The 8th Annual Pig Picking at Reems Creek-Beech Presbyterian Church (4 Sugar Cove Road ) takes place 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, October 4.  More info:

An adult plate costs $9; a child plate costs $5. Each meal includes chopped barbeque with sauce, slaw, baked beans, potato salad, rolls, hushpuppies, dessert and drink. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the church at 658-3568. Take-out will also be available.

Music will be provided by Mark Clevenger, Harold Hollifield, and Jerry Sutton. The event will also include a silent auction featuring locally hand-crafted items.

Proceeds will benefit the Weaverville Senior Meal Site, and the new education building campaign for the Reems Creek-Beech Presbyterian Church.  The meal site, sponsored by Buncombe County’s Council on Aging, offers independence to seniors in Buncombe County through a free lunch service, exercise and activities. The program is free.

Lake Louise will play host to the “Mamas for Obama” Picnic 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, October 4.  All Obama supporters are invited to attend.  Here’s the official release about the event:

Several Asheville and Weaverville Mamas for Obama will sponsor a picnic on Saturday, October 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lake Louise Park and Playground on Merrimon Avenue in Weaverville. All Obama supporters are invited to come and bring their own picnics. There will be prizes for the best Obama Mama and the best decorated stroller, according to Michelle Seeger of Weaverville, who volunteered to head the event.

Although it’s called a ‘Mamas for Obama’ picnic, Seeger said it really is for papas for Obama as well. “In fact, it is for everyone who is for Obama.”

Seeger said the picnic would be a family-friendly event with fun things for kids to do.  Holly Jones, who is running for Buncombe County commissioner and David Gantt, who is running for Chairman of the Buncombe County Commission, are scheduled to give a brief speeches.

Update:  I’ve been told Akira Satake will be providing music during the picnic, and Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen will also be speaking.  It should also be noted Barack Obama will be in Asheville Sunday.  Though not expected, organizers say they can “dream big” about a surprise visit.

Christ United Methodist Church (81 Garrison Branch Road ) will host a healing prayer service 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 4. Everyone is invited to come to the church for the full hour, or any time during the hour, for a time of prayer and healing.  For information contact 645-5785.

Fall Pumpkin Sale at Hamburg Valley Farms, located on the corner of Hamburg Mountain and Reems Creek Roads. They have some as small as tennis balls, plus a few that looked almost as big as my car’s tires! They’ll be open through Halloween.  Hours are Monday-Friday, 4-8 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m, and Sundays, Noon- 6 p.m.

Rumors are swirling that Lowe’s will be opening this year, but I don’t yet have any official confirmation of that. Work on the Lowe’s building has certainly been ramped up in the last few weeks — it’s hard to believe construction began just a month ago.

More Northridge Commons construction photos here.

Headlines from the September 25-October 1, 2008 issue of the Weaverville Tribune:

Area Gas Crunch Continues
Supplies run out as quickly as they come in

Deputies Charge Three With Larceny
Two Weaverville residents among the three charged with breaking into a home

ASU Senior Receives Scholarship
Daughter of Weaverville residents awarded scholarship at Appalachian State University

Healing Prayer at Christ United
Service to be held October 4

Stockton Becomes Newest Officer
Woodfin Police Department welcomes new officer

New Inclement Weather Vehicle
A recent purchase by the Woodfin Police Department

Commentary
Don’t Talk About Something You ‘Ain’t’ Got!

Scholar/Athlete of the Week
NBHS Sophomore Jessa Vogel

McKinneys Celebrate 50 Years
Jerry and Betty McKinney celebrated 50th Wedding Anniversary September 6

Big Ivy Book Notes
News from the Book Ivy Book Club

North Buncombe Hero
Rex Harwood of the Barnardsville Fire Department

Heritage Day in Big Ivy
Annual Heritage Day scheduled for October 4

Coaches Corner
NBMS Volleyball

Artists Turn Out for Art in Autumn
100 artists participated in the second year of the festival

Harwood Aims To ‘Get Back to the Basics’
Political profile: Eddie Harwood

Optimists Name Fourth Buncombe County Club
Optimist International sets up new chapter in Woodfin

Blackhawks Rebound, Roll Past Maroon Devils
North Buncombe Varsity Football thumps Swain County 47-7

What’s Cooking in the Kitchen
Recipes from Unice Roberts: Cranberry Salad, Broccoli Casserole, Crab Meat Souffle, Oatmeal Cookies, Congo Squares, Chocolate Gravy

Five Species Added to Recognition Program
Five fish added to North Carolina Angler Recognition Program

Reems Creek-Beech Presbyterian Pig Picking
Annual pig picking and singing scheduled for October 4

Buy Locally
Weaverville Pet Pantry

White, Hightower Marry
Whitney Stewart Hightower and Joshua Robert White married

Nisbeth, Brown Marry
Benjamin Nisbeth and Brandie Brown married

Kiwanis Club Honors Supporters
North Buncombe Kiwanis Club honors Gold Club donors

Cops for Kids Bike Run
Annual Bike Run/Toy Drive Kickoff schedule for October 11

Weaver to Sign Latest Book
Weaverville native will sign copies of his latest book at the Dry Ridge Museum October 11

