Weaverville Library, along with all branches of the Buncombe County library system, will be giving out one free reusable shopping bag per person (while supplies last) beginning Tuesday, July 1. Additional bags will also be available to purchase for $1 each.  The library is doing this in an effort to encourage people to use reusable shopping bags.

Every year the average citizen goes through 6 plastic bags per week or 312 per year. That may not sound like much, but when multiplied by the number of Buncombe County citizens that’s a potential of 1,260,000 bags per week. The cost of disposing of these bags in the landfill is about 17¢ each, and as you can imagine, that cost adds up. By using just one reusable bag for a year, the average household would save the disposal of 20 pounds of garbage in our landfill.  If you multiple that by the number of households in the County, the potential savings is 600,000 pounds of trash a year.

The cost of recycling plastic bags so outweighs their value that most recycling facilities will not take them - leading to more and more being thrown into the landfill. Thanks to their light weight, plastic bags are the debris most likely to fly away from landfills and garbage trucks, settling in trees, storm drains and road sides.

Lots of events this month at the Weaverville Library, including more events from the 2008 Summer Book Reading Program.  For more information about any event, contact the library at 250-6482.  It’s located at 41 North Main Street.

Weaverville PM Book Club: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Tuesday, July 1, 7 p.m.
The book to be discussed is “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon. All interested readers are welcome to attend.

Weaverville AM Book Club: Water for Elephants
Wednesday, July 2, 12:30 p.m.
The book to be discussed is “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen. All interested readers are welcome to attend.

Chicken Hollow String Band
Thursday, July 3, 11 a.m.
Come be a part of all the fun as we welcome back our local friends the Chicken Hollow String Band! Enjoy old time music, dancing, an interactive puppet show and much more! It will be a knee-slapping and clapping good time! Free ticket required, please pick up your ticket at the library prior to the program.

Bedbug Storytime
Tuesday, July 8, 7 p.m.
Come to an evening storytime featuring some of our favorite bedtime stories and lullabies. Feel free to wear your pajamas and bring your teddy bear!

Miss Spider’s Tea Party
Thursday, July 10, 11 a.m.
It’s time for tea with Miss Spider and all of her friends! Come for stories, songs and a lovely library tea party! Free ticket required, please pick up your ticket at the library prior to the program.

Metamorphosis At Your Library
Thursday, July 10, 4 p.m.
Calling all teens! Mark your calendars, there’s a special event just for YOU! Stay tuned for details.

Bug Garden Stepping Stones
Thursday, July 17, 11 a.m.
Learn how to make and decorate your own personal stepping stone for your garden! Join us for a very special buggy craft time outside on the patio and don’t forget your bug spray! Parental assistance is encouraged for this project. Free ticket required, please pick up your ticket at the library prior to the program.

“Microcosmos” Family Movie Matinee
Friday, July 18, 4 p.m.
Galloping Grasshoppers! It’s Jurassic Park in your own backyard! Don’t miss this fascinating up-close look at real live bugs and the world they live in. Popcorn and bug juice served.

Rags to Riches Theatre Troupe
Thursday, July 24, 11 a.m.
Don’t miss the Rags to Riches travelling theatre troupe, entertaining the young and young at heart with stories pulled from history, literature and fantasy. Come enjoy a show full of music, laughter, improvisation and audience participation! Free ticket required, please pick up your ticket at the library prior to the program.

Book Sales
Friends of the Weaverville Library host the Wednesday Book Sale on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays of every month. The sales take place 1-3 p.m. in the lower level of the Weaverville Library.

Matt cheated and posted July’s “Other Side of the Mountain” menu at Blue Mountain Pizza a few days early.   As always, the dinner requires an advance reservation, which is accepted on a first-emailed, first-served basis.  For more information or to reserve your table, visit the Monday Dinners page of their website (the reservation form is at the bottom of the page). The dinner costs $45 per person, excluding drinks, tax, and gratuity.

Here’s the menu for the July dinner, which will be held on July 21:

In celebration of summer our chef has decided to offer a dinner focused on a tropical theme. We hope you enjoy

The Other Side of the Mountain Menu
July 21, 2008
Seating between 6:30 to 7 pm
Music provided by Luke Wood, Soloist, inspired by Jazz and Classical guitar

Appetizer
Sautéed blue crab claws in an eggplant canoe.

Salad
Arugula, avocado, hearts of palm, and pistachio nuts with lemon ginger vinaigrette.

