Knoxville “newgrassers” Wild Blue Yonder will perform at 7:30 pm on Friday (Sept. 4) at the Burnsville Town Center. Tickets are $10 and are now available at the Town Center. Burnsville audiences have enjoyed the rousing yet soulful brand of acoustic music this East Tennessee ensemble delivers for the past three years.
At this Friday’s show, Wild Blue Yonder will serve up old time fiddle favorites, a dash of bluegrass and plenty of traditional gospel numbers. A little clogging might even break out in the second set, as sometimes happens when the feisty foursome takes the Town Center stage.
Wild Blue Yonder has released two CDs, “Bolt Out Of The Blue” (2002) and “Above & Beyond” (2004), both of which are available at CDBaby.com. In describing their sound, the band often uses the term “Appalachian Americana,” which they say conveys a respect for tradition combined with more progressive leanings. For more information, go to wildblueyonderband.com and burnsvilletowncenter.com or phone 828-682-7209.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
School supply donations
Teachers at Barnardsville Elementary School is asking anyone who is attending this weekend's Big Ivy Bluegrass Festival to bring along school supply donations to help with the school's reduced budget.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Volunteer opportunity tonight
Announcement from BlackHawk Club
"We have a volunteer opportunity this week for about 3 people to sell programs at the JV football game beginning at 6 tonight. We will need volunteers at the gates and in the stands until the kickoff.
"We also need 2 people to help with Hawk Club sign ups from 6:00 until the kickoff."
"We have a volunteer opportunity this week for about 3 people to sell programs at the JV football game beginning at 6 tonight. We will need volunteers at the gates and in the stands until the kickoff.
"We also need 2 people to help with Hawk Club sign ups from 6:00 until the kickoff."
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I-26 connector news
Weaverville Councilman Don Hallingse brought up a good point recently that North Buncombe has had little, if any, input in the I-26 connector talk that has been filtering throughout Asheville for years now.
Even though it may not be planning to alter the landscape of North Buncombe, it would represent a major shift in daily commutes for many in this area. We hope when, or better yet if, the connector comes to fruition that North Buncombe's voice will be heard.
In the meantime, here is news from the Montford Neighborhood Association, a group adamantly opposed to the current plans of bringing the connector through a portion of downtown Asheville.
"The Montford Neighborhood Association (MNA) recently issued a detailed and scathing position statement in response to the NC Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) current plans for bringing the I-26 Connector through the center of downtown Asheville, a project that they say 'threatens the quality of life in Asheville.'
"According to Lael Gray, coordinator of the MNA’s I-26 Connector Working Group, the Montford position addresses not only the negative impacts of the four proposed alternates on the Montford neighborhood, but also raises concerns about quality of life and environmental impacts for Asheville as a whole.
"The Montford position presents a comprehensive statement of support for existing community development guidelines and goals, particularly those expressed in the Community Coordinating Committee report of 2000, which the Montford neighborhood insists are not fully met by any of the current proposals.
“ 'It’s important for Montford to weigh in on this issue since all of the plans will have a direct impact on our neighborhood,' said Gray. 'We want the community to know that the Department of Transportation has made changes to alternate 4B that we believe will have a devastating impact on the river and on the Montford neighborhood, including two large flyovers and an extensive six -lane double-decker highway immediately adjacent to the historic Riverside Cemetery. But we are equally concerned about the detrimental impacts of alternates 2, 3, and 4 on Asheville neighborhoods.'
“ 'This is not a ‘NIMBY’ response by Montford residents, advocating for the plan that has the least negative impact on us, but a statement of advocacy for the preservation of the quality of life in Asheville as a whole,' added Gray. 'We cannot endorse any of the alternates because ALL of the plans violate adopted community standards and put someone’s neighborhood at risk. The citizens of Asheville must stand together in unity and demand that all of our neighborhoods are protected.'