Cafeteria Adds More Fruits, Veggies
Barnardsville Elementary School cafeteria gets grant to add more fruits and vegetables to its school menu

Handyman Ready to ‘Do It All’
Chris Lawson runs Lawson’s Handyman & Construction

RiverSculpture Opens This Weekend
The 3rd Annual sculpture festival opens for the first time in Woodfin

Freshman Collaborates on Book
Mars Hill freshman collaborates on book: Asheville’s River Arts District

Morgan’s Movie Review for Kids
Nim’s Island

‘The Grapes of Wrath’ Headline October Library Events
October events and book club meetings at the Weaverville Library

North Buncombe Elementary School’s (251 Flat Creek Church Road  ) Fall Festival is scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2008, from 5-9 p.m. at the school.  The annual fundraiser will feature entertainment, inflatables, booths/games, cake walk, funnel cakes, cotton candy, popcorn, hamburgers, corn-dogs, face painting, a demolition car, and more.  Admission is free.

Along with selling tickets for food and rides, they will also be selling raffle tickets for some great gift baskets and a 50/50 raffle (where the winner gets half the money collected). Raffle tickets are $1 each.  Here’s a sample of the some of the gift baskets they’ll be giving away:

What’s Cooking Basket: Tickets To Ghost Town, Fruit Peeler, Chocolate Chip & Pecan Pound Cake, Egg Separator, Asheville Tourist Tickets, Kitchen Timer, “Ove” Gloves, Can Colander, Pot Holder, Whisk, Ice Cream Scoop, $10 Gift Certificate To Atlanta Bread, Bowl Scraper, Kitchen Towel Bar, $10 Gift Certificate To Ace Hardware, Cookie Cutter, 3 Fall Hand Towels, Wooden Spoon Set, Set Of 3 Mixing Spoons, (2) 3 Pack Kitchen Towel Sets, Haunted Ghost Tours 4 Tickets, Milk Chocolate Turtles, Taper Candles, 2 Free Softplay Passes At Fun Depot, Nascar Cake Decorations, Hickory Farms Cheese Spread, White & Milk Chocolate Mousse Mixes, Butter Crock, Glass Cookie Stamps, Brownie & Appetizer Cookbooks, Hydrangea Serving Bowl, Apple Hand Towel, Hot Chocolate, Corkscrew, Sweet N Sour Marinade, Sunflower Kitchen Set, Bag Clips, Salad & Metal Tongs, Can Opener, Spatula, Basting & Slotted Spoon, Ketchup & Mustard Container, 2 Pc. Meatloaf Pan Set, Measuring Cups & Spoons, Cakes By Jane Gift Certificate, Cooling Eye Patches, Apron, Pizza Cutter

Rest & Relaxation Basket: Tickets To Lazy 5 Ranch, Bath Salts, Cooling Eye-patches, Lip Balm, Am/Fm Radio Headset, $10 Gift Certificate Atlanta Bread, Candles, Hot Chocolate, Potpourri Sachets, Gloves For Moisture Therapy With Repair Lotion, Loofah Pad, Nivea Lotion, Cakes By Jane Gift Certificate, Avon Naturals – Vanilla Shower Gel, Body Mist, & Lotion, Organic Bar Soap, 2 Body Butter, Aroma Flakes Bath Confetti, Bubble Bath, Rain Drops Bath Set, Pineapple Shower Gel, Strawberry Swirl Bath Set, Pumice Stone And Brush, Bath Sponges, Bioessence Soap Collection, Vanilla Bath Crystals, Long Handle Bath Brush, Bath Beads, Aromatherapy Body Wash, Scrub, & Lotion, Revlon Facial Sauna, Manicure Set, Vanilla Sugar Bath Set, Scarf, Red Sequin Compact, Haunted Ghost Tours 4 Tickets, Island Tropics Bath Set, Cherry Blossom Bath Set, Save Your Sole Skin Care, Tranquility Fountain, Herb Tea, Hershey’s Choc-Mint Sticks, 25% Off At The Sunroom

Outdoor Adventure Basket: Tickets To NC State Zoo, Black Dome Thermos, Black Dome Water Bottle, Horseback Riding Lessons & T-Shirt, Am/Fm Radio Headset, Magnetic Basketball Decal, Cakes By Jane Gift Certificate, Potpourri Sachets, General Equipment Rental Ball Cap, Outdoor Plastic Playset, Haunted Ghost Tours 4 Tickets, Disney Princess Rod & Reel, Radio Control Sea Racer, 2 Free Passes For Climbing Wall @ Fun Depot, Survival Wrap, Portable Dog Food & Water Bowl, Coleman Duffel Bag, Set Of 3 Citronella Candles, Liberty Bicycles Youth Helmet & Flasher, $20 Gift Certificate Jimmy’s Automotive, $20 Gift Certificate Weaverville Drug, $25 Walmart Gift Card, Horseshoe Play Set, Chocolate Chip & Pecan Pound Cake, Hot Chocolate, $25 Gift Certificate Flat Rock Grille, $10 Gift Certificate Atlanta Bread, Pier 1 Umbrella

Other gift baskets to be raffled include a Teachers Survival Basket, Night Out Basket, Home & Garden Basket, Family Fun Basket, Dad’s Delight Basket, and an Arts & Crafts Basket.

Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Store (113 North Main Street ) hosts their free weekly wine tasting 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, September 26. This week’s tasting features Argentinean wines:

Argentinean Wine Tasting
Friday, September 26
5:30-7:30

We will be tasting:
Buenas Ondas Syrah Rose
Picras Negras Torrontes
Vinecol Tempranillo
Picras Negras Cabernet Sauvignon

All of which are organic!

Note: We will be closing at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 27.

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is sent via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s this week’s edition for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District:

Recent Senate Votes

National Defense Authorization Act Vote Passed (88-8, 4 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill that authorizes defense spending, including a 3.9% pay raise for those serving in the military. 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

Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act Vote Passed (236-189, 9 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that seeks to reduce foreign oil dependence and enhance national security through clean and renewable alternative technologies. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio National Capital Security and Safety Act Vote Passed (266-152, 1 Present, 14 Not Voting) The House passed this bill to require the District of Columbia Council to widen the rights of gun ownership to its residents. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act Vote Passed (283-133, 17 Not Voting) The House passed a bill requiring the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to subject the overseas trading of US energy and agricultural commodities to the same regulations and reporting requirements which domestic trades are subjected. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio No Child Left Inside Act of 2008 Vote Passed (293-109, 31 Not Voting) This bill to improve environmental education programs passed the House on Thursday. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 - H.R.6049 The Senate is scheduled to take up this bill to extend temporary tax provisions that expired at the end of 2007. Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008 - H.R.5244 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill intended to establish fair and transparent practices relating to the extension of credit. Making continuing appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2009 - H.J.Res.____ The House is also likely to work on a continuing resolution to fund government operations for fiscal year 2009.

Drivers fueled up at the Exxon station on Reems Creek Road Tuesday morning. The Weaverville Tribune Blog is reporting the station was out of gas before 1 p.m., despite limiting the amount drivers could purchase at one time. Gas remains in short supply in the region, with reports of none to be found in Weaverville as of Tuesday afternoon.  Some analysts are saying the shortages in the area “should disappear in the next week, once the Gulf Coast refineries resume normal production levels.” I don’t know who these analysts are, but let’s hope they’re right.

In the meantime, the Citizen-Times is maintaining a list of stations which have gas, based on reader input.

The Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at Christ Love Preschool (81 Garrison Branch Road ) will be held Saturday, September 27, 2008.  Pancakes, bacon or sausage, juice, milk, coffee, or tea will be available from 7:30-10 a.m.  Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children.  For more information contact Christ Love Preschool at 645-5785 ext. 114.

Video of Weaverville artist Marcus Thomas as he works on a painting during Saturday’s Art in Autumn festival in downtown Weaverville.   In the mid-1980’s, Thomas was completely paralyzed from the shoulders down in a skiing accident and thus paints with the brush in his mouth.  You can see more of his work on his website, or live at Art Accents (1 South Main Street ).

Here’s some of the sales and specials being offered by downtown businesses during tomorrow’s Art in Autumn festival. Unless otherwise noted, these sales are happening only on Saturday, September 20:

Art Accents
$50 Art in Autumn Poster special.  This is happening the day of the festival only, and the price includes the poster, frame, glass, and tax (regular retail value is $80).  You’ll have a choice of a red, blue, or black frame.  To order, stop by the store anytime before the festival, or order forms will be available at the festival Information Booths on Saturday.

Brown’s Floral
20% off storewide sale

Curtis Wright Outfitters
30% off all clothing, Kenn Maui Sandals, and Quark footwear.  This sale starts on Friday and excludes those items already on sale.

Garden Station
Anniversary Sale — free popcorn and 10% off everything in the store

Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Store
All day wine tasting

Secret Garden Inn & Spa
Chair massages on the front lawn for $1/minute.

Shop Around the Corner
Sample Saturday in the afternoon — try a few of the selected mixes or marinades they have for sale.
They also have Dr. Pete’s Marinades and Dressings on sale for 25% off (that sale is happening until they’re out of stock).

Sunnyside Cafe
They’ll be opening early at 11 a.m. on Saturday, and will feature their lunch menu for the entire day (plus a few dinner specials in the evening).  They’ll also have “grab and go” boxed lunches available, along with $2 Highland Gaelic Ales.

Weaverville Drug Company
Sidewalk Sale

The Beech Community Center is hosting their annual yard sale Saturday, September 20.  The sale will run from 8 a.m. until Noon.  Beech Community Center is located at the corner of Reems Creek and Sugar Cove Roads, across the street from the Reems Creek-Beech Presbyterian Church ().  For more information contact Susan Wilson at 645-6588.

The North Buncombe Middle School Chorus is holding a car wash fundraiser Saturday, September 20.  They’ll be washing cars at the McDonald’s on Weaver Blvd. () from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.  Donations will be accepted and appreciated.