Wally Wyatt with Discover Italian has published her Italian Cooking Classes schedule for the remainder of the year on her website. Classes are held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. one Saturday each month, cost is $50 per class and payment is required in advance. Classes are held at Wyatt’s home in Weaverville. To enroll or for more information call her at 658-8928. For updates or the latest class information, check out the Cooking Classes page of her website. Here’s what’s on her summer schedule:

Saturday, May 24
Conchiglioni con spinaci e pancetta (stuffed, baked pasta)
Arista (tuscan pork roast)
Gatto’ (neapolitan savory potato cake)
Tiramisu’ alle fragole (strawberry tiramisu)

Saturday, June 14
Linguine al pesto alla genovese (linguine with pesto sauce Genoa style)
Agghiotta di spada (sicilian sword fish)
Gratinata di asparagi (asparagi and zucchini blossoms gratin)
Cannoli (sicilian cannoli)

Saturday, July 19
Aperitivo al Basilico (basil infused aperitif)
Pasta alla Norma (pasta with tomato and eggplant crisps)
Saltimbocca alla Romana (veal cutlets with prosciutto and sage)
Insalata di Peperoni Arrosto con Riduzione di Basilico e Vino (roasted peppers salad with basil-wine reduction)
Cassatine di Ricotta con Sedano Caramellato (almond paste, ricotta and chocolate bombe with candied celery bits)

Saturday, August 16
Cocktail alla Rosa (cocktail with rose petals)
Sushi Mediterraneo (grilled vegetable strips stuffed with rice salad)
Conchiglioni Farciti al Tonno (pasta shells stuffed with tuna and garden flavors)
Insalata di Riso allo Zafferano con Frutti di Mare (seafood and saffron rice salad)
Granita all’Anguria e Campari (Watermelon and Campari sorbet)

Intuitive Animal Communicator Denise Anthes, RN will hold a Level 1 Animal Communication Workshop 1-5 p.m. at the Weaverville Pet Pantry on Saturday, May 17. Tuition is $60 if you register by May 12, or $75 day of event. Tuition fee includes workbook with extensive bibliography. Registration forms are available at Weaverville Pet Pantry, or you can contact Denise at 275-5949.

Have you ever wondered what your dog is trying to tell you when it sits down patiently and stares at you with those huge eyes?

What caused the sudden outbreak of aggression in your animal family?

What is happening when animals start to soil in the house?

Does your old (or sick) animal want to stay here, or is it time to move on?

These questions can be answered once you learn the simple techniques of communing with animals. They are certain that we are intelligent enough to hear and speak with them. They are just waiting for us to listen!

The Level 1 Class will teach you how to:

• Create a climate for clear communication
• Link your mind and heart with animals
• Initiate two-way communications

Poster at Curtis Wright Outfitters advertising their Fly Fishing Schools for Beginners. The one-day schools are scheduled for May 10, June 7, September 6, and October 4. Curtis Wright also offers 3 1/2 hour in-store Fly Fishing Classes for Beginners. For more information or to register for a school or class, contact the Weaverville location at 645-8700. They’re located at 24 North Main Street.

Upcoming classes, presentations, and demonstations at Reems Creek Nursery & Landscaping (check out their newly redesigned website). Pre-registration is required for all classes. You can register at the nursery or by calling 645-3937.

Dealing with Drought ~ Tough Plants & Drought-proofing Techniques for your Garden
Wednesday, April 16, at 10 a.m.
Maintain a beautiful garden despite dry conditions. Drought-tolerant plants, natives, and water-wise cultural practices will be discussed. Master Gardener credit for this class. Free.

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Organic Gardening Basics
Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m.
Great soil produces plants that are healthier and more naturally resistant to insects and diseases. Learn about soil building, good cultural practices, and planning a season of bountiful harvest.

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Tree / Shrub Planting Demo
Saturday, April 26 at 2 p.m.
Proper planting goes a long way toward your gardening success. Aftercare of your trees & shrubs will also be discussed. Hands-on demonstration. This seminar is co-sponsored by the Town of Weaverville Tree Board.

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Go Wild – Plant Natives
With Peter Loewer ~ The Wild Gardener
Saturday, May 3, at 2 p.m.
Peter Loewer is a garden writer, artist, passionate plant-person, native plant authority, and author of many gardening books including “Native Perennials of the Southeast”. This lecture and slide show is sure to be inspiring. Free.

