Sorry for the lack of posts these past couple days.  I was attending a conference in Rhode Island, and we were plagued with internet connection issues.  I’m playing catch-up today and looks like I have quite a bit to post about concrete plants, bible seminars, and of course all the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.   Look for all that info by tomorrow morning. 

By the way, if you’re ever near Providence, RI on a Saturday night during the summer, head downtown to the river in the evening and check out Waterfire.  Very cool (well, at least until they light all the fires).

Please excuse the dust while I do some software upgrades on the site.  If you see anything that looks a little wacky today, that’s why.   If it’s still wacky on Tuesday, please contact me to make sure I know about it.  I’ll be checking throughout the site but it’s possible I could miss something.  It is a holiday weekend, after all.  Hope everyone out there is having a safe and happy one.

If you’re been having trouble viewing MyWeaverville during the past 24 hours, you’re not alone.  Problems with the web server upon which this website is located surfaced around 4:30 p.m. yesterday, and the site has been in an on again, off again status since.  I’ve been working with the web host to determine and fix the problem, and it looks like we MAY (fingers crossed) have the problem fixed for good. I’ll keep testing the system to see if I can break it (I know, that sounds counterproductive, doesn’t it?).  In the meantime, I’m sorry for the inconvenience and I appreciate your patience while we work to get it 100% back online.

If Google warned you today that MyWeaverville.com and other websites may harm your computer, it’s due to technical problems on their end, as yet not fully explained.  From BBC News:

Google’s search service has been hit by technical problems, with users unable to access search results.

For a period on Saturday, all search results were flagged as potentially harmful, with users warned that the site “may harm your computer”.

Users who clicked on their preferred search result were advised to pick another one.   …more

FAQ of the Week
The most frequently asked question from this week: 

Q: When’s the annual Sales Tax Holiday?
A:  It’s going on right now and lasts until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 3.  More info can be found here.

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In the News
Some news items/articles I found on the web this week which feature Weaverville places or people:

• New Seneca High Band Director Wants to Make it Fun
• Four Earn Spots on Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team
• A Soldier’s Faith

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New Websites
Recently added to or newly redesigned websites in the Links Directory:

• Buncombe County Official Government Site (redesigned)
• Carl Kojis Art (redesigned)
• Curtis Wright Outfitters  (redesigned)
• Traditional Healing Acupuncture Center

As always, have a wonderful weekend!

Weaverville gets political this week:

The GOP and Barack Obama
On Saturday, the Buncombe County Republican Party will hold their Annual Chairman’s BBQ at Lake Louise. Saturday on Main Street will find the Barack Obama campaign voter registration table at the clock.

Presidential Pizza Election
Current vote totals in Blue Mountain’s Obama-McCain Pizza election (as of Friday, July 25, 1:45 p.m.)

• McCain – 4
• Obama – 10

New Websites
Recently added to the Links Directory:

• Buncombe County Republicans
• Buncombe County Democrats

Hurricane Season
The height of the political season is also the height of hurricane season. Coincidence?
If you want to keep up with what’s happening out in the tropics, the National Hurricane Center has maps of the activity going on in both the Atlantic and Pacific. www.nhc.noaa.gov

And Then There’s Bele Chere
Is it also any coincidence that Bele Chere occurs during hurricane season? If you’re going to the downtown Asheville festival this weekend, or think you want to go, Mountain Xpress has a great online guide with maps, music samples, a live web cam and more about the 30th Anniversary of the festival. Check it out at www.mountainx.com/belechere

No matter what you do this weekend, be safe and have a good one.

It was on this date one year ago I launched this website. I did so kind of quietly, not really sure it was something many people would be interested in. In the months since then I’ve received all kinds of nice notes, comments, questions, and suggestions, and only a few not so nice notes and suggestions. You know what? When I get those nice ones they really make my day, so a huge thank you to everyone who has sent one.

I know there’s still lots of events, businesses, and organizations out there that I haven’t learned of, so I’m looking forward to learning about them and letting you know about them in the next year. In the meantime, keep those comments and suggestions coming if you have them. You can email me at myweaverville@gmail.com, or call me at 768-8566. This is our Weaverville after all, not just mine.

