Bridge construction on Pleasant Grove Road in the Reems Creek Community. Crews completely disassembled the old bridge and are in the process of building it back (bigger and better?). According to the North Carolina DOT web site, construction should end mid-August. Fortunately for Reems Creek commuters, this one hasn’t been nearly the disruption as the bridge work on 19/23.

The annual Christmas Candlelight Tours at Vance Birthplace State Historic Site (911 Reems Creek Road) are happening Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The guided tours give visitors a taste of what Christmas in Reems Creek was like in the early 19th century.  If you haven’t been before take a look at these photos from last year’s tour, taken by Asheville Citizen-Times photographer Steve Dixon.  More details:

1830s Christmas Featured at Vance Birthplace

On Saturday, December 5, 2009, guided tours will provide visitors to Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace a glimpse of Christmas past as it may have been celebrated in the Southern Appalachian mountains.

From 4-7 p.m., the site will hold its annual Christmas Candelight Tours. The two-story reconstructed log house, decorated in the style of the 1830’s, will be opened for guided tours.

Throughout the house, decorations made of native greenery such as holly, boxwood, pine boughs, galax, rhododendron, will be placed. As the groups, guided by costumed guides, move through the house, they will experience Christmas as it may have been celebrated in the early 19th century.

Throughout the evening, acoustic Christmas music will be performed in the Visitor Center by Primrose. Primrose is an eclectic blend of musicians that love music of various styles. Additional activities will be offered for visitors in the Visitor Center by members of the newly formed Tar Heel Jr. Historians Club.

For more information, call Vance Birthplace State Historic Site at (828) 645-6706.

The Vance Birthplace State Historic Site (911 Reems Creek Road) presents the Annual Fall Militia Encampment on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27. Admission is free both days. Here’s the info about the weekend’s events:

Once again, history will come alive on the weekend of September 26.  Vance Birthplace State Historic Site will be hosting the annual Fall Militia Encampment, Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m .and Sunday, Sept. 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Admission is free.

This event will highlight the early years of our country’s history, when citizens banded together to form local militias to protect their lives and property.  Periodically, the militia’s officers would call a muster (a gathering of the members) for training, such as small arms drills.  The Catawba Militia, a group that portrays an early American citizens’ militia, will be encamped at Vance Birthplace throughout the weekend.  The group will demonstrate common camplife activities, drill routines and tell visitors what it was like to serve in the militia.  Members of the group will also provide some hands-on activities for children.

In addition to the Catawba Militia, the site will be receiving volunteer assistance for the two day event from the members of the site’s newly organized Tar Heel Jr. Historian Club. The club members will be providing assistance with the hands-on activities and with site tours and demonstrations.

Also, for 2009, the event will be highlighted as one of the events included in the Smithsonian magazine’s 5th annual Museum Day. On September 26th, the Fall Militia Encampment will be participating in a national program sponsored by Smithsonian magazine.  Details on the program are available at www.Smithsonian.com/museumday.

Vance Birthplace State Historic Site, the childhood home of Zebulon B. Vance, North Carolina’s Civil War governor, was settled in 1795 by David Vance, a Revolutionary war veteran.  The farm was the family’s home until the early 1830s.  Both David Vance and his son were officers in the Buncombe Militia during the early 1800s.  The site includes a visitor center, a reconstructed log house and six outbuildings.

Vance Birthplace State Historic Site, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, is located 12 miles northeast of Asheville on Reems Creek Road.  For more information call (828) 645-6706.

I heard about the sale of Reems Creek Golf Club (36 Pink Fox Cove Road ) last week, but this press release about the sale just landed in my inbox this morning. The Golf Club was sold to Warrior Golf Properties, LLC, based out of California, and they’re evidently planning some upgrades to the bar and restaurant. No word if they’ll also be upgrading the price of membership. Here’s the release:

Warrior Golf Properties, LLC, Announces the Purchase of Reems Creek Golf Club

Irvine, CA (Vocus/PRWEB ) August 11, 2009 — Reems Creek Golf Club is recognized as one of western North Carolina’s best golf properties, consistently earning a 4 Star Rating by Golf Digest’s ”Places to Play”. Mr. Brendan Flaherty, the Manager of Warrior Golf Properties, LLC and the founder, CEO of Warrior Custom Golf Inc. based in Irvine CA stated, “We are truly excited about Reems Creek and look forward to building upon the success that the course has enjoyed over the past 20 years.”

