. Meanwhile, the government’s latest dietary guidelines allow for an egg a day. One egg has about 75 calories and 6.25 grams of protein, plus vitamins A and D, Continues on Page 48

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

Basic quiche crust 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces 2 tablespoons ice water, more or less depending on the “dryness” of the flour

Blend flour and salt in food processor. Cut in butter using the pulse button until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add enough ice water to just bring dough together. Gather dough into a disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin into a 13-inch round. Next, fit dough into an 11-inch tart pan and trim off the excess dough. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line crust with foil. Fill with pie weights and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and weights and return to oven until crust is golden, for about 10 minutes. Makes one 11-inch prebaked crust. Source: Linda Hopkins

QUICHE Continued from Page 47

folic acid and calcium, and less than 1 gram of carbohydrates. With its rehabilitated image and revised dietary profile, this full-flavored egg dish enters spring with renewed popularity. Quiche begins with a crust. The original in the medieval kingdom of Lothringen, under German rule, was called “kuchen,” or cake, and was typically made with bread. When the French took over the kingdom and renamed it Lorraine, the crust evolved into early versions of the short or puff-pastry crust. Whatever the crust, Hopkins recommends parbaking to prevent it from absorbing raw eggs and becoming soggy. Another must is tempering, or slowly mixing eggs with heat, to prevent the eggs from curdling. Freshness also matters. A fresh egg is heavy and should feel well-filled. Always keep eggs refrigerated and attempt to use within a few weeks. For more recipes, check out www.LesPetitesGourmettes.com.

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

Individual roasted cherry tomato, arugula, goat heese and piñon quiche 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced Salt and freshly ground black pepper 18 cherry tomatoes 3 large eggs 1 cup heavy whipping cream Dash of freshly grated nutmeg 1 cup arugula, coarsely chopped 4 ounces cold goat cheese (Montrachet), crumbled 1/3 cup toasted piñon nuts (pine nuts)

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, just enough to even out the seams. Place six 4 1/2-inch tart pans on a baking sheet. Line each with the puff pastry, trim the edges and bake until crust is golden, for about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cherry tomatoes and toss to coat. Transfer tomatoes to a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in the same oven for about 20 minutes or until the tomato skins just begin to split. Remove from oven and set aside. Whisk together the eggs and cream in 4-cup glass measuring cup. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Divide the chopped arugula, then the crumbled goat cheese evenly among the cooled quiche crusts. Place 3 roasted cherry tomatoes into each. Whisk the egg-cream mixture again to blend and carefully pour into the shells, pouring around the cherry tomatoes to keep the tops of the tomatoes clean of any egg mixture. Fill each shell 3/4 full. Sprinkle each quiche with pine nuts. Bake for 40 minutes or until the filling is puffed and set and the edges are golden brown. Makes 6 servings. Source: Linda Hopkins

Swiss cheese quiche with bacon, mushrooms and artichoke 11-inch prebaked quiche crust (see recipe) 4 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 1 medium sweet onion, peeled and thinly sliced 5 ounces white mushroom, cleaned and sliced 6 to 7 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, drained, patted dry and cubed Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 large eggs 1/4 cup milk 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1 cup grated Swiss cheese 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Drain and set aside. Discard all the drippings, and then melt butter in the same skillet. Add onion and saute over medium heat until soft and translucent. Add mushrooms and artichokes and cook for 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a strainer set over a bowl and set aside to drain and cool for 20 minutes. In a large bowl, beat eggs with milk and cream. Stir in grated cheese and cayenne pepper. Stir the cooled mushroom mixture into egg-cream mixture. Add bacon

Jalapeño popper quiche 11-inch prebaked quiche crust (see recipe) 4 ounces or 1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature 3 jalapeños — 2 seeded and minced, 1 thinly sliced 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup half-and-half 5 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 slices of bacon, diced and cooked crisp 1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the cream cheese over the bottom of the crust and sprinkle minced jalapeños on top. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and half-

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

Swiss cheese quiche with bacon, mushrooms and artichoke. MICHAEL MCNAMARA/GANNETT

and parsley and stir. Place the tart pan with the prebaked quiche crust on a baking sheet and pour quiche mixture into crust. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 60 to 65 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to set for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Makes 8 servings. Source: Linda Hopkins

and-half over medium until it simmers. Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and beat lightly. Slowly drizzle in a couple of tablespoons of the warm milk mixture, while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Whisk in the remaining warm milk. Stir in the smoked paprika and salt. Pour the mixture over the cream cheese- and jalapeño-topped crust and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, arrange the jalapeño slices and diced bacon on top, sprinkle with cheese and bake until the cheese melts and turns golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to set for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Makes 8 servings. Source: Linda Hopkins