"In its report, the Montford Neighborhood Association demands compliance from the NCDOT with the Community Coordinating Committee’s project design goals for the I-26 connector project, adopted in 2000 with widespread community backing and support. The MNA wants assurance that the final plan for I-26 will meet the provisions of the Asheville City Development Plan 2025 and the NCDOT’s own 'Complete Streets' policy, and that it will not compromise or in any way interfere with implementation of the Wilma Dykeman Riverway Plan, which calls for creation of a comprehensive greenway network in Asheville.
"The MNA also wants action from City of Asheville staff, City Council members, and Buncombe County Commissioners.
“ 'Unfortunately, the Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Commissioners have yet to take adequate steps to ensure DOT compliance with community standards and projects, which they themselves endorsed and supported,' said Karen Kellow, an MNA officer. 'We are calling on City officials to take action immediately to protect the quality of life in Asheville that continues to be threatened by the I-26 connector project.' "
Even though it may not be planning to alter the landscape of North Buncombe, it would represent a major shift in daily commutes for many in this area. We hope when, or better yet if, the connector comes to fruition that North Buncombe's voice will be heard.
In the meantime, here is news from the Montford Neighborhood Association, a group adamantly opposed to the current plans of bringing the connector through a portion of downtown Asheville.
"The Montford Neighborhood Association (MNA) recently issued a detailed and scathing position statement in response to the NC Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) current plans for bringing the I-26 Connector through the center of downtown Asheville, a project that they say 'threatens the quality of life in Asheville.'
"According to Lael Gray, coordinator of the MNA’s I-26 Connector Working Group, the Montford position addresses not only the negative impacts of the four proposed alternates on the Montford neighborhood, but also raises concerns about quality of life and environmental impacts for Asheville as a whole.
"The Montford position presents a comprehensive statement of support for existing community development guidelines and goals, particularly those expressed in the Community Coordinating Committee report of 2000, which the Montford neighborhood insists are not fully met by any of the current proposals.
“ 'It’s important for Montford to weigh in on this issue since all of the plans will have a direct impact on our neighborhood,' said Gray. 'We want the community to know that the Department of Transportation has made changes to alternate 4B that we believe will have a devastating impact on the river and on the Montford neighborhood, including two large flyovers and an extensive six -lane double-decker highway immediately adjacent to the historic Riverside Cemetery. But we are equally concerned about the detrimental impacts of alternates 2, 3, and 4 on Asheville neighborhoods.'
“ 'This is not a ‘NIMBY’ response by Montford residents, advocating for the plan that has the least negative impact on us, but a statement of advocacy for the preservation of the quality of life in Asheville as a whole,' added Gray. 'We cannot endorse any of the alternates because ALL of the plans violate adopted community standards and put someone’s neighborhood at risk. The citizens of Asheville must stand together in unity and demand that all of our neighborhoods are protected.'
"In its report, the Montford Neighborhood Association demands compliance from the NCDOT with the Community Coordinating Committee’s project design goals for the I-26 connector project, adopted in 2000 with widespread community backing and support. The MNA wants assurance that the final plan for I-26 will meet the provisions of the Asheville City Development Plan 2025 and the NCDOT’s own 'Complete Streets' policy, and that it will not compromise or in any way interfere with implementation of the Wilma Dykeman Riverway Plan, which calls for creation of a comprehensive greenway network in Asheville.
"The MNA also wants action from City of Asheville staff, City Council members, and Buncombe County Commissioners.
“ 'Unfortunately, the Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Commissioners have yet to take adequate steps to ensure DOT compliance with community standards and projects, which they themselves endorsed and supported,' said Karen Kellow, an MNA officer. 'We are calling on City officials to take action immediately to protect the quality of life in Asheville that continues to be threatened by the I-26 connector project.' "
Friday, August 21, 2009
More on Slow Food Asheville
Slow Food Asheville with a release....
It’s Time for Lunch: Slow Food Asheville invites the community to join a potluck to find out about getting more Real Food into our Schools.
Asheville will be one of more than 200 communities hosting "Eat-Ins" on Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2009. Asheville’s Eat-In will be at Carrier Park Picnic Shelter, from 5:00 to 7:30 pm.