Reems Creek Golf Club is located only 15 minutes from Asheville in the picturesque community of Weaverville, North Carolina. The popular semi-private club opened for play in 1989 and was designed by Hawtree & Son of Oxford, England (designers of Royal Birkdale site of the 2008 British Open). Reems Creek offers a Scottish Highland look with rolling terrain and large knolls, featuring over 130 acres of beautifully manicured bent grass fairways, large greens, and tees.

The purchase was finalized on Friday July 31, 2009. The initial owners included Lee King, Jim Floyd, Bill Robinson and golf analyst Ben Wright. Part of the former ownership group included legendary basketball coach Dean Smith. Reems Creek is the fourth golf property purchased by affiliated companies of Warrior Custom Golf, Inc. Other recent acquisitions include The Club at Runaway Bay in Lake Bridgeport, Texas, and Marion Oaks Country Club and Huntington Golf Club, both located in Ocala, Florida.

Larry Carter, the long time manager at Reems Creek, received an enthusiastic vote of confidence from Warrior as did the rest of the current staff and employees. During a meeting with key personnel at the club Mr. Flaherty said, ”I would like to express the confidence I have your professional attitude and believe you possess the capability to execute our plans for improvements to the Club House and growth of the business”. Larry was particularly excited about the plans for upgrading the bar and restaurant with upscale furnishings and big screen TV’s saying, ”The membership would enjoy the improvements and likely attract new patrons”.

The Warrior management team also met with Jack Cloninger, president of the local Home Owners Association, and discussed ways the HOA and Warrior could work together to expand the relationship of the Club with the members of the community. Jack explained, ”The HOA members and other local residents welcome the energy and enthusiasm that Warrior brings to the community. We want to continue to utilize the Clubhouse for the various seasonal events hosted by the HOA and expand participation.”

St. Matthews Anglican Church (812 Reems Creek Road )  is hosting a “Hot Dog Saturday” open house event on Saturday, August 8, 2009. It will take place 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the church. Members of the community can enjoy free hot dogs, drinks, and cookies, meet Fr. Don Sackeet and his family, take a tour of the Church to see what improvements have been made, and hear about future plans.

I recently stopped by the Vance Birthplace State Historic Site (911 Reems Creek Road ) and learned they have a Picnic Pavilion which is free for public use. For information or to reserve the shelter, stop by the Vance Birthplace or call them at 645-6706. Here’s some info from the Picnic Shelter Request application:

Equitable Use
Facility reservations are accepted as equitably as possible on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure all lawful groups have access to the picnic area. Department of Cultural Resources and the Vance Birthplace will have priority in scheduling the use of the picnic facilities.

Reservations
The picnic area may be reserved up to three months in advance. Facilities are not intended to be used as a regular meeting place or base of operation. Facilities may not be used for an activity which will result in monetary gain for an individual or private group.

One other note about reserving the picnic shelter – it can only be used during the regular operating hours of the Vance Birthplace, which are currently Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m – 5 p.m.

The Beech Community will be celebrating their 125th consecutive celebration Saturday, July 4. Thought to be the oldest consecutive celebration in Western North Carolina, the festivities begin at 10 a.m. at the Beech Community Center (Sugar Cove Road ). Here’s what to expect:

The celebration starts with a parade at 10 a.m. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate. Line up by 9:45 a.m. on Roberts Cove Road . You can enter a float, decorate your pet, bicycle, truck, or 4-wheeler. After the parade, a patriotic program from guest speaker Tom Lawrence, a presentation of past celebrations, and music.  Following the program, a picnic lunch potluck – organizers ask that you bring your favorite food to share. To end the day, old-fashioned field games like the 3-legged race, sack races, watermelon spitting contest, and greased pole.

Also featured at the celebration this year, the Reems Creek Valley Extension Community Association will be demonstrating homemaking through the years in the community room after lunch.  Their group is the longest active Extension Community Association in WNC.

Finally, to commemorate the day, they have designed a t-shirt which will be on sale for $15, and a parade banner they would like everyone in attendance to sign.

The Reems Creek Fire Department (730 Reems Creek Road ) hosts their quarterly meeting tonight, Monday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m.  All residents of the Reems Creek Fire District are invited.

This bridge off Reems Creek Road near Herron Cove and Longs Chapel Roads is being replaced. According to the DOT, the road will be closed until September 2. From the DOT Travel Information page:

Road closure begins: near the intersection of South Main Street Extension and Herron Cove Road
Road Closur ends: near the intersection of Longs Chapel Road and Herron Cove Road.
Detour: South Main Street Extension to Reems Creek Road to 19/23 (Weaverville Highway) to Stoney Knob Road.

Hat tip: Bob K.