Perk up recipes with a spritz of

LEMON By Jolene Ketzenberger, The Indianapolis Star

Looking for a burst of flavor? Lemons can bring freshness to spring and early summer meals. “Spring starts with lemons and grapefruits, the sunnier, tarter citrus fruits that carry over from winter,” says food writer Molly Watson at localfoods.about.com. Lemons — juiced, zested, grilled and preserved — prove their versatility in everything from watermelon jalapeno lemonade to a grilled lemon chicken to a sweet/tart lemon bar. They boast a “bright, cheery aroma and a kick of MORE acid,” said Watson, with a flavor that can play up other RECIPES ON ingredients. PAGES 52, While all of these lemony recipes proved easy to pre53 AND 54 pare, Indianapolis chef Carrie Abbott offered a bit of cautionary advice for those making the lemon curd in cookbook author Rose Levy Beranbaum’s Ultimate Lemon Butter Bars recipe. It takes time for the egg yolks, sugar, butter and lemon juice to thicken, and the curd must be cooked slowly over low heat. Otherwise, Beranbaum warns, the egg yolks will curdle. But slow cooking and a lot of stirring result in a lovely yellow lemon curd, one that pairs perfectly with a shortbread crust. “Just don’t be tempted to crank the heat at the last minute,” Abbott said.

Jalapeno watermelon lemonade Approximately 4 cups (32 ounces) cubed seedless watermelon Juice of 2 to 3 seeded lemons 1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced into 1- to 2-inch pieces (use the seeds for more spice)

Place cubed watermelon in blender and process until smooth. Add the lemon juice and blend again. Add sliced jalapeno and allow to infuse for 30 minutes or to taste (jal-

apeno flavor will become more pronounced the longer the mixture is allowed to infuse.) Using a slotted spoon, remove jalapeno pieces (refrigerate pieces to use in another batch of lemonade). Blend mixture again before serving. Strain if desired, sweeten to taste and serve over ice. Serves 2. Source: Adapted from food52.com

Jalapeno watermelon lemonade provides a blast of flavor and an easy way to brighten up a menu. ROB GOEBEL/GANNETT

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

Ultimate lemon butter bar 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold 1 1/4 cups bleached all-purpose flour For the lemon curd topping: 4 large egg yolks 3/4 cup sugar 3 fluid ounces (use a liquid measuring cup) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 1/2 large lemons) 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened Pinch of salt 2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely grated Additional powdered sugar, for dusting

minutes or until edges are lightly browned and top is pale golden (do not brown). Prepare an 8-inch-by-8-inch-by-2-inch metal Meanwhile, have a strainer, suspended over a pan by lining its bottom and two sides with an bowl, ready near the stove. 8-inch-by-16-inch strip of heavy-duty aluminum In a heavy, non-corrodible saucepan, beat foil. egg yolks and sugar with a wooden spoon until In a medium bowl, whisk together sugars. In well-blended. Stir in lemon juice, butter and salt. a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugars Cook over medium-low heat, stirring conuntil light and fluffy. Using fingers or an electric stantly, for about 6 minutes, until thickened. mixer, mix in the flour until incorporated (if using Mixture will resemble hollandaise sauce and will mixer, add the flour in two parts). thickly coat a wooden spoon but still be liquid Place one oven rack in the middle of the enough to pour. A candy thermometer will read oven and preheat to 325 degrees. 196 degrees. The mixture will change from transPat dough into prepared baking pan. Use a lucent to opaque and begin to take on a yellow fork to prick dough all over. Bake for about 30 color on the back of the wooden spoon. Do not

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

allow to boil. (Mixture will steam above 140 degrees. Whenever steaming occurs, remove pan from heat, stirring to prevent boiling). When curd has thickened, pour it at once into strainer. Press with the back of spoon until only the coarse residue remains; discard residue. Stir lemon zest into the strained curd. When shortbread is baked, remove from oven and lower temperature to 300 degrees. Pour lemon curd on top of shortbread; return pan to oven for 10 minutes. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Refrigerate 30 minutes to set completely before cutting into bars. Place 2 tablespoons powdered sugar in a strainer and tap to sprinkle a thick, even coating over lemon curd. Run a metal spatula between the sides of the pan and the pastry on sides without the foil. Use foil to lift shortbread onto a cutting surface. Use a long, sharp knife to cut shortbread first into thirds, then in half the other way, then each half into thirds. Wipe blade after each cut. The powdered sugar will start to be absorbed after several hours but can be reapplied before serving. Makes 18 bars. Source: Adapted from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rose's Christmas Cookiesâ&#x20AC;? (William Morrow, $29.99) and epicurious.com

Greek potatoes with lemon vinaigrette 1/2 cup olive oil 1/3 to 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons chopped shallots 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tablespoon dried) Salt and pepper 3 pounds large russet potatoes, peeled, each cut lengthwise into 6 wedges 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Whisk olive oil with lemon juice, shallots, garlic and oregano in a medium bowl to blend. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper. Toss potatoes with half of the vinaigrette on a heavy, large-rimmed baking sheet. Add parsley to remaining vinaigrette and set aside. Sprinkle potatoes with salt and pepper. Roast potatoes until tender and golden brown, turning occasionally, about 45 minutes. Cool completely. Using metal spatula, loosen potatoes from baking sheet to prevent sticking. (Can be prepared 3 hours ahead.) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Rewarm potatoes until crisp, about 15 minutes, and drizzle with reserved vinaigrette. Serves 4. Source: Adapted from epicurious.com