This is a grassroots effort to provide area citizens with information about school lunches – the progress being made by programs like Farm to School and what is needed to provide our community’s children with Real Food: food that tastes good, is good for them, is good for the people who grow and prepare it, and is good for the planet.
Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share (it’s a pot-luck), plates and forks for you and your family if you can (a limited number of compostable plates and utensils will be available) and maybe a picnic blanket on which to enjoy the event. There will be music, activities for children and lots of information on getting involved.
Eat-Ins are being planned all over the country to draw attention to the need for real, healthy food for the more than 30 million children who participate in the National School Lunch Program, part of the Child Nutrition Act that Congress will reauthorize later this year. Interest in healthy foods has been growing since Michelle Obama has started the White House garden.
Even if you can’t have a home garden this effort is a way to increase healthy foods in the community. The whole community is invited to come, enjoy a potluck, get information, and get involved in improving the food served to our community’s children.
It’s Time for Lunch: Slow Food Asheville invites the community to join a potluck to find out about getting more Real Food into our Schools.
Asheville will be one of more than 200 communities hosting "Eat-Ins" on Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2009. Asheville’s Eat-In will be at Carrier Park Picnic Shelter, from 5:00 to 7:30 pm.
This is a grassroots effort to provide area citizens with information about school lunches – the progress being made by programs like Farm to School and what is needed to provide our community’s children with Real Food: food that tastes good, is good for them, is good for the people who grow and prepare it, and is good for the planet.
Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share (it’s a pot-luck), plates and forks for you and your family if you can (a limited number of compostable plates and utensils will be available) and maybe a picnic blanket on which to enjoy the event. There will be music, activities for children and lots of information on getting involved.
Eat-Ins are being planned all over the country to draw attention to the need for real, healthy food for the more than 30 million children who participate in the National School Lunch Program, part of the Child Nutrition Act that Congress will reauthorize later this year. Interest in healthy foods has been growing since Michelle Obama has started the White House garden.
Even if you can’t have a home garden this effort is a way to increase healthy foods in the community. The whole community is invited to come, enjoy a potluck, get information, and get involved in improving the food served to our community’s children.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
ABC talk
The Woodfin ABC store reported record earnings for the month of July and expects another record for the month of August. Meanwhile, the construction on the Weaverville ABC store indicates it may be ready for business before the end of October. How will competition affect the two stores? We'll see...
Monday, August 17, 2009
Benefit trail ride for Kali Holderfield
A benefit trail ride/hike and cookout will be held Oct. 3 in Dupont Forest for Kali Holderfield, a 3-year-old Asheville girl whose family needs to cover medical costs to diagnose and treat her seizure attacks. A benefit was held last month at Weaverville Community Center for her family. For more information, call 828-206-7151 or 828-667-2001.
Need a job?
Looks promising... Here's the release
Liberty National to Sponsor “We’re Hiring” Event
August 19, Asheville, NC
Liberty National Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Torchmark Corporation (NYSE: TMK), headquartered in McKinney, Texas, announced it will hold a “We’re Hiring” event on Wednesday, August 19 in the Asheville area. Liberty National is in the most aggressive growth mode in the Company’s 109-year history and plans to hire more than 50 Agents in the Asheville area. This event is part of 125 events as Liberty National seeks to hire more than 2,500 Agents across the U.S. in one day.
August 19, Asheville, NC
Liberty National Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Torchmark Corporation (NYSE: TMK), headquartered in McKinney, Texas, announced it will hold a “We’re Hiring” event on Wednesday, August 19 in the Asheville area. Liberty National is in the most aggressive growth mode in the Company’s 109-year history and plans to hire more than 50 Agents in the Asheville area. This event is part of 125 events as Liberty National seeks to hire more than 2,500 Agents across the U.S. in one day.
When: Wednesday, August 19
Time: Interviews at 9 a.m., Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.
Where: Quality Inn, 1 Skyline Dr., Arden, NC, 28704
Hotel phone number: 828-684-6688
Why: Liberty National is seeking to appoint 50+ Sales Agents and Sales Management positions initially, with the possibility of additional growth in the future. The Company provides complete training and the opportunity for rapid advancement at every level.
