At Monday’s Weaverville Town Council meeting, council members unanimously voted to allow the Weaverville Tailgate Market to return to Lake Louise this year. It will again take place on Wednesdays, 2:30-6:30 p.m.  in the parking lot next to the community center. Opening date for the Market is April 14 (weather permitting) and it will run until the last week of October.

Weaverville Tree Board member and Reems Creek Nursery owner Wilma Penland will lead a free tree walk at Lake Louise on Saturday, September 26, 2009, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Details:

Lake Louise Tree Walk, with Wilma Penland

Join Wilma Penland, horticulturist/owner of Reems Creek Nursery and Weaverville Tree Board Member, for an informative walk around Lake Louise.  We will observe trees growing in their natural habitat as well as approximately 100 other trees planted by the Tree Board.  Many of these trees are native species that attract wildlife, some are unusual varieties, and some have been planted in memory or honor of someone.

Tips on using these tree species in the home landscape will be discussed.  An updated map/brochure of Lake Louise Park will be available for this walk.

Wear comfortable shoes and meet between the children’s playground and the picnic shelters at Lake Louise Park in Weaverville. Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. For further information call Wilma Penland at (828) 645-3937.  Sponsored by the Weaverville Tree Board.

The WNC Guatemala Adoption Group is having their annual picnic at Lake Louise on Saturday, September 12, 2009, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Families who have adopted children from Guatemala or Central American are invited. More info:

The WNC Guatemala Group is a local network of more than 30 families in the region who have adopted children from Guatemala. The group hosts a get-together once a year to share their special bond. New families are welcome.

This year’s picnic will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the pavilion in Lake Louise Park in Weaverville. Family games, food and fun are on the program including Spanish kid’s songs led by Morgen Yeakley, Hula Hoop contests, piñatas, field games, Guatemala trivia and more. The event is open to the public.  Meats, beverages and place settings are provided. Bring a dish to share. The cost is $10 per family.

For more information call 514-2160 or e-mail ncguatemalagroup@gmail.com.

News from this week’s edition of the Weaverville Tailgate Market newsletter. The market is held 2:30-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the community center behind Lake Louise.  If you’d like to receive the Market e-newsletter in your own inbox, you can subscribe at http://mailman.main.nc.us/mailman/listinfo/weavervillemarket:

The sporadically composed Market News is back this week [sound of much cheering and fanfare].  Produce is still abundant!  We’ve got:

tomatoes, okra, onions
peppers, squash, eggplant
garlic, scallions, beets
kale, chard, escarole
edamame and other beans
grapes, grapes, grapes

Also: homemade jams & jellies
local beef, pork and chicken
seafood
organic artisan breads
sweet and savory pies
goat’s milk fudge

plus live music, face painting (we always say it’s for the kids but I can’t imagine she’d say no to an adult if you asked…).  Those of you who weren’t there last week, we missed you, but we won’t give you a hard time about it when we see you this week.  Promise.

The Weaverville Market takes place every Wednesday rain or shine, from 2:30-6:30 PM, behind the Community Center building at Lake Louise.  Tell your friends, shop lots, try something you’ve never gotten before at market this week.  Please no parking on the street, it’s too narrow and you will likely get a parking ticket, ick.

See you Wednesday!

Local Tailgate Markets around the area have begun or are getting ready to open for the season.  A full list of the more than 40 tailgate markets in the Western North Carolina area is available online at the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project website.  Here’s the info on some of the nearby markets (Know of any others? Leave a comment or send me an email to get them added to this list):

Weaverville Tailgate Market
Midweek tailgate market featuring a variety of local vendors, selling only items they grew or made themselves. Offering fruits and vegetables, a full line of baked goods, preserves, eggs, meat, goat cheese, mushrooms, native plants, flowers, and transplants. Also shop for fiber arts, jewelry, wood products, and music from local artisans. Great child-friendly atmosphere at beautiful Lake Louise.
Where: At Lake Louise, on Weaverville Hwy., just south of the town of Weaverville.
When: Wed., 2:30pm-6:30 pm
Contact: Melissa Harwin, 828-450-0708
Open: April 29-October