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

Grilled chicken with lemon, garlic and oregano 4 tablespoons minced garlic 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 2/3 cup olive oil 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh oregano 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided 2 teaspoons black pepper, divided 4 to 6 chicken breasts 2 lemons, cut crosswise into one-third-inch slices

Saute garlic over low heat in a small amount of olive oil for about a minute, just until softened. In a blender, combine garlic with lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Pour half of vinaigrette into a small bowl and set aside. Pour remaining vinaigrette into a shallow dish; add remaining salt and pepper. Place chicken in dish, cover and marinate for up to an hour. Discard marinade. Preheat grill. Cook chicken over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until an instant read thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Grill lemon slices until grill marks appear, about 3 minutes per side. Serve chicken breasts whole with vinaigrette on the side, or slice chicken, drizzle with vinaigrette, and serve atop couscous or orzo. Serves 4 to 6. Source: Adapted from epicurious.com

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

kids page

DRAWING BY JEFF RUMINSKI

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

puzzles for parents Across

1. Landing road 6. The ___ cage protects the heart and lungs 9. Slang for heroin 13. Billy Joel’s “_____ Man” 14. International Labor Organization 15. Formed by running water 16. Imitating 17. Santa’s helper 18. King’s domain 19. Ca or K, e.g. 21. Nightmare character 23. He played Opie on “The Andy Griffith Show” 24. Disdainful, pouting grimace 25. When exercising, you get ___ 28. Between mini and maxi 30. Metamorphic rock 35. Makes a mistake 37. Bart Simpson’s sister 39. Saint in Mexico 40. Miners’ passage 41. Swamp plant 43. Yelled to shoo a cat 44. Puzzle in pictures 46. “Smells Like ____ Spirit” by Nirvana 47. A focal point

in workouts 48. Type of coat 50. Dame ____, Australian celeb 52. Christian Chi-___ symbol 53. The upper one is used for ruling 55. Coffee pot 57. Allegiance 60. E or D, e.g. 64. Former French currency 65. Ring of flowers

67. Singer Cara 68. Some need more of this than others 69. Be in debt 70. What a jazz singer does 71. Bear lairs 72. Not preowned 73. Commotions

Down

1. Junk e-mail 2. Cone-shaped

quarters 3. Often asked to “go away, come again another day” 4. Like a special circle 5. Organized persecution of ethnic group 6. Cambodian money 7. Not well 8. Very successful 9. What victim did in court

10. Armor-____ 11. USSR to USA during WWII 12. Usually busy after the holidays 15. Leafy edibles 20. Indigo dyeyielding shrubs 22. Where bugs are snug? 24. Improper act 25. Ventricular beater 26. Superior’s command 27. Cherokee or Hopi, e.g. 29. Regimented eating 31. Where green tea tradition comes from 32. Bring upon oneself 33. Cache of money, e.g. 34. Official language of Lesotho 36. Nonlethal gun 38. Wine and

cheese descriptor 42. Tedium 45. Carry, as in heavy bag 49. Ladies’ Easter accessory 51. 2012 Oscarwinner “The ______” 54. Stocking fiber 56. Those in organized crime relating to narcotics 57. Your doctor usually keeps one on you 58. Like neverlosing Steven 59. Greek god of war 60. “The ____” talk and entertainment show 61. Known for notebooks 62. Keen on 63. Loch ____ 64. Psychedelic drug 66. Female sheep

Solutions on Page 69

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

calendar of events

Big Love Fest is May 6 in Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. The festival will offer food, crafters, clothing and more. CITIZEN-TIMES PHOTO

Things to do

May 1

ASHEVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Open house the first Tuesday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m. Call 252-5708 for reservations. For private tour, call Debbie Mowrey at 252-7896 or email dmowrey@ashevillecatholic.org. Visit www.ashevillecatholic.org. ASHEVILLE YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Four-week session of classes for ages 6 months-12 years on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 1-24. Register by April 27. Call 210-9622. BILLY JONAS BACK-UP BAND WORKSHOP: Get hands-on experience with musician and songwriter Billy Jonas, who will share his methodology on how to create a “neo-tribal hootenanny.” Participants will perform a song with Jonas and his band at the YouTheatre Benefit Concert on May 6. Runs 5-6 p.m.

May 1-3. $75, which includes ticket to concert. At Flat Rock Playhouse YouTheatre Education Center, 1855 Little River Road, Flat Rock. Call 693-0731 or visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

May 2

LET’S GET MOVING: Music and movement with Kaye Brownlee from Henderson County Department of Public Health, as part of the federal initiative “Let’s Move Museums and Gardens.” For ages 3-6. At 11 a.m. at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Call 697-8333. Free with admission. Visit www.handsonwnc.org.

May 3

BREAST-FEEDING CLASS: With Henderson County Department of Public Health breastfeeding peer counselor Tammie Bogin. Free. Call to register. At Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Call 697-8333 or visit www.handsonwnc.org. TASTE OF SOUTH ASHEVILLE: Roberson High School’s Partners in Education hosts a fundraiser in which participating restaurants across South Asheville, Arden and Fletcher will donate a percentage of daily sales to the organization. Proceeds will be used to buy textbooks and instructional materials. For participating restaurants, visit

www.buncombe.k12.nc.us/tcrhs.