Upcoming classes, workshops, and events at The Essence Center, a Day Spa and Natural Health Retreat Center located at 530 Upper Flat Creek Road.  For more information or to register visit their website, www.theessencecenter.com, or call 658-8198.

Holotropic Breathwork Weekend Workshop
with Brack Jefferys, Ph.D. 
Friday, April 18-Sunday, April 20
The workshop begins Friday at 5 p.m. 

Holotropic Breathwork™ is an experiential process grounded in over forty years of research by Christina and Stanislav Grof, M.D. This workshop offers participants an opportunity to access an entire range of human experiences for personal and spiritual growth, including family of origin issues, psychological surrender and renewal, spiritual experiences, creativity and compassion for self and others. This workshop is co-sponsored by the Center for Transpersonal Resources. The Center for Transpersonal Resources is recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors to offer continuing education hours. We adhere to NBCC Continuing Education Guidelines (Provider #5861).

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Guided Meditation with Chris Spheeris
May 2
7:30-9 p.m.
Cost: $15

Emmy Award winning, internationally-acclaimed recording artist Chris Spheeris will be at The Essence Center in Weaverville. On Friday, May 2, at 7:30 pm, Spheeris will lead a meditation focused on “Expanding your identity beyond the conditioned mind”. Against a backdrop of specially arranged and recorded music, this meditation utilizes Spheeris unique logic-based method to short-circuit self-limiting assumptions and open new pathways to expanded awareness. It is recommended to bring comfortable clothing, a yoga mat and/or a meditation pillow. Please arrive early, no late admittance allowed.

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Chris Spheeris in Concert
Saturday, May 3
8-10 p.m.
Cost: $25

Emmy Award winning, internationally-acclaimed recording artist Chris Spheeris will be at The Essence Center in Weaverville.  On Saturday, May 3 at 8 p.m., Spheeris brings his music to the stage for a concert performance. This show will consist of original vocals as well as the instrumental songs that have earned him Gold, Platinum, and Emmy Awards. Sharing insights from his personal inner and outer journeys, Spheeris’ approachable manner and tongue-in-cheek humor create an informal, soulful and warm atmosphere. 
www.chrisspheeris.com.

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Yoruba Ancestral Healing
May 16-18

This workshop is a beginning step to understanding Yoruba terminology and technologies for bringing health and happiness to the individual and the family. Ancestors are the open door to healing of self and the planet. We will work in silence unless expressly asked to sing or talk to one another.

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Speaking With Spirit
May 30-June 1

Anything with a life force can communicate. To understand and open a dialogue may require having the appropriate sensitivities and tools. The Pendulum, Core Current Testing & Advanced Muscle Testing are valuable tools that can guide us through unfamiliar conversations and realms. These techniques can navigate our awareness through the heart and soul of our Nervous System, where we can discover the root cause of any disease, as well as the optimal treatments.  Learn: • To Use A Pendulum • Advanced Muscle Testing Techniques • To Test The Nervous System & The Core Current • How To Apply Techniques • Charts For Diagnostic & Treatment Readings • Skills To Expand Your Healing Practice and Intuitive Awareness • To Speak With Those That Do Not Speak- Infants, Animals, Plants, Bees, Birds, Water, Soil, Spirits, Angels……

Weaverville resident Carol Morton will be hosting two April Stampin’ Up workshops at her home.  Workshop dates are 6:30-9 p.m. on Friday, April 4 or 6:30-9 p.m. on Saturday, April 5.  Each workshop costs $10 to attend and you need to pre-pay before Sunday, March 30 to hold your spot.  The April projects are:

• Mother’s Day tote with goodies inside
• card using pastels
• party favor (by request)
• reversible four-photo frame

Snacks and door prizes will also be available, and she’ll have discounts on in-stock retired stamp sets.  To register, call Carol at 658-1003.   FYI:  The May workshop dates will be May 2 and May 3.

“Appalachian Xeriscaping: Landscaping Ideas for Water Efficient Gardens” will be presented at 10:30 a.m.-Noon on Saturday, April 5 at the Weaverville Library.

The presentation features a slide lecture by Randy Burroughs, Landscape Architect & Naturalist, and a walk through the Main Street Nature Park.