More information: www.lnlcareers.com or call 828-645-9742
Where: Quality Inn, 1 Skyline Dr., Arden, NC, 28704
Hotel phone number: 828-684-6688
Why: Liberty National is seeking to appoint 50+ Sales Agents and Sales Management positions initially, with the possibility of additional growth in the future. The Company provides complete training and the opportunity for rapid advancement at every level.
More information: www.lnlcareers.com or call 828-645-9742
Keep on running
Just saw Weaverville resident Josey Weaver out for a morning jog. He recently came in first at the Sourwood 5K in Black Mountain, besting the field by more than 90 seconds. Results can be found here
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Beginning banjo, fiddle classes
Classes by local player Wayne Erbsen...Classes for total beginners in bluegrass banjo, clawhammer banjo, fiddle and mandolin will be offered at the Log Cabin Cooking & Music Center in Asheville starting Sept. 1. These first-timer classes will be taught by Wayne Erbsen, who has been teaching for over 40 years and guarantees he can teach anyone to play banjo, fiddle or mandolin.
Erbsen has authored 26 books on playing various musical instruments, is a music professor at Warren Wilson College, and is host of Asheville's Public Radio WCQS "Country Roots" radio program on Sunday evenings at 88.1 FM from 7 - 9 pm.
For registration, fees, instrument rental and additional information, call (828) 299-7031, or go to nativegroundmusic.com , or email banjo@nativeground.com.
The Log Cabin Cooking & Music Center is located in the Haw Creek area of East Asheville at 111 Bell Road, Asheville NC 28805.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Farm to school
Release from the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project...
"The Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act—important legislation regarding Farm to School programs that make local food, school gardens, and farm field trips available to children—is coming before Congress. Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), the Southeast Regional Lead Agency for Farm to School, is urging the public to advocate for mandatory funding for a Farm to School grant program.
"Farm to School programs are good for kids and their health. The programs are also good for schools, creating educational opportunities and increasing the number of children who buy school lunches. Furthermore, Farm to School benefits farmers and the community as a whole, providing farmers with new markets, and keeping dollars in the local economy. Find talking points, more reasons to support Farm to School, and links for contacting your legislators on ASAP’s blog, http://www.getlocalasap.blogspot.com/
"On Sept. 30, Congress will vote on funding for Farm to School programs. Farm to School has been authorized for, but never received, national funding. ASAP supports the allocation of $50 million over five years in mandatory funding for a Farm to School grant program (Section 122), administered by the USDA.
"Check www.growing-minds.org for updates, or contact Brook Thompson in the ASAP office at brook@asapconnections.org or 828-236-1282."
ASAP is a group dedicated to increasing access to fresh, healthy foods.
"The Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act—important legislation regarding Farm to School programs that make local food, school gardens, and farm field trips available to children—is coming before Congress. Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), the Southeast Regional Lead Agency for Farm to School, is urging the public to advocate for mandatory funding for a Farm to School grant program.
"Farm to School programs are good for kids and their health. The programs are also good for schools, creating educational opportunities and increasing the number of children who buy school lunches. Furthermore, Farm to School benefits farmers and the community as a whole, providing farmers with new markets, and keeping dollars in the local economy. Find talking points, more reasons to support Farm to School, and links for contacting your legislators on ASAP’s blog, http://www.getlocalasap.blogspot.com/
"On Sept. 30, Congress will vote on funding for Farm to School programs. Farm to School has been authorized for, but never received, national funding. ASAP supports the allocation of $50 million over five years in mandatory funding for a Farm to School grant program (Section 122), administered by the USDA.
"Check www.growing-minds.org for updates, or contact Brook Thompson in the ASAP office at brook@asapconnections.org or 828-236-1282."
ASAP is a group dedicated to increasing access to fresh, healthy foods.
Newly formed Big Ivy committee
Release from Big Ivy Community Center...