May 3 and 10

CHILDBIRTH CLASSES: A free two-session class, on May 3 and 10, for expectant parents covering the labor and delivery process, relaxation, breathing patterns, birth options, positioning and comfort measures. 6:30–9 p.m. Registration required. At Pardee Hospital, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville. Call 866-790-WELL or visit www.pardeehospital.org to register.

May 4-5

‘PETER PAN’: The Learning Community School presents “Peter Pan” at 6 p.m. May 4 and 4 p.m. May 5 at Asheville Christian Academy Auditorium. $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10. Purchase tickets at the door, online or by calling 686-3080. Visit www.thelearningcommunity.org.

May 4

TEEN AWESOME GROUP: Weaverville Library’s teen group meets 4-5:30 p.m. All kids ages 12-18 welcome, join anytime. Call 250-6482 or email weaverville.library@ buncombecounty.org.

May 5

BARK FOR LIFE: A canine event to fight cancer. Noncompetitive walk, games, demonstrations and more, 9

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

a.m.-noon at Historic Courthouse Square on Main Street, Hendersonville. $20 per canine in advance, $25 day of event. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. BLACK MOUNTAIN CLOTHING DRIVE: 9 a.m.-noon at Carver Center, 101 Carver St., Black Mountain. Collecting clothing until May 5. Anyone is free to take whatever they want. All donations welcome. Search for Black Mouintain Clothing Drive on Facebook or email clothing.drive@yahoo.com. BOOK SIGNING: “Mommie, Stay with Me,” by Cindy McFee Brown and illustrated by Micki Parker Sanford, and “Turtle Gliding,” by Denise Owen and illustrated by Jo Wickerby. Signing event, 1-3 p.m. at Grateful Steps Publishing House and Bookshop, 159 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville. Learn about sea turtles and color pages from the book. Pet real ducks and play Duck, Duck, Goose. CHIMNEY ROCK BOY SCOUT OVERNIGHT: Educational programs, rock climbing, camping under the stars. $15 for scouts (includes program, day admission, patch), $12 for adults (one adult admitted free per 10 scouts), $5.50 for non-scout children (under 6 free). Additional $8 per person for camping overnight. Call 625-9611 to register. Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com. FUN IN THE SUN KIDS’ SAFETY DAY: Visit with Asheville police and fire departments, YMCA and Mission Health. Bring bikes and try the bicycle safety course. With games, prizes, clowning, food and crafts. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church, 283 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. KIDS FISHING TOURNAMENT: Semi-annual catchand-release event at Lake Julian Park open to all children ages 15 and younger, sponsored by Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Tournament runs 8:3011:30 a.m. $5 per child. No fishing license required. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult. With prizes by age category. Casting contest. Call 684-0376 or email david.blynt@buncombecounty.org. ‘MARKETING OF MADNESS’ DOCUMENTARY: Free, open to the public viewing of “The Marketing of Madness: Are We All Insane?” about the harmful effects of psychiatric drugs, dangers of withdrawal, and the power games of psychiatrists and big pharma. 1-4 p.m. at Haywood County Main Library, 678 S. Haywood St., Waynesville. Call 452-5169 or visit www.haywoodlibrary.org or www.cchr.org. REUTER FAMILY YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Classes for ages 6 months-12 years on Saturdays, May 5-26. Registration deadline is May 1. Starts at $20. Call 651-9622 or visit www.ymcawnc.org. SPRING FLING: Family-friendly festival with inflatables, games, face painting, magic show, food vendors and more. $15 wristband covers all games and unlimited inflatable time. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Glen Arden Elementary, 50 Pinehurst Circle, Arden. WALDORF MAY FAIRE FESTIVAL: Celebrate spring with maypole dancing, crafts, puppet show, music and more. Free. 2-5 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, home of Azalea Mountain School, 587 Haywood Road, Asheville. Suggested donation, $5 per adult. YMCA PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: At Downtown Asheville YMCA for ages 2-12. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, inflatable obstacle course, snacks and a movie. Register online or in person (at least 24 hours before scheduled program). Offered 6-10 p.m. the first Saturday of each month. $15 for members ($23 for nonmembers), with $2 sibling discounts. Call 210-9614

Continues on Page 64

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

calendar of events Continued from Page 63 or visit www.ymcawnc.org.

May 6

BIG LOVE FEST: Arts and crafts, food and more at this celebration of all things local. 1-8 p.m. at Pack Square Park. Visit http://loveasheville.org. BILLY JONAS CONCERT: Enjoy creative songwriting and percussion of Billy Jonas and his band in a concert to benefit Flat Rock Playhouse’s YouTheatre. Dinner, ice cream social and silent auction at 5:30 p.m.,with performance at 7 p.m. on Mainstage. $25 for adults, $15 for students. Call 693-0731 or visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org. CHORAL CONCERT: Celebration Singers of Asheville’s spring concert, “Supercali-Celebration,” at 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Christ, 20 Oak St., Asheville. Includes variety of music including gospel, folk songs from Italy and South Africa, “Mary Poppins” medley and more. Free, donations accepted. Call Ginger Haselden, 230-5778. TINY TYKES DAY: Free festival for children younger than 5, sponsored by Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts. With performance by musician Roger Day, inflatables, fire engine, miniature train rides, crafts, face painting, balloon twisting and more. 2-5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 50 Martin Luther King Drive. Call 350-2058 or email stephenslee@ashevillenc.gov.