Entrée
Freshest catch crusted with macadamia nuts and topped with a tropical salsa, served over sweet potato cake and Swiss chard.
           Or
Jerk chicken with coconut and pineapple rice, cilantro and lime black beans, and fried plantains.

Dessert
Kiwi and Strawberry Parfait.
 

Free Wi-Fi at the Library
All Buncombe County libraries are now offering free wi-fi for library card holders. I haven’t personally tried it out yet, but I’m told the connection is very slow.

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Sales and Specials
Now’s a great time to buy plants: The Garden Station continues its 1/2 off sale on their remaining stock of annuals and hanging baskets, and Reems Creek Valley Nursery is advertising 25% off all plants June 27-July 3.

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New Websites
Recently added to the Links Directory:

• Adams Laufer’s Yoga & Body Enlightenment
• Dry Ridge Plumbing
• Smoke Free Dining in Weaverville
• Sundance Power Systems

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Shout Out
to Ken & Tammy at 96.5 WOXL and not just because I won a free lunch from them. It’s always cool to find out someone you’re a fan of is also a fan of yours. Brad & Angelina — are you out there?

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I’ll be helping out at The Garden Station this Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, so stop by and say Hi. And as always, have a great weekend!

The start of this is just minutes away, at 11 a.m., continuing through the afternoon:

The Weaverville branch of HomeTrust Bank will be grilling hot dogs today (Friday, June 27) at their North Main Street location. The cookout is free, in appreciation of their customers and the Weaverville community.

Headlines from the June 26-July 2 edition of the Weaverville Tribune:

Fire Destroys Abandoned House
Tuesday night blaze destroys house on Monticello Road

Police Bust Meth Lab
Church Street man arrested on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine

Church Remodels Home, Life
Members of North Asheville Baptist Church stage their own version of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Commentary
Thanks for the past five years

Water Board Eyes Future Finances
Study of Woodfin water customers offers suggestions for better service and conservation

Letter to the Editor
Central Avenue eyesore

Country Roads Take Tour to Weaverville
Great American Country Tour Bus stops in Weaverville

Blackhawk Athletes Populate WNC Teams
22 athletes named to All-WNC Team

No One Hurt in Freeway Accident
Wednesday morning accident on I-26 causes traffic backup, but no injuries

North Buncombe Hero
All the educators at North Buncombe County schools

America’s Home Place Holds ‘Muddy Boots Opening’
Open house showcase was held June 21

Piano Teacher Encourages Natural Learning Styles
Weaverville’s Nancy Lewis offers traditional, Suzuki method piano lessons

Hobby Weaves Into Career
Patti Quinn Hill realizes passion for basket-making

Local Printer Gets Facelift
Vivid Image, formerly Auten Printing, goes high-definition

Buy Locally
Weaverville Lawn & Tractor
Ace Hardware

Fun, Food at Big Ivy Tailgate Market
Barnardsville market features local produce, crafts, and monthly special events

What’s Cooking in the Kitchen?
Recipes from “Uncle Sam”: Independence Burgers, Firecracker Baked Beans, Patriotic Parfaits, Country Vanilla Ice Cream, American Flag Cake, Family Favorite Potato Salad, Texas Caviar

Walk With Ease Program
Six-week regional study for individuals with arthritis, joint pain and stiffness starts July 7

Firecracker 5K in Weaverville
Kiwanis Club of North Buncombe hosts the 15th Annual 5k run

HomeTrust Bank Grills for Customers
Free hot dogs beginning at 11 a.m. on June 27

Developers, Town Break Ground on Village
Official groundbreaking ceremony held for Reynolds Village

Subway to be Added at Northridge Commons
Development gets third business, to be located inside Wal-Mart

Atkinsons Celebrate 25th Anniversary
Congratulations to David and Marcia, married 25 years June 18

Multiple Charges
Weaverville man arrested on charges of rape and drug delivery

I mentioned last week that July’s contest was going to be a little bit bigger than usual in honor of the one-year anniversary of the site. By bigger, I mean next month there will be not one, but two $250+ prize packages to give away, mostly gift certificates to local businesses. Check back July 1 for all the details, including exactly what you can win. In the meantime, you can still enter the June contest and take home $50 worth of gift certificates. Previous winners, by the way, will still be eligible for the July contest (the only people who won’t be eligible are family members — sorry Mom!).

