Can Asheville really be a sustainable community?

I have been thinking about the way development in Asheville North Carolina is headed. Many times people build without any consideration of future needs or possibilities. Some construct a home 50 miles from a grocery store, add a few gadgets, and think they are "Green" or Sustainable. Community needs to be a priority when it comes to the decisions we make. Even more in this new technology age, a good neighbor is of high value.

While taking to Randy Bassham from MyMPAC.com the other day, he talked about this "Greenway to the Future" that would connect North Asheville all the way to Flat Creek in Weaverville. As we drove around and toured the streets; walkability, outdoor life, and health were some of the main topics. We are lucky to have vehicles, but being able to take a bike ride or walk safely on your side of town is necessary. Social media in person could be so much more effective if joggers had a stretch of a few miles to tour. Health would improve and obesity would be tackled as more children walked the neighborhood.



I was recently on Stumble Upon and they had a video about making walking fun on an area coming out of a subway station. They wanted to see if people would use the steps instead of the escalator if the steps made music when you walked on them. See the video here:



An Architect in Asheville named Daryl Rantis is all about building a green, sustainble community. As development progresses with no view of the big picture, Daryl's vision for an interconnecting Asheville neighborhood dims. With the communities Rantis Architects draws and build, Urban Planning is always in mind. Development without people connected is not a true community project. Maybe our vision will improve if we start listening. You can see some of the community and neighborhood artwork of Rantis below:



*Please comment below and let us know what your view on this is. Thanks.

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North Asheville Little League Needs Players

Despite the recent snow and chilly temperatures, it's time to think about baseball again. North Asheville Little League recently held sign-ups, and they're still looking for kids who want to play. Boys and girls born between May 1, 1997 and April 30, 2005 can get out in the sunshine, meet new kids, and have some fun chasing balls and running around in circles. For more information, visit the NALL website at http://www.northashevillelittleleague.com/. From there you can print out an application and mail it, along with a check for the registration fee, to NALL, PO Box 8624 Asheville NC 28814. The registration fee is $50 for Asheville city residents, $55 for non-residents. You can also bring the form to the 3-A and 4-A evaluations at Weaver Park on March 13 at 9:00 a.m.

Just a little info about the NALL-I'm not into competitive sports at all. We've all heard stories about rabid parents and coaches taking the joy out of what should be a carefree, fun time for the kids. When my Zac decided to play ball, I was nervous about it, but he was so into it and his dad had played when he was a kid, so I signed him up and hoped for the best. I was pleasantly suprised by the atmosphere at North Asheville-while the kids all want to win and the coaches try to make that happen, the real point of the whole thing is to have fun. This will be Zac's fifth year playing for NALL, and the coaches we've had have all been great. All the kids get to play, and the parents keep the negativity to a bare minimum, if you see any at all. The kids reflect their parents' and coaches' good attitudes and show great sportsmanship. I'm impressed with the program, and it's pretty hard to impress this old cynic with anything, especially something like this.

april is a freelance writer from asheville. read more of her work here or follow her on facebook.



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Lake Louise in Weaverville North Carolina

Here is a video preview of Lake Louise in Weaverville NC, just a few miles North of Asheville.



Not everyone wants to live in the center of downtown Asheville. Some want a little West, East, South, and even North. Lake Louise in Weaverville is about 10 minutes North of downtown AVL. It is a very nice small town and community that many opt for. See More: Asheville Videos

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Merry Christmas from Asheville

Driving through North Asheville, it's easy to tell which homes have children in residence and which don't. Some yards are still pristine, snow covering the grass as perfectly as if they had been airbrushed. Others are pocked with footprints, mud and grass showing through, toppled snowmen looking longingly at their carrot noses tossed to the side by a naughty tyke.



Mine is one of the latter, and on Christmas Eve morning, while nearby houses sleep, mine is alive with noise and joy. Bob Dylan sings "Must be Santa" while little ones munch on toast with homemade pear butter, waiting on peppermint tea to be done. Small, sweet voices rise over Dylan's scratchy one, and even his namesake, eighteen this year, seems caught up in the excitement. Normally one to grunt in response to questions, the King of Aloof, he laughs with his siblings and teases them about what a long day this will be.