The focus of this talk will be useful ways for homeowners to have healthy attractive gardens in a time of low rainfall. We’ll discuss plants, garden planning, soil ammendments, water catchments systems, and things you can do to make a lower maintenance, more entertaining garden.

In the park we’ll see how nature sorts out plants into communities and what you can learn about the place you live from reading these patterns.

The talk should last about an hour, with the Main Street Nature Park walk until Noon. This event is provided by the Weaverville Tree Board.

The Weaverville Library is located at 41 North Main Street. The talk will take place in the Program Room.

Carol Morton will be hosting two Stampin’ Up workshops in Weaverville this month: Friday, February 8 and Saturday, February 9.  They run from 6:30-9 p.m. (both workshops are the same, so you only have to attend one).  Feburary’s workshop projects include:  an Easter card, candy pounch, windowed gift box for cookies and a mini book.  Snacks and door prizes will also be available.  Workshops are $10, and you’ll need to pre-pay by February 2 to reserve your spot.  For more information or to register contact Carol at 658-1003.

This month is also Sale-A-Bration month — with every $50 purchase you receive a free stamp set.  Contact Carol for more info.

Upcoming Classes and Workshops at The Essence Center™, located at 530 Upper Flat Creek Rd.  For more information or to register for any of the classes call Jennifer at 658-8198.

Marketing Skills Training for Body/Mind Conscious Business Owners
This workshop series is designed for people in the healing arts and sciences, which have great talent, but lack the skills necessary to create a successful practice or business. This workshop series is designed for people in the healing arts and sciences, who have great talent, but lack the skills necessary to create a successful practice or business. We will cover the following important topics: market research/target market development; marketing necessities; establishing yourself as an expert; media relations; online marketing; and community involvement. Two-Part Series, February 6th and February 13th, 6-9PM with Jonathan Poston - $120 per person.

Sacred Sensuality for Women
This workshop will teach people how to use the difficulties and joys that arise in their sexual and intimate relationships and interactions as doorways to deepen the love between them. It will help facilitate a deepening of their understanding and care for themselves, and their connection to the divine. The workshop offers the tools, information and practices, for individuals/couples in their exploration of sacred sensuality, finding deeper intimacy and increasing passionate communication and fulfillment. Saturday, February 9, 2008 with Rabbi Asherah, D. Div., M.S., LHT, LC 8AM-5PM, including lunch: $160.

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Joyful Noise Community Music & Arts Center begins their latest session of dance classes Monday, January 28.  Classes are held at 30 Alabama Avenue.  Here are the current offerings:

• Beginning clogging (ages 5-11) from 6-7 p.m
• Beginning Irish Step dance (ages 8-adult) from 7-8 p.m
• Beginning clogging (ages 12-adult) from 8-9 p.m.

Classes are $12/class if you pre-register for the session, or $15/class if you do not want to register for the entire class session, which lasts through Memorial Day.  To register or for more information, contact instructor Heidi Kulas at cloggerina@charter.net or (410) 212-3215.

Wally Maria Mazzucco Wyatt’s Discover Italian Cooking Classes continue with her “Best Italian Dishes Series”.  Classes will be held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on these Saturdays: January 26, February 23, March 15, April 26, May 24, and June 14.  Cost is $50 per class or sign up for all 6 and receive 1 free.  Additional information is available at her website, www.discoveritalian.com (check out the Cooking Classes page for class menus) or you can call her at 658-8928

The Essence Center is a Natural Health Retreat Center located at 530 Upper Flat Creek Road.  For more information about any of their classes or workshops, contact them at 658-8198 or visit their website at www.theessencecenter.com

Daily Yoga/Movement Classes & Breakfast at Essence
After a morning movement class (either yoga, Nia or Tia-Chi), help yourself to a yummy continental-styled breakfast of homemade granola, fresh fruit, juice, coffee & tea.  Sunday through Saturday. Please call first to reserve, 658-8198.
7 a.m.: Morning yoga or other movement class
8 a.m.: Breakfast with homemade granola, muffins, fresh fruit & juice

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Shamanic Dance Temple with Rabbi Asherah at The Essence Center
Friday, January 11, 2008, 7-10 p.m.
$30 per person
Shamanic Dance Temple is a sacred space which will allow you to delve inside yourself through movement and reach ecstasy.  A  passion for moving the body emerges, allowing the soul inside to awaken. Call 658-8198 for reservations or visit www.TheEssenceCenter.com.