Lake Eden Arts Festival is May 10-13 at Camp Rockmont. The event has entertainment for adults and children alike. JOHN COUTLAKIS/JCOUTLAKIS@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM

May 7

REUTER FAMILY YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Classes for ages 6 months-12 years on Mondays and Wednesdays, May 7-30. Registration deadline is May 2. Starts at $40. Call 651-9622 or visit www.ymcawnc.org.

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

May 7-11

DOLLYWOOD’S PENGUIN PLAYERS: Acting troupe returns to the libraries to perform “Otis,” by Loren Long. A fun-loving tractor, Otis roams the fields after a hard day’s work and plays in the haystacks, but it’s his determination that shows there’s a place for everyone.

A lively 20-minute production filled with sing-along songs, including music written especially for the Penguin Players by Dolly Parton. Performances are: » May 7: Pack Memorial, 10:30 a.m.; Weaverville, 4 p.m. » May 8: Black Mountain, 10:30 a.m.; Fairview, 4 p.m. » May 9: North Asheville, 11 a.m.; Oakley/South Asheville, 4 p.m. » May 10: Skyland/South Buncombe, 10:30 a.m.; Leicester, 4 p.m. » May 11: West Asheville, 11 a.m.

May 8

MAYAN CALENDAR TALK: Internationally known Mayan expert George Stuart will talk about the Mayan calendar. Will the world end this December? Many New Age practitioners have stated it will based on the predictions of the ancient Maya. Doubtful, says this expert whose career was spent studying Mayan culture and language, with over 30 years at the National Geographic Society. Free. 7 p.m. at Weaverville Library. Call 250-6482 or email weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org REUTER FAMILY YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Classes for ages 6 months-12 years on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 8-31. Registration deadline is May 2. Starts at $40. Call 651-9622 or visit www.ymcawnc.org.

Wednesdays, May 9-30. $90 for four-week course, including manual and CD. Cost includes all siblings and up to two caregivers. Call 712-4587, email rebekah@mysmarthands.com or visit www.mysmarthandsasheville.com.

May 10

ORIGAMI FOLDING FRENZY: The Health Adventure hosts origami club for all levels, 4-5 p.m. second Thursday of the month. Learn new folds, share favorites and meet fellow origami enthusiasts. Paper available at museum store or bring your own. Free with admission. At Biltmore Square Mall, off Brevard Road. Call 6652217 or visit www.thehealthadventure.org.

May 10-13

LAKE EDEN ARTS FESTIVAL: Weekend of art, music and outdoor fun at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain. Tickets start at $25. Visit www.theleaf.org.

May 11

KIDS NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: Colburn Earth Science Museum hosts a night for kids in grades K-5 with fun science lessons, crafts, games, dinner and more. May’s theme is “Protect Our Planet.” $20 ($16 for siblings and museum members). 5-9 p.m. at 2 S. Pack Place, Asheville. Call 254-7162 to reserve a spot. Visit http://colburnmuseum.org.

Continues on Page 66

May 9

BABY/TODDLER SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES: Eight-week session offered by My Smart Hands starts with classes offered 9:45-10:15 a.m. for Level 1 and 10:30-11:15 a.m. for Level 2 at Reuter Family YMCA and 3:30-4:15 p.m. at Awakening Heart Chiropractic,

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

calendar of events Continued from Page 65 SING-A-LONG WITH TANIA: Music and movement for all ages. At 11 a.m. at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Free with admission. Call 697-8333 or visit www.handsonwnc.org.