"The monthly BICC meeting at 7 pm on Monday (Aug. 10) will be a discussion about the newly formed Big Ivy Rural Preservation Society. The BICC group that has been discussing a vision for Big Ivy's future for the past 10 months is now officially the Big Ivy Rural Preservation Society. Our mission statement is 'to promote the preservation of farmland and other natural resources and enhance the quality of rural life in the Big Ivy community.' "
"The monthly BICC meeting at 7 pm on Monday (Aug. 10) will be a discussion about the newly formed Big Ivy Rural Preservation Society. The BICC group that has been discussing a vision for Big Ivy's future for the past 10 months is now officially the Big Ivy Rural Preservation Society. Our mission statement is 'to promote the preservation of farmland and other natural resources and enhance the quality of rural life in the Big Ivy community.' "
Friday, August 7, 2009
Health care discussion
"Health System Reform - What are the options?" will be presented by Karl Katterjohn, PA at the Aug. 16 meeting of the Ethical Society of Asheville, 2:00-3:30 at the Botanical Gardens Visitor Center, 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd. Mr. Katterjohn has over 35 years in healthcare education and delivery and has been involved on the federal level regarding maldistribution of health care services and reimbursement for healthcare. The discussion period following Mr. Katterjohn's presentation will be lead by Kathryn Liss. Following the meeting, there will be time for informal conversation. All are welcome! For more information contact: asheville@aeu.org, www.aeu.org or 687-7759.
The Ethical Society of Asheville states it "is a humanist, educational, philosophical, non-theistic alternative to traditional religions. It is affiliated with the American Ethical Union, which is affiliated with the American Humanist Association and the International Humanist and Ethical Union. Members are inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is working to create a more humane society."
The Ethical Society of Asheville states it "is a humanist, educational, philosophical, non-theistic alternative to traditional religions. It is affiliated with the American Ethical Union, which is affiliated with the American Humanist Association and the International Humanist and Ethical Union. Members are inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is working to create a more humane society."
Mayor, town recognized by state
The Town of Weaverville and its mayor Bett Stroud have been recognized by the N.C. Division of Forest Resources. The town was given the Tree City of the Year award and the mayor was awarded the lifetime acheivement award. You can read more about here at the NCDFR Web site.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Local nature events
Release of events from Wild Birds Unlimited
Sat August 8 - Jackson Park Birdwalk, Jackson Park, Hendersonville, 8 am, No charge
Sat August 8 - Butterflying at Harmon's Den with Carolina Field Birders; Leaders: Gail Lankford and Janie Owens; Meet at 9 am at Pilot Gas Station, Exit 24 off I-40; car-pooling from there
Sat. August 8 - "Meet the Artists" at the Asheville WBU”- Join painter Lisa Walraven and photographer Todd Arcos and learn about their skills in painting and photography. 3 pm
Sat August 8 - Introduction to fishing on the Rocky Broad River in Chimney Rock Park 3pm
Sat August 8 -Know your trees guided hike at Chimney Rock Park 9-11 am; Learn how to recognize trees and shrubs at a glance. Participants will see at least 30 different trees amid this easy 2-hour woodland excursion.
Tues August 11 - Coffee Morning at Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited: 9 -11 am; Come and taste our bird –friendly shade-grown coffees plus enjoy some of Chris’s home made cookies.
Thursday August 13 - Transylvania County Butterfly Count; Meet in front of the Bi- Lo Grocery Store at the intersection of US 64, 276, and NC 280 (Forest Gate Shopping Center) in Brevard at 9 am.
Fri August 14 - Habitat for the Birds- Program at Infinity Investment in Arden 10:30 am; Providing homes and water are sure ways to bring birds to your property.
Sat August 15 - Birdwalk at The Orchard, Altapass, Mitchell County 8 am; Meet at the Loops Overlook, Milepost 328 on BRP
Sat August 15 - Beaver Lake Work Day 8 am -12 (rain date is August 16)
Tues August 18 - “Birding- Near and Far” - Arboretum Bird Lecture Series with Simon Thompson
Sat August 22 - Birds of Prey Soar at WBU: 11 am at the store; Join Raptor specialist Doris Mager for a spectacular insight into birds of prey, including live birds.