Big Ivy Tailgate Market
Eggs, meat, honey, fresh-roasted coffee beans, veggies, crafts, special events, and more. Vendors welcome.
Where: Parking lot of old fire station, on Hwy 197 across from the post office, Barnardsville.
When: Sat., 9:00am-noon
Contact: Kate Mathews, kmathews@barnardsville.com
Open: May 2-October 24

North Asheville Tailgate Market
The area’s oldest market, we have over 30 members who offer a wide variety of products, from gourmet organic vegetables to old-timey favorites like half runner beans and fried pies. We offer fresh cut flowers, berries, baked goods, breads, bedding and native plants, honey, mushrooms, farm fresh eggs, natural meats, and cheese.
Where: From Merrimon Ave. in Asheville, take UNCA Main Entrance on WT Weaver Blvd., first right after rotary.
When: Sat., 8:00am-noon
Contact: Paul Littman, 828-712-4644
Open: April 18-December 20

Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market
Fresh local vegetables, fruit, herbs, plants, eggs, goat cheese, honey, brick oven breads, English muffins, cookies, cakes, jams, pickles, salsa, eggs, dressings, and vinegars. Local arts and crafts including wind chimes, jewelry, dried flowers, fiber art, salves, and soaps. Live music every week. Accept EBT, credit, and debit cards.
Where: Mars Hill. Take exit 11 off 26W. Go west on 213 to Mars Hill College. Dormitory Drive is a road on the left.
When: Sat., 9:00am-1:00pm
Contact: Melissa Harwin, 828-680-9890, melisue2u@yahoo.com
Open: April 4-November 14

Marshall: Sundays on the Island
Come visit our local producer-only farmers market located on Marshall’s beautiful shaded island in the middle of the French Broad River. A wide variety of produce is available, as well as eggs, goat cheese, natural meat, honey, mushrooms, bread and pastries, potted plants, flowers, beverages, live music, and arts and crafts. Enjoy walking paths, basketball court, and live music.
Where: Cross the river at the Courthouse on Main Street in downtown Marshall and immediately turn right onto the island.
When: Sun., noon-4:00pm
Contact: 828-649-9259
Open: April 19-November

Hat tip: Hendersonville Epicurean

I know of at least two Easter Egg Hunts happening in Weaverville this Saturday, April 11, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.  Here’s the info.

North Buncombe Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt
Where:  Lake Louise Park
When: 11 a.m.
For:  Children ages 8 and under

First Baptist Church Easter Egg Hunt
Where:  First Baptist Church (63 North Main Street )
When:  1 p.m.
For:  Children ages 9 and under

If you made a New Year’s resolution to get in better shape this year, here’s something that may help.  Weaverville’s Paul King has put together the Lake Louise Fitness Program.  It’s a 12-week exercise program he adapted from the US Navy Seals pre-training fitness program, but toned down with more gentle exercises so it would be good for more people.  The program is available as an Excel file you can tailor to your own needs.  More detailed information is below.  Email Paul at PDKingNC@aol.com with feedback or for more information.

Lake Louise Fitness Program

The Lake Louise Fitness Program is a 12-week exercise program adapted from the US Navy Seals pre-training fitness program.  Before starting any new fitness program have an annual physical and ask your doctor what limitations you should follow.  With any fitness program:  start easy and build gradually!

Tailor the plan to your specific situation.  This plan makes the primary workout days Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.  If Monday, Wednesday and Friday are better for you, make the switch.  Pick the days that are most convenient for your schedule.

The Lake Louise Fitness Program consists of four exercises:

Walking or jogging -  Start with walking unless you have already been exercising.  Walk at a steady pace so that you can complete the number of laps without stopping.  As you improve, you can add a little bit of jogging towards the end.  Always increase the intensity at the end of the workout, not the beginning.