Didn’t have a chance to get this out yesterday…

Got Voice?
I was asked to include the audition dates for the Asheville Choral Society in the calendar, but since the calendar is only for events happening in Weaverville it isn’t eligible.  For any interested Weaverville vocalists, here’s the information:

The Asheville Choral Society and Music Director Lenora Thom announce auditions for all voice parts for the 2008-2009 season. Auditions will be held by appointment between August 25 and September 13. For more information call the Asheville Choral Society office at (828) 232-2060 or visit their website at www.ashevillechoralsociety.org 

So There’s This Contest
Are you tired of hearing about it? (Sorry).  Are you wondering if I take bribes? (I don’t).  I was asked again if it’s really one person winning all those gift certificates, and the answer is still yes.  $350+ worth to many of our local businesses (Blue Mountain, Mike’s, and Mangum Pottery to name a few).  Less than 2 weeks left to enter, which you can do here: www.myweaverville.com/contests.

New Websites
Recently added to the Links Directory:

• Dry Ridge Appraisal
• Stone Mountain Realty
• TT’s Creations

Have a great weekend! 

4th of July: Main Street or Lake Louise?
Did you like having the Town 4th Celebration at Lake Louise or do you want to see it moved back to Main Street? Submit your preference in the 4th of July Poll. I will let Mike Morgan and the Town Council know of the results. Clint at the Weaverville Tribune wants to hear your thoughts about the move too, so contact him with your 2 cents.

Blue Ridge Concrete Appeals
I just received an email which says on July 9 Blue Ridge Concrete, the company proposing the Murphy Hill concrete plant, elected to appeal the unanimous decision of the Buncombe County Board of Adjustors to deny their application. It also says it will likely take 6-9 months before this is heard and decided in North Carolina Superior Court, and the North Buncombe Association of Concerned Citizens will legally intervene, though I’m unsure at this point what that entails. So this is what — Round Two? Three? Put your fighting gloves back on North Buncombe. Looks like this is going to be a long fight.

Yard Sales on the Calendar
By request, I’m now including upcoming Yard Sales on the Calendar. Just look for the item titled Yard Sales on any particular day and it will include all the Weaverville Yard Sales submitted. I will not be scouring the papers for this information, so if you’re having a yard sale and want it listed you must e-mail your yard sale location, day(s) and hour(s), and a short description to myweaverville@gmail.com. Information is due at least 5 days prior to the sale date. Phone call submissions will not be accepted.

Computer Recycling at Goodwill Donation Center
Goodwill has begun a new computer recycling program called Reconnect. Reconnect provides free computer recycling that is both good for the environment and an easy and free way to dispose of unwanted computers, peripherals, and accessories. Computers and accessories can be dropped off at any Goodwill location or donation center. Weaverville’s donation center is located at SunTrust Bank on Weaver Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. on Sundays.

New Websites
Recently added to the Links Directory:

• Asheville Swiss Chalets
• Carolina Mornings Vacation Rentals
• Mike’s Main Street Grill
  

That’s it for this week. The July contest continues on, and I already have a record number of entries, so if you haven’t done so, enter now for your chance to win one of two $350 prize packages. Hope your yards and gardens have been enjoying all the rain we’ve been getting these past few days. Have a great weekend!

This is going to be a short one so I can also get out and enjoy the holiday.  Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th! 

Open Today
These downtown businesses are open for business on Independence Day.  FYI: At 3 p.m. the shuttle buses for the Lake Louise celebration begin, and they do include a stop on Main Street (at the clock).

• Blue Mountain Pizza
• Curtis Wright Outfitters
• Diggin Art
• Garden Station
• Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Shop
• Mangum Pottery
• Mike’s Grill
• Miya Gallery
• Shop Around the Corner
• Well-Bred Bakery

New Websites
Recently added to the Links Directory:

• Asheville Real Estate Voice
• Express Real Estate
• Reems Creek Beech Presbyterian Church
• St. Matthews Anglican Church
• Weaverville BMX

Anniversary Contest Giveaway
If you haven’t taken a look at this month’s Contest, it’s a good one.  If you’re one of the two winners this month, you’ll win every item on that list, which now also includes a gift certificate to Clay Spa & Salon and a prize package from Pampered Chef Independent Consultant Sheryl Mann.  So if you want to win over $350 worth of gift certificates and prizes, all you have to do is go to the Contests page and enter your name and e-mail address (and don’t forget to answer the spam question — I know it’s annoying but is unfortunately necessary).

So I mentioned last month that July marks the one-year anniversary of MyWeaverville.com. First, thanks to everyone who’s visited and continues to visit the website. Without you, of course, there would be no need for it. Thanks also to those businesses you see on the right side of the page. Without them I couldn’t afford to spend all the time that’s needed to work on this website. I know we see advertising everywhere these days, but if you appreciate what I’m doing with MyWeaverville.com, please let those businesses know you appreciate their support of it.