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Business owners — If you haven’t heard from me yet about the contest and you want to be a part of it, here’s what I’m doing. Donate two (2) $10 gift certificates or prizes and I’ll give you one month of free advertising on the site (small banner ad for the month of July). Donate two (2) $20 gift certificates or prizes, you get two free months. Interested? Contact me at 768-8566.

Certified as a Wildlife Habitat that is. The Weaverville Wildlife Habitat project has a goal of certifying 51 Weaverville homes as wildlife habitats. The Habitat Team was recently informed by the National Wildlife Federation that they have reached the halfway point towards that goal with 26 homes now certified. In addition, all three of our local Bed & Breakfasts (Secret Garden, Inn on Main Street, and Dry Ridge Inn) are now certified. For further information check out the project website, www.myweaverville.com/weavervillewildlifehabitat

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services will offer swimming lessons July 14-24 at North Buncombe Park Pool:

Registration will be poolside on July 7 at 12 noon. Classes will be Monday - Thursday at the following times:

• 10-10:45 a.m. - Levels 1, 2 and 3
• 11-11:45 a.m. - Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
• 11-11:30 a.m. - Preschool Class for 3 & 4 year olds
• 6-6:45 p.m. - Levels 1, 2 and 3

These lessons are for children, but adults are allowed in with their child. The cost is $25 per person for a session of eight of classes. A $2.00 discount will be offered for families that have two or more family members enrolled. You must register and pay at the North Buncombe Park Pool. It’s located at 892 Clark’s Chapel Road. The phone number is 645-1080.

I’m told they do not have adult lessons but if they have enough interest they would consider adding a class. Private lessons are also available, for adults or children, at $15 for a 30-minute session.

About Each Level

Level 1 is the beginning of a swimming program. They will learn to blow bubbles, become comfortable putting their faces in the water, and begin to float face down (prone float).

Level 2 — they begin to add the flutter kick and float on their backs as well as learn the front crawl arms.

Level 3 — they begin to learn the back crawl and rhythmic breathing and are introduced to the butterfly kick and elementary backstroke kick.

Level 4 — they begin to improve front crawl and back crawl as well as learn the elementary backstroke, sidestroke, and butterfly arms. They also being to work more on diving.

Level 5 — they learn and improve all the strokes plus work on diving, starts and turns.

Level 6 is a continuation of all and they really begin to swim laps and learn rescue breathing and many other skills.

In each of the levels safety tips are also taught.

Pre-School class is a water acclamation class getting the younger children used to being in the water with someone else besides their parent or guardian.

She’s not quite in Weaverville (yet), but a Woodland Hills resident wanted to invite all Weaverville homeschooling families to this newly formed meet-up group for the Asheville area. Here’s the information:

HENA, Home Education Network of Asheville
This soon to be non-profit group is dedicated to bringing opportunity to Asheville area home educated children. This includes and is not limited to unschoolers, homeschoolers, part-time homeschoolers, and other alternatively educated children.

Our mission is to encourage children to use their inner guidance and thrill for fun to be the fuel for lifelong learning. HENA will be a learning community for academic and social enrichment with resources that inspire and support self-directed, lifelong learning. HENA will be a collaboration between the children, parents and the community that offers classes, demonstrations, service, field trips and MORE:

• More community spirit for the children.
• More diverse subjects lead by people who are passionate about learning.
• More affordable group learning opportunities.
• More free time with our children.

As well as offering LESS:

• Less hassle finding exciting and enriching educational opportunities.
• Less money out of pocket.
• Less time in the car running from class to class.
• Less time spent arranging group activities

HENA compliments and strengthens self-directed, family-centered learning, by offering an affordable community aspect to home schooling. It also provides group educational opportunities across many different fields that are lead by adults and children who are passionate about what they are presenting. All life long learners ask questions. The more diverse the questions that are asked, the more diverse the learning experience. HENA brings together those that have questions with those who can help answer in various subjects; including but not limited to mathematics, art, science, theater, technology, music, movement, writing, and more.

This group is still forming. Come and be a part of something big. Share your talents and ideas; join us at our first meeting. Contact 828-348-0816. Or visit http://homeschool.meetup.com/780

from the Governor’s office:

Gov. Mike Easley announced that state and local law enforcement officers will increase their presence during the Fourth of July holiday as part of the Booze It & Lose It: “Operation Firecracker” campaign. Checkpoints and stepped-up patrols will be conducted from Friday, June 27, through Sunday, July 6, across the state in an effort to remove impaired drivers from the roads.

