This week’s free Friday tasting at Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Store (113 North Main Street):

Blind Red Wine Tasting
Friday, March 12, 2010
5:30-7:30 p.m.
We will be putting your tasting skills to the test! All the wines will be covered up and you, the taster, will have to determine which wine is which. For each wine that you get right you get $.50 off your order. So, bring a group of friends, so you can put your minds and palates together.

Deal of the Week:
Eel River Brewing Blond Ale
Fortuna, California
“Organic, crisp palate, light malt, and subtle bitterness”
WAS: $12.99
NOW: $9.99

Dispose of your unused, unwanted, or expired prescriptions in Weaverville next week during Operation Medicine Drop:

Who
Safe Kids, Weaverville Police Department, Weaverville Drug Company, CVS Pharmacy, KERR Drug, and WalMart locations in Weaverville.

What
Prescription drug take-back event where the public can dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications and keep them out of the wrong hands.

When and Where

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 3-6 p.m. , CVS Pharmacy (Monticello Road)
• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, Noon-2 p.m., Weaverville Drug Company (Main Street)
• Friday, March 19, 2010, 3-6 p.m., KERR Drug (Weaver Blvd)
• Saturday, March 20, 2010, Noon-3 p.m., WalMart (Northridge Commons)

Why
Unintentional poisoning from prescription medicatinos is on the rise in North Carolina – since 1999, nearly 4,500 people have died from prescription poisioning. Operation Medicine Drop offers the public a free and convenient option for disposing of their prescription and over-the-counter medications to protect their families and the environment.

Walk with Dr. Ogg and Dry Ridge Family Medicine (including me) on March 27, 2010 to help them support Colon Cancer Awareness:

Dr. Nicole Ogg and the staff at Dry Ridge Family Medicine invite you to walk with us on March 27 at the 2010 Colon Cancer Awareness 5k Run/Walk in Asheville.

The 5K (3.1 mile) Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 27, 2010 and will start at 8 a.m. at the Asheville Gastroenterology Associates parking lot (191 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville).

This is the first year for this event, which has been put together by Asheville Gastroenterology Associates to promote the importance of colon cancer screening. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Despite effective tests being available, colorectal cancer screening remains underused, with less than half of the American population undergoing some form of screening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s estimated that as many as 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. Colorectal Cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death, with 1 in 19 Americans developing the disease during one’s lifetime.

All proceeds from the event go to the Mission Healthcare Foundation to help fund the Mission Comprehensive Cancer Care Facility, which will bring state of the art outpatient cancer treatment to Western North Carolina.

If you’d like to walk with the Dry Ridge Family Medicine team (the Turtle Trotters), please stop by our office at 104 North Main Street and pick up a registration form.  You can also visit our Events page at www.dryridgefamilymedicine.com/events.php for more information about the race or to register online.

Book signing March 13, 2010 at Well-Bred Bakery (26 North Main Street), featuring author Denny Stockdale:

Stop in and meet author Denny Stockdale, author of “Conversations from The Neighborhood Ice Cream Shop: 8 Keys to Rediscovering Lost Dream and Finding Your Life’s Calling”, on Saturday March 13, 2010 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.!

Denny Stockdale first started creating acronym phrases in the mid 1980s. His first booklet on acronyms was printed as a Christmas gift in 1987. Money was tight at that time, so he  gave a gift of the heart to the volunteers he was leading, as well as friends and family. Over the last twenty years, Denny’s interest in acronyms has continued. He enjoys taking a word and making a significant phrase from that word.

When he was a member of the National Speakers Association, he was known as “The Ambassador of Affability.” As a trainer with Fred Pryor, he traveled extensively presenting one and two-day seminars around the United States.  Denny is a graduate of Coach for Life, a nationally recognized training program for personal life coaches.

The author is active with the Purpose Project Guild, a joint project of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality & Healing and Richard Leider of the Inventure Group, and shares his gift and passion for purpose with others. Denny also provides computer consulting services to individuals and businesses. He is happily married and lives in Edina, Minnesota.