May 12

BABY SITTER TRAINING CLASS: For ages 11-15. Learn how to care for a child. Basic first aid included. Dress comfortable and bring lunch. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Henderson County Chapter, American Red Cross, 203 Second Ave. East, Hendersonville. $85. Visit www.hcredcross.org or call 693-5605. BOOK SALE: Friends of Henderson County Public Library will hold its first spring book sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 1940 Spartanburg Highway, south of downtown Hendersonville next to Dollar General. Free parking. Free shuttle from East Hendersonville Baptist Church, 1010 Shepherd St. Most books priced below $5. Also CDs, DVDs, videos, books on tape and vinyl LPs for sale. Cash or check only. FAMILY BIRDING HIKE: Take an in-depth look at local and migratory species of songbirds for International Migratory Bird Day at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest. Learn characteristics and where to find birds, then walk on paved trails to find and identify as many species as possible. Bring binoculars. At 8:30 a.m. Call 877-3130 or visit www.cradleofforestry.org for details. FIBER WEEKEND: Fiber craft demonstrations and hands-on activities, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Folk Art Center on Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit www.southernhighlandguild.org. FINS & GILLS CLASSIC: Fishing tournament on French Broad River for kids and adults, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Meet at Asheville Outdoor Center, 521 Amboy Road, at 8 a.m. Three ways to fish: long trip, short trip or from the bank. Kids 12 and younger fish for free. First 100 kids get free fishing rod and tackle. Kayak rides, raft rides, casting contest, playground, horse shoes, fishing classes all for kids at Asheville Outdoor Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Proceeds benefit WNC Alliance and Famers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry. Visit www.finsandgillsclassic.com. HAHN’S PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Hahn’s Gymnastics hosts children ages 3-12, with pizza dinner and gymnastics-related games and activities. $15 for first child, $7.50 for each sibling if enrolled at Hahn’s ($20/$10 if not enrolled). From 5:30 p.m.-midnight. Call 684-8832 to register. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT: Biltmore United Methodist Church hosts night out, 5-8 p.m., for infants to fifth-graders. With educational activities and snacks. $5 per child. Email leslee@biltmoreumc.org or call 274-2379 to RSVP. ‘OFF THE BEATEN PATH’ HIKE: Chimney Rock State Park offers guided hike to see spring wildflowers, 1-3 p.m. Be ready to walk up to three miles with frequent stops on multiple trails. $19 for adults, $3 for passholders, $10 for ages 6-15, $2 for Grady’s Kids. Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com. OPEN DIALOGUE: An Alternative, Finnish Approach to Healing Psychosis, “a powerful vision of medicationfree recovery and a hard-hitting critique of traditional psychiatry,” at 7 p.m. at Firestorm Cafe and Books, 48 Commerce St., Asheville. Call 255-8115 or visit www.iraresoul.com.

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

OPEN HOUSE AT THE COVE: Drop by The Cove from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. to tour the Billy Graham Training Center and Chatlos Memorial Chapel and catch a glimpse into the lives of Billy and Ruth Graham. Evening of modern worship led by Asheville-area bands. Registration recommended for free concert and is required for an optional buffet dinner ($20). Open house is free. Open to the public. Visit www.thecove.org. WHOLE BLOOMIN’ THING: Wayneville’s 10th-annual festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Historic Frog Level. With plant sale, crafts, food vendors, live music.

May 13

FIBER WEEKEND: Fashion Show of Wearable Art, 1 and 3 p.m. at Folk Art Center on Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit www.southernhighlandguild.org.

May 17

ART OF BREAST-FEEDING: Pardee Hospital offers free class for new moms, 6:30-8 p.m. at hospital, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville. Registration is required. Call 866-790-WELL or visit www.pardeehospital.org to register.

May 18

PARENTS AS TEACHERS: Parents take children on a musical journey. Learn how to use manipulatives from ELC boxes. Offered in conjunction with Children and Familiy Resource Center’s Early Learning Center. 11 a.m.-noon at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Call 697-8333. Visit www.handsonwnc.org. TEEN AWESOME GROUP: Weaverville Library’s teen group meets 4-5:30 p.m. All kids ages 12-18 welcome, join anytime. Call 250-6482 or email weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org. YWCA LIFEGUARDING CLASS: American Red Cross lifeguarding course in one weekend. Includes lifeguarding skills, first aid and CPR. Runs 6-10 p.m. May 18, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. May 19 and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. May 20. Pretest is 6:30 p.m. May 16. $200. At 185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville. For information or to register call 254-7206, ext. 110, or visit www.ywcaofasheville.org.

May 19

BABY SITTER TRAINING CLASS: For ages 11-15. Learn how to care for a child. Basic first aid included. Dress comfortably and bring lunch. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter, American Red Cross, 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville. $45. For details and to register, visit www.redcrosswnc.org and click on “Take a Class” or call 258-3888. CHIMNEY ROCK GIRL SCOUT OVERNIGHT: Educational programs, camping under the stars, more. $15 for scouts (includes program, day admission, patch), $12 for adults (one adult admitted free per 10 scouts), $5.50 for non-scout children (under 6 free). Additional $8 per person for camping overnight. Call 625-9611 to register. Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com. FAMILY PREPAREDNESS FAIR: With demonstrations, displays and seminars on food and water storage, emergency kits, preserving vital records, gardening and preserving, financial preparedness and more. Participants include the health department, Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Henderson County Sheriff’s Department, National Weather Service and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m at 2005 Brevard Road (U.S. 64), Hendersonville. Email eoa1923@gmail.com for more information. WEST ASHEVILLE WAVES SWIM TEAM: Preseason information meeting and open pool, at 2 p.m. at The Ambler