Plans for the holiday are simple: no fancy parties, no trudging from home to home to visit with people we'd just as soon not see. Today will be baking cookies, wrapping the last of the gifts, all-day holiday movie marathons and lots and lots of "Is it time for Santa yet?" There is no room in our holiday for religion, only a passing nod to the changing seasons and a smile, knowing that the days are getting longer and the sun will soon come back. Our faith is in each other, in knowing that we will be together in the morning, in the scent of Sebastian's wassail on the stove and the taste of chocolate chips melting on our tongues. Our faith is in knowing that Christmas is different for every heart, yet the same for every one: I will celebrate with my Baptist friends, my Pagan ones, the atheists, and none of those labels matter. We are, to each other, family, differences overshadowed by common bonds: love, humor, a sense of knowing we have been through this before and will survive it again.

Asheville is a family like mine, made up of people belonging simply because they don't belong anywhere else; people who are here because they want to be, not simply because they must be. Some have been here for generations, others wandered through just now and decided to stay. But regardless of how or why or how long, everyone is welcome, as long as you welcome someone else.

Whether you are just up the road or halfway across the world, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and may every day hold for you the same sense of joy and of belonging that this day does.

Make it happy, loves... Read more from me here or follow me on facebook.


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Asheville Restaurant Spotlight - Mother & Son Bistro and Bakery

Where North Asheville and Woodfin collide in a struggle for identity, lies a quiet little jewel called Mother & Son Bistro and Bakery. Their roadside banner says "dining on the hill" and indeed that is where they are located, on the hillside center called Stone Ridge Business Park located next to Citizens Hardware. Some of you long time residents will remember this location as the former skating rink run by the Powers family, who continue their community involvement with the development of the business park.


If this is your first visit, the minute you step through the doors your senses are assaulted with the overflowing bakery cases of cakes, pies, muffins and Danishes. As you stand there gawking a friendly voice from behind the counter greets you then inquires if you'd like to continue on into the dining room and perhaps enjoy a meal or choose from any of 5 daily hot soups. In to the dining room you go. The decor is whimsical and relaxing, the music from the big band era. The menu includes breakfast, lunch and a separate dinner menu is available after 5:00 PM. Sunday's are an extra treat as they offer a buffet brunch that includes breakfast, salad and fruit bar as well as rotating dinner items and dessert cart.

Sometime during your visit, the kitchen doors swing open and out comes "Mom," who makes it a personal goal to check on all customers to make sure their dining experience is a good one and to welcome you as a new member of the family. She remembers everybody by name. Family is what this place is all about. After having planned and searched several areas for more than 2 years- the Izon Family made Asheville their new home relocating from Florida. Picking the current location of Mother & Son Bistro involved much renovation and improvements to the building in order to bring things up to Moms standards. During the course of construction- 2 tragedies befell the family. Mom's father died and she returned to Florida to be with her mother for the funeral. Within days of returning from Florida and preparing for the Grand Opening- Ryan (son) became critically ill and was rushed into Mission hospital where he remained for the next 6 weeks battling for his life. During all this- Mother & Son Bistro opened their doors for business, not in a grand flourish as was planned, but under extreme duress having lost 1/2 of the dynamic duo in the kitchen.

"Our goal at Mother & Son is to give you great food at a competitive price and make your visit with us feel like a trip to a friends home. I recently heard an interview with a local restaurant owner who claimed his place is the "neighbor meeting spot". That is the atmosphere we want to provide. We treat people like we want to be treated," so says the Mom. I have been in food service and hospitality for more years than I care to remember and Ryan and his sister Christina grew up in the industry as well. Christina has a background in corporate hospitality having been a manager for both Wendy's chain and T.G.I. Friday. She knows operations in the front of the house as well as back of the house. Ryan made a goal of training in the newer techniques of cake decorating and chocolate making as well as art with sugar. He still dreams of the day when his health will permit him to create wonderful confections for the Bistro. He has a love of food and a zeal for fresh ideas.

What are the future plans? Well, we are trying to move forward in a stagnant economy. We have obtained our wine permit and offer a nice but modest selection. Next we would like to offer beer including local breweries and right now we have started the arduous task of putting together investors to expand our square footage to include a full service bar and bar side dining. We outfitted the restaurant without any outside financial assistance but feel we need partners to achieve future goals. But what is the saying? "If you are not moving forward- you're actually moving backwards"? We will follow the example of the Salmon and continue to struggle up stream.

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4th of July in Weaverville - Day & Night

MPAC's 4th of July Block Party in Weaverville

What: MPAC 4th of July Block Party (a continuance of Weaverville's 15 year old celebration with average attendance of 31,000).

When: Saturday, July 4th 2009, 10 am to 10 pm.