From the Vino Vino Wine Market newsletter:

Stoney Knob Café (337 Merrimon Avenue) & Vino Vino Wine Market invite you to join us for our Klinker Brick Wine Dinner Tuesday, March 23rd at 6:30 p.m. This fantastic event will be hosted by the Fine Wine Trading Company & Lori Felten, owner of the Klinker Brick Winery. Chefs Yotty Dermas & Nate Sargent have created three delicious courses to be paired with these amazing wines from the Klinker Brick Winery in Lodi, California.

Amusée
Goat Cheese Strawberry Bruschetta drizzled with Honey Peppercorn Syrup & Prosciutto wrapped Apple with Brie Cheese

1st Course
Honey glazed grilled Quail over Mesclun Greens with Frisee & Bleu Cheese Crumbles drizzled with Italian Olive Oil
Klinker Brick 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel

2nd Course
Slow braised free range Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Tomato Jus, Lentils & Celeriac Mash
Farrah 2007 Syrah

3rd Course
Seared Pork Tenderloin, crispy French Baguette, Mission Fig & Sun-dried Cranberry Chutney
Old Ghost 2007 Red Zinfandel

Dessert
Homemade Old Ghost Red Zinfandel Ice Cream with a Ganache dipped Chocolate Chip Cookie

Menu subject to change. These wines will be available that night for pre-purchase with a 15% discount. The cost is only $48 per person (sales tax and gratuity not included). A credit card number is required to hold the reservation. Please call 828-658-WINE (9463) with any questions or to save a spot, space is very limited!

The Mountain Area American Red Cross is holding the annual CPR Saturday on March 13, 2010.  They’re offering free CPR classes at the Weaverville Fire Department (3 Monticello Road) and 14 other locations throughout Western North Carolina. Pre-registration is required. The class runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (I was told they will shut the doors promptly at 9 a.m., so if you’re late you won’t be let in). Info and locations:

CPR Saturday

On March 13, instruction will be given at a total of 15 locations in eight Western North Carolina counties.  Pre-registration is required for participation.  Interested persons should call 828-258-3888 or their local Red Cross offices for more information on times, locations, type of class being offered (adult, child or infant) and reservations.

“For one day each year, our community chapters offer these valuable life-saving skills for free to area residents,” said Patrick Fitzsimmons, regional Red Cross executive.  “Whether required for a particular job or as a skill someone wants to learn, the fact is that CPR saves lives.  We are hopeful area citizens will take advantage of these free classes,” he added.

Last year, over 450 individuals received free training on CPR Saturday.

Buncombe County
To Register (required):  828-258-3888

• Red Cross Chapter Headquarters (100 Edgewood Road, Asheville)
• Skyland Fire Department (9 Miller Road, Skyland)
• Weaverville Fire Department (3 Monticello Road, Weaverville)
• Stephens Lee Recreation Center (30 George Washington Carver Street, Asheville)

Haywood County
To Register (required): 828-456-8141

• Haywood Regional Fitness Center (262 Leroy George Drive, Clyde)
• Waynesville Recreation Center (550 Vance Street, Waynesville)

Henderson County
To Register (required):  828-693-5605

• Mountain First Bank and Trust Operations Center (960 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville)
• Henderson County YMCA (810 6^th Avenue, West, Hendersonville)
• Pardee Hospital Education Center (Blue Ridge Mall, 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville)
• Fletcher Library (120 Library Road – just off Hendersonville Road, Fletcher)

McDowell County
To Register (required): 828-652-6531

• Corpening Memorial YMCA (348 Grace Corpening Road, Marion)

Polk County
To Register (required): 828-894-2700

• Red Cross Chapter Headquarters (231 Ward Street, Columbus)

Rutherford County
To Register (required): 828-287-5916

• Isothermal Community College Gymnasium (286 ICC Loop Road, Spindale)

Transylvania County
To Register (required): 828-884-4530

• First United Methodist Church (325 Broad Street, Brevard

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s last week’s edition for our district:

Recent Senate Votes

Temporary Extension Act of 2010 Vote Passed (78-19, 3 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill that provides short-term extensions of a number of programs that expired February 28, including unemployment benefits and federal health care subsidies for jobless workers. The bill was quickly signed by the President. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act Vote Passed (262-153, 16 Not Voting) The House passed this legislation that would establish the first federal safety standards on seclusion and restraint in schools, allowing for restraints in cases when there is immediate danger to the student or others. The bill now heads to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act Vote Passed (217-201, 14 Not Voting) The House approved this bill that would provide $13 billion in payroll tax relief over 10 years for employers who hire unemployed workers and extend through 2010 a law that allows small businesses to deduct up to $250,000 in qualified expenses. The bill goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Tax Extenders Act of 2009 – H.R.4213 The Senate is expected to continue work on this legislation to extend expired tax provisions as well as other programs, including unemployment insurance, flood insurance and COBRA health care subsidies. Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act – H.R.2847 The Senate may also vote on this job creation bill, which would provide tax relief to businesses hiring unemployed workers. Afghanistan War Powers Resolution – H.Con.Res.248 The House is scheduled to take up this resolution that would set a timeline for withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan. Impeaching Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr. for high crimes and misdemeanors – H.Res.1031 The House is also expected to vote on the impeachment of Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr.

Here’s a free workshop for people living with chronic conditions. It starts April 14, 2010:

LIVING HEALTHY is a FREE 6-week self-management program for people with chronic conditions.  Learn how to take charge of your health and manage pain, fatigue, frustration, increase fitness and self-confidence at this workshop sponsored by the Land-of-Sky Regional Council and hosted by the Town of Weaverville on Thursdays, April 14-May 20, 2010, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Weaverville Town Hall (30 South Main Street).  Contact Rebecca or Christina to register at 828-251-6622.

Special program sponsored bythe Friends of the Weaverville Library on March 16:

Becky Stone portrays North Carolinian Pauli Murray at the Weaverville Library (41 North Main Street) on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 7 p.m.  Join this beloved local performer as she reprises her Chautauqua portrayal of this historically significant daughter of North Carolina.

Pauli Murray was the first African American woman to be ordained in the Episcopal Church and preached her first service at the same church that her grandmother had been baptized in as a slave the century before.  She was a lawyer, writer and activist as well as a lifelong friend of Eleanor Roosevelt.  Get to know her and her accomplishments in this intimate portrait by local performer Becky Stone.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library.  For more information call the Library at 250-6482.

IHOP opened its doors this morning in the old North Star Diner location (61 Weaver Blvd). They’ll be open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Sunday in the beginning, but will eventually move to what they expect to be their regular schedule: 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6:30 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. Their phone number is 645-3800.

This week’s free Friday tasting at Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Store (113 North Main Street):

Grenache Wine Tasting
Friday, March 5, 2010
5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Grenache grape is becoming increasingly popular, with good reason.  It’s delicious!  We will be offering Spain’s traditionally rich and smooth Grenache, Australia’s light and fun bubbly Grenache, and California’s juicy but still full body Grenache (which Wine Spectator just raved about on the cover of this month’s issue)  Come see what all the hype is about.  You won’t be disappointed.
See you then!

The Weaverville Tribune website has a new look.  The updated site includes more full articles, comments section, classifieds, links, and more.  Matt says they’re still working on it, and plan to add more photos and videos in the future. Check it out at www.weavervilletribune.com.

Another Weaverville snow sculpture. This one was created in the middle of the ball field next to Weaverville Primary School (39 South Main Street).

“Old Man Weaver” makes an appearance in downtown Weaverville.

From Blue Mountain Pizza (55 North Main Street), about tonight’s Sixth Anniversary Celebration:

Due to the weather we are having to cancel our Sixth Anniversary Celebration Pizza Buffet.

If you have a a newsletter coupon we will honor that coupon all this week for a large two topping pizza when dining in.

We apologize for the cancellation but the safety of our customers and employees on slick roads make the change necessary.