Continues on Page 68

MOMS’ GROUPS A sampling of support groups for moms in WNC. Asheville Stay-At-Home Moms Playgroup: Visit www.meetup.com/AshevilleStay-At-Home-Moms-Playgroup/ Arden Moms Meetup Group: Visit www.meetup.com/arden-moms or contact Susan Toole at ArdenMoms@gmail.com. AshevilleMommies.com: Meet and greets for moms while kids play. Two sessions, 11 a.m.-noon and 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays at The Hop Ice Cream and Coffee Shop, 640 Merrimon Ave. Asheville Moms with Multiples: Group for moms with multiples meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Women’s Resource Center on Doctors Drive, behind Mission Hospital. Meetings are an opportunity to share experiences and offer support in a social setting. Call 444-AMOM or visit www.ashevillemom.com. Biltmore Baptist MOPS: Group for all mothers of children from infancy through kindergarten. Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month, September-May at Biltmore Baptist Church, 35 Clayton Road, Arden. Call 687-1111, email mopsofbbc@yahoo.com or visit www.biltmorebaptist.org/mops/. Hiking with Preschoolers: Visit www.meetup.com/hiking-with-Preschoolers/ La Leche League of Asheville mornings: Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers welcome at all meetings. Meets at 10 a.m. the second Monday of the month at First Congregational Church on Oak Street. Contact a leader: Susan, 628-4438 or wncbabylady@gmail.com; Jessica, 242-6531; or Falan, 683-1999. Visit www.facebook.com/#!/pages/La-LecheLeague-of-AshevilleBuncombe/370356353543 La Leche League of Asheville evenings: Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers welcome at all meetings. Meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month at Awakening Heart on Merrimon Avenue. Contact a leader: Yvette, 254-5591; or Molly, 713-7089. Visit www.facebook.com/#!/pages/La-Leche-League-ofAshevilleBuncombe/370356353543 La Leche League of Hendersonville: Offers information and support for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of the month at Unitarian Universalist Fellow-

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

ship of Hendersonville, 2021 Kanuga Road. Babies and toddlers are welcome. For more information, Contact a leader: Andrea 676-6047, Katie 808-1490, or MC 693-9899. Mom2mom: Christian moms group meets at St. Paul’s Church, 32 Rosscraggon Road, Rosscraggon Business Park Building B, Asheville. Moms with any age children are welcome. Call 388-3598. Mommy and Me: Park Ridge Health offers a support group for moms at 10 a.m. the fourth Monday of the month. Contact Amy Mast at 216-7244. The hospital offers a luncheon for moms and babies, noon-1 p.m. the third Monday of the month, at the hospital’s private dining room. Call 681-2229. Moms Club of Hendersonville: A support group open to mothers of all ages in the Henderson County area, including mothers who have homebased businesses and those who work part-time but are home with their children during the day. The group meets for speeches and topics for discussion, park days, playgroups, nights out, holiday activities and service projects benefiting needy children in the community. Meets 9:30 a.m. the first Thursday of the month at Hendersonville Church of Christ, 1975 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. Children welcome. Call Toni McDonald at 702-0433 or visit http://hendersonvillemomsclub.wordpress.com MOPS at Mud Creek: Mothers of Preschoolers provides an open, faith-based atmosphere for moms of infants through kindergartners. Meets second and fourth Wednesdays, 9:15-11:15 a.m., SeptemberMay, at Mud Creek Baptist Church, 403 Rutledge Drive, Hendersonville. Email Melissa Thorsland, melthor@tds.net, or MOPS.MudCreek@gmail.com or visit http://mopsatmudcreek.webs.com/ links.htm. North Asheville MOPS: Meets 9:3011:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Maranatha Baptist Church, 1040 Lower Flat Creek Road, Weaverville. Contact Amy at 658-0739 or Liban at lmorris_cid@hotmail.com. WNC Mountain Mamas: Moms and kids can meet up and play at 11 a.m. Wednesdays the Hop Ice Cream Shop, 640 Merrimon Ave. Enjoy half-priced coffees and ice cream. Encompassing, supporting and uniting WNC families. Visit www.wncmountainmamas.proboards.com

calendar of events Continued from Page 67 Pool on the campus of Asheville School. Practice begins May 28, 4-6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. $200 per swimmer for the season. Contact coach Frank Kriegler at krieglerf@ashevilleschool.org or call 232-1644 for more information.

May 20

JCC SHALOM SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY: Raffle, local food and beer, music and adults-only fun and games. $15 general admission, $40 all access pass. Baby sitting available. 5:30-9 p.m. in JCC parking lot, 236 Charlotte St. Visit www.jcc-asheville.org.

May 23

BOOK N’ CRAFT: Read “Llama, Llama Red Pajama” and make a craft. For all ages. At 11 a.m. at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Call 697-8333. Free with admission.

May 24

INFANT CARE CLASS: Pardee Hospital offers free class covering basics of infant care, 6:30-8 p.m. at hospital, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville. Registration is required. Call 866-790-WELL or visit www.pardeehospital.org to register.

May 25

NATURE NIGHT: WNC Nature Center comes to Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St., to show “Nature at Night.” Live nocturnal species will be awake (sort of), and ready to help you learn about their unusual habits. This program takes place under the trees to the side of the library. Come early to get a bench, or bring a camp chair for extra seating. All ages. Free. Call 250-6486 or email swannanoa.library@buncobmecounty.org SMOKY MOUNTAIN MODEL RAILROADERS: Fun Things Etc. will host Lionel model train display over holiday weekend. Free and open to public. At 196 N. Main St., Waynesville. Visit www.funthingsetc.net or www.facebook.com/funthingsetc or call 456-7672.