The other three exercises are Incline Pushups, Leg Lifts and Incline Pull-ups. These exercises are chosen to build strength, but reduce the stress on your joints.

Incline Push-Ups -  Incline Push-Ups are done on the back of a park bench or other stable support.  Gloves are helpful to protect your hands.  Place your hands on the back of the bench and then move your feet back until your body is at a 45-degree angle.  Slowly lower your chest to the back of the bench.  Straighten your arms to return to the 45-degree position.  Do all three strength exercises slowly and smoothly.  Start easy.

Leg Lifts – Leg Lifts are done on a bench while lying on your back.  A towel is handy to brush dirt off the bench.  You can also use the towel as a pad to make the bench a little more comfortable.  Lay the towel on the bench and then lie down on your back with your feet on the ground.  Swing your feet up into the air and then return them to the ground.  Easy, slow and smooth.

Incline Pull-Ups -   Incline Pull-Ups are done on one side of the parallel bars.  Place both hands on one of the rails of the parallel bars.  Work your heels forward until you are hanging from the parallel bar with your arms straight and heels on the other side of the parallel bar.  Pull yourself up to the parallel bar and then gently lower yourself back down.  Easy, slow and smooth.  Your shoulders are carrying a lot of weight so it is important to do this exercise gently.

Stretching -   On the off days, do 20 minutes of stretching.  Warm up with some walking.  Start with head rotations and then gently stretch all the major joints and muscle systems: neck, shoulders, abdomen, back, hips, thighs, knees, ankles and feet.

Tracking Your Progress -   Track your progress by crossing off the workout after it has been completed.  If you were not able to complete it, skip it and continue with the schedule.  If the program is progressing too fast, repeat the week until you feel you have done it well and are ready to progress to the next level.

Weaverville’s Arbor Day Celebration takes place beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at Lake Louise Park (or, if it’s raining, at the Weaverville Municipal Building at 30 South Main Street). Festivities include:

• Presentation of the 18th Tree City USA Award to the Town of Weaverville
• Presentation of Mayor’s Community Service Award, Tree Board Community Stewardship Award and Beautification Awards
• Recognition of Tree Board Poetry and Poster Contest Winners
• Tree Planting Ceremony in honor of Robin Smathers
• Special Entertainment provided by Robin Smathers and Weaverville Elementary School Students and North Buncombe Middle School Jazz Band under the direction of Mary Jo Sparrow

Everyone is invited to attend.

I’m not certain if this is a permanent move, but this year the town’s July 4th Festival will be held at Lake Louise instead of its usual spot along Main Street. The move is happening due to concerns about the number of people confined to the small space along Main Street, especially in case of emergency. There is a plan to have some kind of shuttle service since parking is limited, so I’ll update with those details and more once they’re available.

Photo by Metta Pry

A couple videos from YouTube Channel FBRiverKeeper, with descriptions and titles provided by him, showing some erosion issues around local development sites:

Erosion into Creek and Lake Louise

This site is dumping sediment into an unnamed tributary that flows into Lake Louise, a popular recreation area in Weaverville.

This is a clear turbidity violation and a violation of erosion control measures, because the site has not been maintained. Sediment is the largest polluter in the French Broad Watershed and the vast majority flow off new construction sites. Recent improvements have only marginally helped the problem.

Wal-Mart Pollution Into Stream

This Walmart site in Weaverville, NC and shows a lack of erosion control that is depositing massive sediment pollution into Gill Branch and an unnamed tributary of Gill Branch.

If you’re looking to get a little more fitness into your weekly schedule, this brand new, informal group might be just what you’re looking for.  They meet 5 p.m. Wednesdays at Lake Louise — at the North end by the new ramp — for an hour of fun, fitness and education tailored to whomever shows up.  The Club is free, but registration and a signed release waiver are required.  For more information, email PDKingNC@aol.com.