Anyway, to celebrate this anniversary I decided to make our regular monthly contest just a little bigger. This month there will be TWO identical prize packages given away, each valued at $350+. Yes, two of you will win all $350+ worth of gift certificates and prizes. To enter, go to this page and submit an entry form.

Want to know what you’ll win? Here’s the list:

• $10 gift certificate to Art Accents
• $10 gift certificate to Athens Restaurant
• $20 gift certificate to Blue Mountain Pizza
• Pair of tickets to Blue Ridge Rollergirls game
• $20 gift certificate to Brown’s Floral Design
• $10 gift certificate to Clay Spa & Salon
• $10 gift certificate to Curtis Wright Outfitters
• $20 gift certificate to Diggin Art
• $10 gift certificate to Garden Station
• $20 gift certificate to Jody Ochs Design
• $20 gift certificate to Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Store
• Coffee mug from Mangum Pottery
• $10 gift certificate to Mike’s Grill
• $20 gift certificate to Miya Gallery
• Prize Package from Pampered Chef Independent Consultant Sheryl Mann
• $10 gift certificate to Preservation Hall
• Weaverville t-shirt from Rodney’s Automotive
• $10 gift certificate to Shop Around the Corner
• $20 gift certificate to Shope’s Furniture
• Pair of tickets to Fall 2008 Weaverville Art Safari Preview Party
• $20 gift certificate to Weaverville Lawn & Tractor
• Free 1/2-hour massage gift certificate from Weaverville Massage
• $10 gift certificate to Weaverville Milling Company
• $20 gift certificate to Weaverville Pet Pantry
• $10 gift certificate to Well-Bred Bakery

Again, to enter just go to this page and submit an entry form. Good luck and thanks for reading!

Free Wi-Fi at the Library
All Buncombe County libraries are now offering free wi-fi for library card holders. I haven’t personally tried it out yet, but I’m told the connection is very slow.

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Sales and Specials
Now’s a great time to buy plants: The Garden Station continues its 1/2 off sale on their remaining stock of annuals and hanging baskets, and Reems Creek Valley Nursery is advertising 25% off all plants June 27-July 3.

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New Websites
Recently added to the Links Directory:

• Adams Laufer’s Yoga & Body Enlightenment
• Dry Ridge Plumbing
• Smoke Free Dining in Weaverville
• Sundance Power Systems

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Shout Out
to Ken & Tammy at 96.5 WOXL and not just because I won a free lunch from them. It’s always cool to find out someone you’re a fan of is also a fan of yours. Brad & Angelina — are you out there?

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I’ll be helping out at The Garden Station this Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, so stop by and say Hi. And as always, have a great weekend!

I mentioned last week that July’s contest was going to be a little bit bigger than usual in honor of the one-year anniversary of the site. By bigger, I mean next month there will be not one, but two $250+ prize packages to give away, mostly gift certificates to local businesses. Check back July 1 for all the details, including exactly what you can win. In the meantime, you can still enter the June contest and take home $50 worth of gift certificates. Previous winners, by the way, will still be eligible for the July contest (the only people who won’t be eligible are family members — sorry Mom!).

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Business owners — If you haven’t heard from me yet about the contest and you want to be a part of it, here’s what I’m doing. Donate two (2) $10 gift certificates or prizes and I’ll give you one month of free advertising on the site (small banner ad for the month of July). Donate two (2) $20 gift certificates or prizes, you get two free months. Interested? Contact me at 768-8566.

Dropped From the Headlines
The Weaverville Tribune has a new blog, Dropped From the Headlines, serving as further proof to me that reporter Matt Tate really doesn’t ever sleep. Check it out at weavervilletribune.blogspot.com

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Support the BlackHawks
Want to support North Buncombe High School athletics? Check out the North Buncombe Hawk Club. Their next meeting, open to anyone who wishes to attend, is Monday, June 23. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at North Buncombe High School.

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Sales & Specials

• Weaverville Lawn & Tractor has John Deere toys marked 20% off.
• Tomorrow’s the last day of the Reems Creek Valley Nursery’s plant sale.
• Today’s the first day of the Garden Station’s annual and hanging basket sale.
• Weaverville Drug Company has gift items marked 30% off.

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New Websites
Some recently added websites to the Links Directory:

• Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Shop
• North Buncombe Youth Athletic Association
• Weaverville Drug Company & Soda Shop (recently redesigned)

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June Contest
ONE person will win $50 worth of gift certificates this month from:

• $20 to Blue Mountain Pizza
• $20 to Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Shop
• $10 to Preservation Hall

Enter at www.myweaverville.com/contests

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I’ve spent most of this week getting ready for next month, which, believe it or not, is the one-year anniversary of this website. More details about what I’ll be doing to celebrate coming soon. Have a great weekend!