“Law enforcement officers will be out in force, sending a strong message to motorists that drinking and driving will not be tolerated,” Easley said. “The Fourth of July holiday is one of the deadliest for highway travel and we want people to be safe by celebrating responsibly.”

Last year, 60 North Carolina motorists were involved in fatal traffic crashes during the Independence Day holiday week. Twenty-one of those fatalities were alcohol-related. Alcohol-related crashes also accounted for 411 injuries in the state during the same week in 2007.

Officers charged more than 2,100 North Carolina motorists with driving while impaired during the 2007 Booze It & Lose It:” Operation Firecracker” campaign. More than 6,173 stepped-up patrols and checkpoints were held.

For more information regarding Booze It & Lose It campaigns or for citation totals, visit the Governor’s Highway Safety Program web site.

In other words, don’t drink and drive.

MegaVote is provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking your elected officials most recent and upcoming votes.

Recent Senate Votes

Cloture Motion; Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 Vote Rejected (52-44, 4 Not Voting) The Senate again failed to reach the 60 votes necessary to proceed to debate on this bill that extends a series of tax provisions. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Elizabeth Dole voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Overriding the Veto of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 Vote Passed (80-14, 6 Not Voting) The Senate again voted to override the President’s veto of the farm bill, as a second veto was necessary because of a print error in the first version of the bill sent to the President. Sen. Richard Burr voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Elizabeth Dole voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Overriding the Veto of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 Vote Passed (317-109, 8 Not Voting) The House voted to override the President’s veto of the farm bill again, as a second veto was necessary due to a print error in the first version of the bill sent to the President. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 Vote Passed (409-15, 9 Not Voting) The House passed this bill to expand NASA operations and set the agency’s budget for the next fiscal year. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act Vote Passed (278-146, 10 Not Voting) The House voted to provide four weeks of paid parental leave to federal employees who adopt or give birth to a child. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 Vote Passed (268-155, 12 Not Voting) The House approved this $165.4 billion bill to fund the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq through FY2008 and the beginning of FY2009. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio FISA Amendments Act of 2008 Vote Passed (293-129, 13 Not Voting) The House passed this intelligence bill that would revise U.S. surveillance laws. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

FISA Amendments Act of 2008 - H.R.6304 The Senate will vote on this intelligence bill that would rewrite the nation’s surveillance laws. Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 - H.R.3221 The Senate is likely to vote on this housing-stimulus bill. The Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - H.R.6275 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill intended to provide individuals with temporary relief from the alternative minimum tax. ADA Restoration Act - H.R.3195 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill intended to restore the intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008 - H.R.6052 The House is likely to vote on this bill that would promote increased public transportation use and increased use of alternative fuels by public transportation systems.

Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Store is hosting an Anti-Aging Wine Tasting 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 28. For more information call Maggie B’s at 645-1111.  They’re located at 113 North Main Street.

A recent article in The New York Times showed in some studies that a couple of glasses of red wine a day helps with aging. We are going to honor this study by tasting all red wines this week!

Come taste the fountain of youth!

Buncombe County Election Services reminds me that tomorrow (Tuesday, June 24) is the day for the Second Primary for the Democratic Party race for North Carolina Commissioner of Labor.

The primary takes place Tuesday, June 24 and all of Buncombe’s voting precincts will be open. The polls will be open 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

All Democrats are eligible to vote in this election. All unaffiliated voters who voted a Democratic ballot in the First Primary are also eligible. All unaffiliated voters who did not vote are eligible. Registered Republicans and unaffiliated voters who chose a Republican ballot or a nonpartisan ballot in the First Primary are not eligible.

Want to know what the Commissioner of Labor is responsible for? Read this Citizen-Times article with info on the race and the candidates. You can also download a Sample Ballot.

For information contact the Buncombe County Board of Elections at 250-4200.

Reems Creek Valley Nursery & Landscaping is hosting a Water Gardening Seminar Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m.  Details from the Reems Creek Nursery website:

Water Gardening Seminar with Marc Montell
Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m.
It’s relaxing to hear the sound of water, see papyrus swaying in the breeze, and enjoy colorful koi enlivening your landscape. Marc Montell, our water gardening expert, will help you envision your own water feature while discussing year-round care of ponds, fish, and water plants. He will include design considerations (like plant selection) and water gardening through the seasons. On the practical side, he will demystify pond care products and pond maintenance devices. Free, but please pre-register at the nursery or call 645-3937.

Reems Creek Valley Nursery is located at 70 Monticello Road.