May 26

BLUE RIDGE ROLLERGIRLS: Roller derby doubleheader. Doors open at 4 p.m., first bout at 5 p.m. Kids

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS For more details, visit www.buncombe.k12.nc.us » Enka district: May 2. » Erwin district: May 4 (Emma, Johnston). » North Buncombe district: May 4. » Owen district: May 4. » Reynolds district: May 7. » Roberson district: May 1 (Estes) and May 11 (Avery’s Creek, Glen Arden).

CAMP GUIDE ADDITION UNC Pharmacy School LEAD Program: Explore career opportunities in pharmacy through the LEAD program at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy at UNC Asheville, June 26 (high school students) and June 27 (college students). Find information at http://pharmacy.unc.edu/news/events/ lead-program/lead-program. Email questions to Pharmacy_Recruitment@unc.edu.

Main St., Waynesville. Visit www.funthingsetc.net or www.facebook.com/funthingsetc or call 456-7672. WHITE SQUIRREL FESTIVAL: Children’s village, music, more. Noon-10 p.m. in Downtown Brevard. Free. Visit www.whitesquirrelfestival.com.

May 28

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MODEL RAILROADERS: Fun Things Etc. will host Lionel model train display over holiday weekend. Free and open to public. At 196 N. Main St., Waynesville. Visit www.funthingsetc.net or www.facebook.com/funthingsetc or call 456-7672.

May 29

INFANT CARE CLASS: Pardee Hospital offers quarterly class, 6:30-8 p.m. at Hospital in Orientation Classroom, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville. $10. Registration is required. Call 866-790-WELL or visit www.pardeehospital.org to register.

May 30

CRAZY CHEMISTRY: Sidewalk chalk with crazy chemists at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery. At 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 and older. Call to register, 697-8333. At 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Visit www.handsonwnc.org.

May 31

12 and younger are free. At Davis Event Center at WNC Agricultural Center, Fletcher. Visit www.blueridgerollergirls.com. SMOKY MOUNTAIN MODEL RAILROADERS: Fun Things Etc. will host Lionel model train display over holiday weekend. Free and open to public. At 196 N. Main St., Waynesville. Visit www.funthingsetc.net or www.facebook.com/funthingsetc or call 456-7672. WHITE SQUIRREL FESTIVAL: Children’s village, Squirrel Box Derby, 5K and 10K races, music, more. 9 a.m.-11 p.m. in Downtown Brevard. Free. Visit www.whitesquirrelfestival.com.

May 27

ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT: 3-5 p.m. at Folk Art Center on Blue Ridge Parkway. Free. Call 298-7928. SMOKY MOUNTAIN MODEL RAILROADERS: Fun Things Etc. will host Lionel model train display over holiday weekend. Free and open to public. At 196 N.

SPANISH 4 KIDS: Pre-K children can learn Spanish through games, singing, dancing, story telling and more. At 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, May 31-July 5, at French Broad Co-Op Movement Center. For more information email risitasavl@gmail.com or call 3352120.

June 9

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT: Biltmore United Methodist Church hosts night out, 5-8 p.m., for infants to fifth-graders. With educational activities and snacks. $5 per child. Email leslee@biltmoreumc.org or call 274-2379 to RSVP.

June 20

Ongoing

ASHEVILLE AREA MUSIC TOGETHER: Try a free class before the summer session. No strings attached. Each class is a rich, playful, relaxed family experience full of new and traditional songs and chants. Activities include singing, finger play, large movement, instrument play, and parent education. Fired by the belief (supported by a wealth of good research) that ALL children are musical, Music Together has been a curriculum pioneer, offering classes to the public since 1987. Summer session begins in June in West Asheville, downtown, and South Asheville. Learn more at www.AshevilleAreaMT.com or www.MusicTogether.com. CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS, HANDS ON!: Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, the educational children’s museum

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

in downtown Hendersonville, is looking for volunteers in customer greeting and reception assistance. Hands On! is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-5:00, and volunteer opportunities include customer greeting and reception assistance, recycling, maintenance, light cleaning and program facilitating. At 318 N. Main Street. Interested volunteers should fill out an application at the museum or call 697-8333. Visit www.handsonwnc.org. CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS, ON EAGLES WINGS MINISTRIES: A local nonprofit that operates a safe home for domestic victims of sex trafficking ages 12-17, Hope House, needs daytime volunteers to assist with transportation and help with its home school program. Visit www.oewm.net. ELIADA CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER: Accepting applications for NC Pre-K, a kindergarten readiness initiative to help 4-year-olds gain basic skills. Contact Tonia Reed at 259-5374 or treed@eliada.org. SINGLE AND PARENTING RECOVERY AND SUPPORT GROUP: Features experts in grief and recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “Tired & Overwhelmed,” “Your Children & Your Fears,” “Money & Career” and “Conflict & Resolution.” At 4 p.m. Sundays at Living Hope Community Church, 697 Haywood Road, Asheville. Free. All are welcome. Call 450-7575 or email livinghopeasheville@gmail.com.

Puzzle solutions

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2

W N C PA R E N T. C O M

W N C PA R E N T | M AY 2 0 1 2