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……

Buncombe County Human Services has set up 6 Community Forums, including one in Weaverville, seeking input and ideas about how the County provides health services, child care and social services and workforce development. The Weaverville forum will be held 6-7:30 p.m. on April 14 at North Buncombe High School, located at 890 Clark’s Chapel Road.

These forums are being held to listen to the citizens in an effort to understand the needs of our changing community and the ability of staff to meet those needs. If you can’t attend, send in your questions to citizens.comments@buncombecounty.org.  For more information call 250-5500.

The Secret Garden Inn & Spa invites you to join them for Baptiste Power Yoga with instructor Donna Hollinshead:

This method is a dynamic combination of precise education, intuitive discovery, and profound knowledge and experiential practices that result in transforming limitations into power. Those engaged in this process become empowered to overcome the barriers that stand in the way of allowing themselves to revolutionize their body, their emotions, their relationships and their ability to serve the greater good. No other process utilizes so many tools to tap into one’s hidden potential for achieving authentic personal power and living an extraordinary life.

All skill levels are welcome. Flexibility NOT required.  Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat, water and towel.

• Class Times: Tuesday evenings, 5:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; Thursday mornings, 8:15 - 9:30 a.m.
• Location: In the Garden Room, side entrance of the Secret Garden Inn & Spa, 56 North Main Street
• Cost: $12.00 single class, $50.00 series of 5 classes.  First class is COMPLIMENTARY.

To register call Donna at 645-3528 or 561-866-2280.

Business Name:  Rose Pilates

About Rose Pilates: Rose Pilates is a fully equipped studio offering professional instruction and personalized fitness programs designed to meet the needs of everyone any age or fitness level. The Studio offers one on one equipment sessions, group equipment sessions and mat classes. Your instructor is certified with over 10 years of teaching experience. Pilates offers fitness benefits as well as recuperative benefits.
 
Location:  670 Merrimon Ave. (Weaverville Hwy) in the Stoney Knob Commons next to the Verizon store.
 
Hours/Schedule:  Mat classes - Tuesdays 5:30 pm Intermediate level, Thursdays 5:30 Beginner/Intermediate level, Saturdays 9:30 am Beginner/Intermediate level .  All mat classes are 1 hour.  For a schedule of all available classes stop by the studio.

Website:  www.rosepilates.com  (coming soon)

Phone: 333-2223

Special Offers: First mat class is free if you purchase a class card. 
A new client special is also available for people who have never trained on the equipment — first 3 sessions are half price at $32 a session, a $99 savings. This special available for local residents only.

Beginning this week I will be publishing “Business Profiles” as a way of promoting new and existing local businesses.  If you own a business located in or doing business in Weaverville and would like to submit your information for a Business Profile, please email myweaverville@gmail.com for details.  This week’s featured business is Weaverville Massage:

Business Name:  Weaverville Massage, Brie Ward (LMBT #5490)

About Weaverville Massage:  Brie Ward of Weaverville Massage has been Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage Therapy since 1996 and a certified USUI Reiki Master since 1999. She has spent many years studying a variety of massage techniques and then distilled each into the essence of most effective technique. Massage is simply touch. By use of the hands, fingers, elbows and forearms, we can achieve relaxation, relief from pain and improvement in function. Brie believes in a true multi-disciplinary approach to the treatments and may use any or all of the following to achieve an appropriate plan for the client.  Weaverville Massage offers Swedish Massage, Sacred Stone Therapy, Reflexology, Basic Deep Tissue Massage, and Neuromuscular Therapy. Read the rest of this entry »

Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care will be doing free blood pressure checks at Ingles on Weaver Blvd. 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 14.  You can also have blood sugar and cholesterol checked with a simple finger stick for only $15.00. 

Brie at Weaverville Massage is offering a special discount — 20% off any massage or gift certificate purchased in the month of February.  That means an hour-long Swedish massage is only $45.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, call her at 423-2383. 

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care will be conducting free blood pressure checks at the Ingles on Weaver Blvd. 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 10.  You can also have your cholesterol and blood sugar checked for only $15.00.  Test and results take under 10 minutes.

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.

Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care will be doing health screenings at Ingles on Weaver Boulevard 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 13. They will be set up near the pharmacy.  They will check your blood pressure and weight for free.  A lipid panel (total cholesterol, “good” and “bad” cholesterol) and blood sugar test for diabetes will also be available for $15.00. 

The Ingles on Weaver Boulevard will be holding its last flu shot clinic this season 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27.  Flu shots are $27 with an Ingles Advantage Card, or $30 without.  There is no co-pay with Medicare Part B and various insurance plans (please check with your plan).

Every Monday, Adam Laufer offers a lyengar-style yoga class 5:30-6:45 p.m. at the Bochicchio Chiropractic Center.  Classes are $10 and pre-registration is not required.  For information, call 658-0830.

Bochicchio Chiropractic Center is located at 289 Merrimon Avenue (on the corner of Reems Creek Road and Merrimon Avenue).

Shanna Duncan, Executive Director of Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care and Sherrie Byrd, Senior Director of Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care’s Weaverville office, will be guests on the “Ingles Information Aisle” radio program. The show will air Saturday, November 3 from 8:05-8:35 a.m. on WWNC-570 AM. Sherrie will be discussing the November 8 Health Screening Event at the Weaverville Ingles on 140 Weaver Boulevard.

Flu season is here, so if you need a flu shot here are your local options:

The Weaverville Drug Company is offering Flu Shot Clinics on Saturday, November 3 and Wednesday, November 13. Shots are $28 and they will not be filing insurance. An appointment is required and can be made by calling them at 645-3087. Slots for their last flu shot clinic filled up quickly, so be sure to make your appointments soon.

The Weaverville Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care Clinic has Flu Shots for anyone 18 and over during their regular business hours. Shots are $30 and they will file insurance for you. No appointment is necessary. They’re open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information call them at 645-5088.

North Buncombe Family Medicine is offering flu shots for anyone at their clinic. No appointment is required, but they ask that you come between 8:30-Noon or 1:30-4:30 p.m. They will file insurance for you. For more information call them at 645-8525.

If you are an established patient at Weaverville Family Medicine, you can go to one of their Flu Shot Clinics, currently scheduled for Thursday, November 1, Monday, November 5, or Wednesday, November 7. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Days and hours of their clinics are subject to change, so check the Flu Shot Clinic page on their website or call them at 645-3066 for the latest information.