Reems Creek Beech Presbyterian Church (4 Sugar Cove Road ) will be hosting a Valentine Dinner on Saturday, February 14, 5-7:30 p.m.  Details:

Join us on Saturday, February 14, for a casual spaghetti dinner which will include salad, dessert and drink.  Drop in anytime between 5 p.m and 7:30 p.m.  Donations will be appreciated, and all proceeds will go towards reducing the church’s debt for the new classroom addition.

For information contact 658-3568.

The Asheville Citizen-Times‘ Steve Dixon was on hand Sunday at Vance Birthplace for their Annual Candlelight Christmas Tour.  You can view his photo slideshow here.

Vance Birthplace (911 Reems Creek Road ) is hosting their annual Christmas Candlelight Tours on Sunday, December 14. Here’s the details:

On Sunday, December 14, guided tours will provide visitors to the Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace a glimpse of Christmas past as it may have been celebrated in the southern Appalachian mountains.

From 4-7 p.m., the site will hold its annual Christmas Candlelight Tours.  The two-story reconstructed log house, decorated in the style of the 1830’s, will be opened for guided tours.

Throughout the house decorations, made of native greenery such as holly, boxwood, pine boughs, galax, and rhododendron, will be placed.  As the groups, guided by costumed guides, move through the house, they will experience Christmas as it may have been celebrated in the early 19th century. Throughout the evening, acoustic Christmas music will be performed in the Visitor Center by Primrose.  Primrose is an eclectic blend of musicians that love music of various styles. 

Reems Creek Food Market (444 Reems Creek Road ) is offering a free cup of coffee or free fountain drink if you donate cans of food. They’re collecting for Salem United Methodist Church, who will be donating the food to the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry.

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.

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.

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 Reems Creek Fire Department hosts their quarterly corporation meeting 7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 18. All residents in the Reems Creek fire district are welcome to attend.  The Reems Creek Fire Department is located at 730 Reems Creek Road.

If you’ve driven along Reems Creek Road you may have seen some of these pieces of furniture. They are the work of Reems Creek Cobbler, who can make just about anything from a tree — mantles, benches, coffee tables, side tables and more. Pictured here are a bench made of cedar (now sold), and a small bench made of red oak (I picked up a couple of the latter to use as seating around a fire pit). If you want to take a closer look you can now find them at 17 Parker Cove Road (off Reems Creek Road), or call 645-1045 for more information.

The Fifth Annual Blackhawks Golf Tournament will be Thursday, June 12 at the Reems Creek Golf Club (36 Pink Fox Cove Road).  Registration and practice begins at 11:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.  Cost is $125 per player for the four-person captain’s choice format, which includes one round of golf with cart, drinks, snacks, an awards dinner, auction, door prizes and a Blackhawks golf shirt.  Prizes will be awarded for longest drive, closest to the pin, hole-in-one, and putting.

Proceeds from the event go towards improving the equipment, facilities and fields for North Buncombe High School athletics.

Special events scheduled for June 2008 at the Vance Birthplace on 911 Reems Creek Road.  For more information about any event, call  645-6706.

Saturday, June 7, 1-4 p.m.
Quilting Program
Learn all about quilting from local Artisan Nancy Baker. Baker is an experienced quilter with extensive knowledge of quilting traditions in antebellum and post antebellum Western North Carolina.

Saturday, June 14, 1-4 p.m.
Weaving Demonstration
Explore the world of late 18th and early 19th century textile production, with Buncombe County Native Mandy Maude. Mandy will be demonstrating the art of weaving using a 200 year old foot-powered loom from the Watauga Region of the state.

Saturday, June 21, 1-4 p.m.
Lye Soap Making
Join tradition bearer Carolyn Rice, a native of Madison County, to learn the art of Lye Soap Making. This unique demonstration will show folks how to make soap, the old- fashioned way, using a cast iron pot over the open fire. (*In the event of rain the demonstration will be moved to the porch of the main house).

Mountain Music Program
Join Tony Thomas, a legendary old-time/mountain bluegrass musician from Tennessee, for an afternoon of pickin’ and grinin’! Thomas plays a traditional style of music he learned growing up in the coal mining towns of the Cumberland Mountains. In addition to performing, Thomas will give a short history describing the traditional instruments and songs he will be performing.

The Reems Creek Fire Department holds their quarterly Corporation Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 19 at the Reems Creek Fire Department. If you live in the Reems Creek area and would like to know how your tax money is being spent, this is the meeting to attend. Reems Creek Fire Department is located at 730 Reems Creek Road.