Sat August 22 - Birdwalk at The Orchard, Altapass, Mitchell County 8 am
Tues August 25 - Coffee Morning at Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited: 9 -11 am; Come and taste our bird –friendly shade-grown coffees plus enjoy some of Chris’s home made cookies.
Sat August 29 - Birdwalk at The Orchard, Altapass, Mitchell County; 8 am
To get to the Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited: From downtown Asheville and north:
Head south through town on US 25, continue south past Biltmore Village, continue past Skyland PO on left. We are on right side of road- opposite Don Papa’s Mexican Restaurant, 2 blocks north of Long Shoals Road - #1997
For more information on any of the above activities, please call Wild Birds Unlimted at 687-9433 for details or check out the Web site asheville.wbu.com
Sat August 8 - Jackson Park Birdwalk, Jackson Park, Hendersonville, 8 am, No charge
Sat August 8 - Butterflying at Harmon's Den with Carolina Field Birders; Leaders: Gail Lankford and Janie Owens; Meet at 9 am at Pilot Gas Station, Exit 24 off I-40; car-pooling from there
Sat. August 8 - "Meet the Artists" at the Asheville WBU”- Join painter Lisa Walraven and photographer Todd Arcos and learn about their skills in painting and photography. 3 pm
Sat August 8 - Introduction to fishing on the Rocky Broad River in Chimney Rock Park 3pm
Sat August 8 -Know your trees guided hike at Chimney Rock Park 9-11 am; Learn how to recognize trees and shrubs at a glance. Participants will see at least 30 different trees amid this easy 2-hour woodland excursion.
Tues August 11 - Coffee Morning at Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited: 9 -11 am; Come and taste our bird –friendly shade-grown coffees plus enjoy some of Chris’s home made cookies.
Thursday August 13 - Transylvania County Butterfly Count; Meet in front of the Bi- Lo Grocery Store at the intersection of US 64, 276, and NC 280 (Forest Gate Shopping Center) in Brevard at 9 am.
Fri August 14 - Habitat for the Birds- Program at Infinity Investment in Arden 10:30 am; Providing homes and water are sure ways to bring birds to your property.
Sat August 15 - Birdwalk at The Orchard, Altapass, Mitchell County 8 am; Meet at the Loops Overlook, Milepost 328 on BRP
Sat August 15 - Beaver Lake Work Day 8 am -12 (rain date is August 16)
Tues August 18 - “Birding- Near and Far” - Arboretum Bird Lecture Series with Simon Thompson
Sat August 22 - Birds of Prey Soar at WBU: 11 am at the store; Join Raptor specialist Doris Mager for a spectacular insight into birds of prey, including live birds.
Sat August 22 - Birdwalk at The Orchard, Altapass, Mitchell County 8 am
Tues August 25 - Coffee Morning at Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited: 9 -11 am; Come and taste our bird –friendly shade-grown coffees plus enjoy some of Chris’s home made cookies.
Sat August 29 - Birdwalk at The Orchard, Altapass, Mitchell County; 8 am
To get to the Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited: From downtown Asheville and north:
Head south through town on US 25, continue south past Biltmore Village, continue past Skyland PO on left. We are on right side of road- opposite Don Papa’s Mexican Restaurant, 2 blocks north of Long Shoals Road - #1997
For more information on any of the above activities, please call Wild Birds Unlimted at 687-9433 for details or check out the Web site asheville.wbu.com
Monday, August 3, 2009
Let it begin
With so many North Buncombe political candidates running un-opposed this year (Woodfin mayor, Weaverville mayor, Woodfin aldermen), the 2009 race has gotten off to a rather slow start.
Candidate for the Weaverville Town Council Doug Dearth has unveiled a Web site to kick start the election season.
It can be found here
Candidate for the Weaverville Town Council Doug Dearth has unveiled a Web site to kick start the election season.
It can be found here
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