Bears in the Neighborhoods
I’ve heard about a number of bear sightings in the area lately, so here’s a good reminder from the WNC Nature Center:

What do I do if I see a bear in my back yard?
Nothing – do not panic. Bears are not aggressive by nature and most are fearful of man, but if a bear has been accustomed to being around humans, they may appear to be more aggressive. Shout, make loud noises, face the bear, do not run from it, and walk slowly away from the bear. Running could trigger the bear to run after you, much like our pet dogs do when playing with us.

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Still looking for a gift for Dad for this Sunday?

• Curtis Wright Outfitters has their fly fishing combos on sale for Father’s Day.
• MVP Barbers & Style Shop is offering 25% off on American Crew Products thru June 20.
• If he’s into gardening, Reems Creek Valley Nursery & Landscaping has all kinds of Buy One, Get One Free specials. Check out their What’s New page for details.

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New Volunteer Opportunities
Art in Autumn is looking for volunteers to help with the September 20 festival and the Brian Center has a long list of volunteer opportunities. Check out the Volunteer page for information.

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New Websites
Here’s some recent additions to the Links Directory:

• Weaverville Wildlife Habitat
• North Buncombe Kiwanis Club
• Brian Fox
• Arts for Life (newly redesigned)
• Dina DeSantis
• Health Department Reports
• The Fields at Blackberry Cove

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June Contest is Open
ONE person will win $50 worth of gift certificates this month:

• $20 to Blue Mountain Pizza
• $20 to Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Shop
• $10 to Preservation Hall

Enter online at www.myweaverville.com/contests

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Finally, Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there. Hope everyone has a happy and safe weekend.

I’ve started creating some widgets which will allow you to easily add MyWeaverville.com Headlines on your own website, blog, or social networking page. Widgets are small pieces of code you add to your site which are controlled by another party, in this case the headlines I post on MyWeaverville.com. Once you add the HTML code to your site you don’t have to do anything else — it’ll update automatically. You can get the code here: www.widgetbox.com/widget/weaverville-north-carolina-online-guide

Here’s what this widget looks like. It’s a working version, so you can play around with it to see how it works:

If you want to put this on your site but you’re having trouble getting it to work correctly, let me know and I’ll do what I can to help.

In this month’s MyWeaverville.com contest one winner will receive:

• $20 Gift Certificate to Blue Mountain Pizza
• $20 Git Certificate to Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Shop
• $10 Gift Certificate to Preservation Hall

To enter, go to our Contests page, or you can submit your entry below:

Highlighted fields are required.
Your Name:
Your Email:
Are you a computer?
This is not a trick question. It is how I know you are a real live person and not a computer trying to send me a ton of spam. Please answer no to have your contest entry submitted. Thanks.

If you haven’t entered the March contest yet, you only have a few days left.   Remember you have to enter each month’s contest separately (in other words, if you entered the February contest you are NOT automatically entered for the March contest).   Submit your contest entry here.

This month’s prizes are:

• $20 Gift Certificate to Blue Mountain Pizza
• $20 Gift Certificate to Angel of Chocolate
• $20 Gift Certificate to Maggie B’s Wine and Specialty Shop
• $10 Gift Certificate to The Garden Station
• $10 Gift Certificate to Weaverville Pet Pantry

Good luck!

Also, if you haven’t taken the MyWeaverville.com Reader Survey you still have a few days left to do that. 

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. tomorrow morning.  Spring forward, so the saying goes, so move the clocks forward an hour.

The Fire Department always puts out a reminder to check/replace batteries on your smoke detectors this time of year too, so don’t forget to do that.

And while you’re here, take a minute to fill out the MyWeaverville.com Reader Survey if you haven’t already, and don’t forget to enter the MyWeaverville.com March contest.  One person will win $80 worth of gift certificates this month. 

MyWeaverville.com has been in existence for a little over 6 months now, so it seemed like a good time to set up a survey and request a little feedback from all of you.  I promise I won’t do this too often, but it is the quickest and easiest way for me to learn about how you use and feel about the site. 

I’ve tried to make this as painless as possible — 6 easy questions (5 multiple choice and 1 optional comments section).  It’s also completely anonymous – no name or e-mail address necessary.  Thanks in advance for your time!

Click here to take survey

Just added the newest MyWeaverville.com page, Contests. Each month I’ll be giving away one or more gift certificates to local businesses, and all you have to do is fill out the super-short form on the Contests page to enter. This month you can win a $20 gift certificate to Blue Mountain Pizza.

Good luck!