Where: North Buncombe High School Soccer practice field. 890 Clarks Chapel Rd Weaverville, NC 28787

Who: MPAC (MAYSA's Multi Purpose Athletic & Community Complex) is a non profit initiative of the determined, vetted non profit ncMAYSA based in Weaverville. Federal Nonprofit tax ID # 20-4450650. MPAC is an assembly of now more than 60 movement based organizations from across WNC focused on the improvement of available faculties for movement and community. Much more information is available at www.myMPAC.com.

The North Buncombe Kiwanis have joined us and are running their 15 year old Firecracker 5K race begins and ends at the site of your MPAC 4th of July Block Party.

The North Buncombe High School Band Boosters will hold their biggest fund raising event of the year at your MPAC 4th of July Block Party.

Many churches and other places of worship will be holding fundraisers at the celebration.

Eight bands are performing at your MPAC 4th of July Block Party including Jen and The Juice, Firecracker Jazz Band, Skinny Legs and All, Tennessee Jed, Locomotive Pie, The Buddy Davis Band, Dave Wendelin, and Roberto Hess.

There will be on going Sports demonstrations from Asheville Lacrosse, Asheville Aerial Arts, Aerial Trapeze Academy, Weaverville Futbol Club,N. Buncombe Youth Athletic Association, etc.

We are seeking sponsorship funds to pay for the fireworks and other costs of the festivities. We need your help. Please step up and join us in doing what is right for our community…

Music Schedule
**10:00am to 12:00pm Tennessee Jed
**12:00 to 2:00pm Firecracker Jazz Band
** 2 to 4pm ** Skinny Legs and All
** 4 to 6pm **Locomotive Pie
** 6 to 8pm **The Buddy Davis Band
**8:00 to 9:30pm Headline Act ** Jen and the Juice

Other Musicians: Dave Wendelin, Roberto Hess
Other Performers: The Blue Ridge Roller Girls, Asheville Puppetry Alliance, Asheville Hula Dancers, Clowns, Mimes, Magicians

Contact President of MPAC Randy Bassham at Randy@myMPAC.com or 828-645-2030 for further information.

Asheville Custom Home Builders - North Asheville

Building a home in Asheville North Carolina is more than just picking out a floor plan and some colors. Many things need to be considered to make sure that your lifestyle, location, and desires are maximized. Some want a little seclusion with access to everything in a matter of minutes. Some want that mountaintop living experience around Asheville, but have downtown less than 20 minutes away. Asheville Custom Home Builders, LLC is a great builder in the Asheville area that has many options and also works with your every step of the way. You deal directly with the General Contractor himself, so there are no "salespeople" or middle men (people). Bruce takes you every step of the way to make sure that this is Your Home, and that you will love and enjoy it when it is complete & for many years to come. Have questions? Phone, email, blog, and Twitter accounts are all set up with ACHB... so access it what they want you to have. Asheville Custom Home Builders is a builder that is keeping up with the times and invites you to share your home building dreams with them. Here is a lot in North Asheville/Weaverville North Carolina that is about 5 minutes from the new Wal-Mart and Lowe's, in a nice secluded cul-de-sac, and in a great neighborhood with Lake Louise and a nice playground for the kids only minutes away. Beautiful Community! Get in touch with Asheville Custom Home Builders by clicking HERE.

Days Inn Changes Asheville Signs / Logos, everywhere soon

Here is a video of the sign at the North Asheville Days Inn on Reynolds Mountain being swapped out for something with a little more flare to it. Now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel just a little better. Companies like Days Inn are changing their look to match the times, adapt to simple feng-shui, and re-invent themselves in this new age we are living in. Out with the old business philosophy, and in with the new. Out with the old way to run a Country, and in with the new hi-tech way. Wireless Internet is more important than a hot tub, and colors change how people see you at certain times. (Man their are so many variables with true marketing). With these "old" colors (somebody please tell the last of the Shoney's in the area... does Gary Lowe still own those?), you are identified with the past age, even if it is only 5 years ago. New is for everyone, older people or younger. Just like we keep up with the news, we must follow the times. Popular colors change with time, and a logo can always change meaning and express different or new ideas with age. Some of these expressions may not be good for the time, and that is where "Change" comes in. Here is the Days Inn chain taking some steps.

Crawford Sign Company and Imoco Crane was setting the signs on this Days Inn today.