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Experience the Wisdom of Winter Through the Eyes of the Natural World at The Essence Center
Saturday, January 12, 2008, 10 a.m.- 6p.m.
$85 per person
Includes light lunch
Explore the essence of the winter season and how you can align with it. Receive optimum food/ herb choices & cooking methods that support this alignment. Learn to make a simple winter soup to nourish the kidneys & build life force. Participate in a traditional sweat lodge in the Bear Tribe tradition, including building the fire to heat the rocks ceremony. Participate in a Sacred Pipe Ceremony. Call 658-8198 for reservations
or visit www.TheEssenceCenter.com.

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Holotropic Breakthwork Workshop
with Brack Jefferys, Ph.D.
Thursday, January 17, 2008, 7-9 p.m.
$20 per person.
Holotropic Breathwork™ is an experiential process grounded in over forty years of research by Christina and Stanislav Grof, M.D. This is a brief workshop that will introduce you to the technique and its uses. Please call 658-8198 for reservations or visit www.TheEssenceCenter.com.

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Alpha to Omega: The Gamut of Sound at The Essence Center
with Daniel Barber – Musician, Sound healer
Sunday, January 20, 2008, 3-6 p.m.
$30 per person
This workshop will take you on a sonic and somatic journey through drumming, movement and vocalizing.  We will explore how and why we respond the way we do to various rhythms, consider how ancient chants are “hidden wide open” in our modern language, and experience the power of group “sounding.”  Please call 658-8198 for reservations or visit www.TheEssenceCenter.com.

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INNERSOULSPEAK: Creating Original Solo Performance Pieces
with Rabbi Asherah, D.Div., M.S., LHT, LC
Monday Night Series from January 21-February 25, 2008 (6 class series)
$180 per person
This special workshop series utilizes improvisational techniques and exploratory autobiographical writing to generate original monologue while delving into the inner realm of the conscious and unconscious. The body holds wisdom, trauma, and memory, much will surface while working with and through movement, voice, spoken word, and meditation.This workshop culminates in a performance of all students. Please call 658-8198 for reservations or visit www.TheEssenceCenter.com.

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Sacred Sensuality for Women at The Essence Center
Saturday, February 2, 2008
with Rabbi Asherah, D.Div, M.S., LHT, LC
8 a.m.-5 p.m., including lunch: $TBA
A day workshop on the women’s sensuality and expression. Please call 658-8198 for reservations or visit www.TheEssenceCenter.com.

Each month Weaverville resident Carol Morton hosts two Stampin’ Up workshops.  At each workshop you’ll make four projects which you get to keep at the end of the session.  Previous projects have included gift bags, ornaments, placecards, gift card holders, and more.  She also offers snacks and door prizes.  Each workshop costs $10 to attend.  For information or to register, call Carol at 658-1003. 

Upcoming Workshop Schedule
Friday, December 7, 6:30-9 p.m.
Saturday, December 8, 6:30-9 p.m.
Projects: A set of three gift cards in a holder, a classic desktop calendar, a bookmark, and a photo wallet

Friday, January 18, 6:30-9 p.m.
Saturday, January 19, 6:30-9 p.m.
Projects: TBA

Friday, February 8, 6:30-9 p.m.
Saturday, February 9, 6:30-9 p.m.
Projects: TBA

Friday, March 7, 6:30-9 p.m.
Saturday, March 8, 6:30-9 p.m.
Projects: TBA

Here’s some photos from a workshop I attended in November…
 
Putting the finishing touches on a Christmas ornament

Santa gift bag

Gift box with caramels

Participants work on creating gift card holders

Reems Creek Valley Nursery will be hosting Holiday Wreath Workshops 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, November 2.  Learn how to make a bow, a grapevine wreath or create your own simple swag.  Cost is $7 for materials, or you can watch for free.  Call 645-3937 to pre-register.  Reems Creek Nursery is located at 70 Monticello Road.

Lenore’s Natural Cuisine has published their Vegetarian Cooking Class Schedule for the remainder of 2007.  Classes are run by vegetarian cookbook author Lenore Baum.  The Fall Schedule includes classes in ”Pickles and Sauerkraut”, “Tofu Knockouts”, “Fall Vegetables”, “New Soups”,  and “Winter Dinner”.  For the full schedule, more information about the classes and how to register, check out the Cooking Classes section of their website.