North Asheville Weaverville Ingles full

Sitting here watching evrything going on at the Weaverville Commons Ingles grocery supermarket a few minutes North of Asheville. Construction going on in the background, parking spaces full, and people everywhere. The new Wal-Mart Supercenter is being built right behind me about 1/2 mile. Giant development going on now on this side of town. Gloomy chilly day today, but tis the season. See video on the Wal-Mart being built on www.youtube.com/askasheville

Woodfin Political and Biblical message

Took a pic of this sign on Merrimon Avenue in Woodfin North Carolina. I'm always trying to read into things, but this one is pretty clear. So this is why Frank's in North Asheville is closed on Sunday, lol.
www.FranksPizzaAsheville.com

Beautiful Blurred Sunset in Asheville North Carolina

Had to try to take this pic, driving or not, of this beautiful sunset. I am looking from the downtown side of the Westgate Bridge in Asheville, and I am looking North. What does it mean to me? It shows a vision.. not yet completely uncovered, some direction (signs to the right), some nature (trees), some ups and downs (mountains), some covering (clouds), and a light somewhere... sometimes so far away, but also reachable.

Veterans for Foreign Wars of the US

Photo of the VFW raising funds outside a local Ingles supermarket in North Asheville NC. www.VFW.org

Tractor Trailer hits bridge demo & repair

North Asheville - Photo of the demolition happening on 19/23 North past the New Stock Road exit. A truck hit it months ago, they closed the overpass in Weaverville, and just now got around to fixing it.

More Asheville Graffiti on Merrimon Avenue

This new graph is on the corner of Merrimon Ave and East Chestnut on the North side of Downtown Asheville. It is on top of the building right next to the Obama campaign headquarters in Asheville. As the neighborhood grows, so does the vandalism. Several Asheville companies are staying ahead of the game and using "graffiti proof coatings" on any walls on the exterior of their business.

Weaverville Elementary School Yard Sale Fund Raiser

Weaverville Elementary School is holding a Yard Sale to benefit the landscaping committee at the school. The sale will be held on November 15th 2008 from 8 am till noon. All proceeds will be used for landscaping projects, greenhouse supplies, and for the New Gardening Club that will begin on November 18th.

Donations for the sale may be made at the school from 2:30 pm till 3:15 pm from November 10th till November 14th at the YMCA Afterschool trailer which is behind the cafeteria.

They are also looking for volunteers to help set up and work the sale. Please contact Tany LaCorte at tany@hughes.net if you can help in any way.

Thanks to all of the wonderful residents of North Asheville, Weaverville, and Mars Hill that volunteer in our schools. Caring neighbors, parents and friends are what our schools function possible.

Reems Creek, perfect set for leaf season in WNC

If you have been down Reems Creek in Weaverville about 2 miles on the left (Hamburg Mtn Road), you might have noticed a beautiful decorative set that is perfect for amateur or professional photo shoots. Here is a quick photo we took. Notice the barn to the right, the mountains beyond, and the round hay bale decorated for Halloween. This location is about 15 minutes North of downtown Asheville.

Ferrari pic, sitting outside Stoney Knob Cafe Weaverville

Just a quick photo of a Ferrari sitting outside the Stoney Knob Cafe in North Asheville. Lots of Maserati labels spinning around the Asheville area lately too. Visit www.StoneyKnobCafe.com or just stop by there for some great food and service. Check out that bar in the back left room. Nice work. You planted a great restaurant in North Asheville, expanded our taste buds, and helped the community greatly. Thank you.

Vino Vino Wine of North Asheville North Carolina

They used to be up on the hill next to Nick's Subs in North Asheville, but have now moved a little North. Heading North on Merrimon, it is on the left about 1/4 of a mile past the Woodfin/North Asheville ABC Store.

When we went in previously, John (one of the owners) was serving wine samples, cheese, and chocolates to several clients. You can visit them online at www.vinovinowines.com

Reynold's Mountain Asheville Shopping Coming Soon!

If you have not been up the hill to Food Lion and Reynold's Mountain in Woodfin lately, stop by and take a look. They are building a giant shopping town center, with this building being used for retail and office space. A great addition to North Asheville. Somebody said something about the new YMCA going up there as well.

KCB Construction is the General Contractor on this job. Many sites are already developed in this soon to be "Mountain Shopper's Dream" on Reynold's Mountain.

Vance's Birthplace in Weaverville North Carolina

Even on Sunday with its gates closed, Vance's Birthplace has many cars parked along the road with people "hopping the fence" to visit and take photos. It is located about 6 miles down Reems Creek in North Asheville / Weaverville (about 20 minutes from Downtown Asheville).

You can read more about Vance at www.nchistoricsites.org/vance/vance.htm