Hail to the Chief

This weekend Asheville North Carolina welcomes President and Mrs. Obama for a quick weekend getaway. Their specific agenda is, of course, undisclosed though  we do "know" (some sources still say this is a rumor) they will be staying at the Grove Park Inn and that everyone who who visits Asheville wants to see Biltmore (Mrs. Obama might particularly like the gardens). We also know that there will be traffic problems and a few inconveniences like the cancellation of the free hot air balloon rides at RiverLink's Earth Day Celebration. But there has already been national publicity about the visit on ABC News, local media and dozens of Blogs. After a challenging winter, record cold and snow and a still struggling economy the high-profile boost to mountain tourist industries is welcomed. We hope they will enjoy  western North Carolina, even in such a short period of time, and absorb some of the peace and spiritual renewal our beautiful mountains bestow upon the rest of us every day.

Red Wolf Habitat Opens in October- WNC Nature Center

Grand Opening of the New Red Wolf Run Habitat
Time/Place: Oct 3, 10:15AM, WNC Nature Center, Asheville NC
With the opening of the Nature Center's Red Wolf Habitat it becomes one of only 40 red wolf captive breeding sites nationwide. Members only Special event from 9AM-10AM, requires RSVP.
Contact: josie@wildwnc.org
Website: http://www.wildwnc.org/

UNC Asheville's Craft Campus offers Meet the Maker Series

"Meet the Maker: Conversations of Meaning with Craftspeople" is a year-long series focusing on meaningful conversations with individual craftspeople, artists and designers. The goal of the series is to link the conversations with the "Makers" to the life of the viewer/user of contemporary craft. September schedule includes:
Sept. 29 William Schaaf, painter/sculptor, 12:30pm in Owen Hall 237, UNC Asheville campus (FREE)
Sept. 30 Craft In America pre-screening with NC potter Mark Hewitt, 7pm at the Fine Arts Theatre, Asheville ($10/adults; $3/students; children under 12 free)

Contact: 828-250-2392

Website: http://www.unca.edu/craftcampus/mtm.htm

News from the Grove Arcade- Birdwatcher Alert

They're back... The annual migration of the Chimney Swifts has begun. Each year the birds migrate during September and October and stop by Asheville to enjoy their preferred temperature range, 50-70 degrees. Attracted to the large chimney on the fifth floor of the Grove Arcade. Last weekend between 500 and 1,000 were spotted on the Arcade's roof at sunset making their dive into the chimney. They circle the chimney before coming to roost creating quite a show for sidewalk spectators.
Website: http://www.grovearcade.com/

Last Day For Advance Ticket Sales to Dianne Wortham Theatre

FRIENDS Association Members' Advance Sales Ends August 18. The advance ticket sales period for members of the Diana Wortham Theatre FRIENDS Association in Asheville NC ends next Tuesday, August 18. Take advantage of this member benefit to secure your tickets for the best seats to your top picks. For information about joining the FRIENDS Association visit:
http://www.dwtheatre.com/get-involved/friends-association

Hey Day Needs Volunteers and Performers

The Friends of the WNC Nature Center are calling for volunteers, performers and sponsers for the Annual Hey Day on October10. To volunteer or perform please contact the Friends office: 298-5600, ext 319. Business sponsorships for $300 or $500 or a special stage sponsorship for $1,000 are also still available. Call ext. 308.

Asheville Gets Top Rating From Imbibe Magazine

Asheville NC took top honors in Imbibe Magazine's online poll of "the Best Craft Beer City". The poll pitted Asheville against some of the best beer regions including runner-up Portland, OR. The honor is the second for Asheville this year, having won the East Coast title for Beer City USA.
Cheers, Asheville!

Spa Spotlight: Shoji Spa & Lodge

SHOJI SPA & LODGE. The Lodge is located at Shoji Spa. A complimentary Private Spa Pass is provided to each guest. Full, gourmet kitchen, two sided fireplace, large decks with views to the valley. Right next to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
$285-$485 per night.

Get Compost From The Zoo!

Asheville, WNC Nature Center - ZOO POO compost for your garden...50 lb. bags for $4 and 25 lb. bags for $2 Pickup will be Saturdays from 2 - 4 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS please!
Just come by then to make your purchase. All proceeds go to projects funded by the Friends of the WNC Nature Center.
http://www.wildwnc.org

We Have a Winner! French Broad River Raffle

June RiverLink and Asheville Adventure Guide are pleased to announce the winner of the June prize package for the Save the French Broad River Raffle is Sharon Fahrer of Asheville. Sharon and her husband Vic, both long time RiverLink supporters and volunteers, will enjoy the great prizes in the June package including Asheville Outdoor Center river trip for 2, Climbmax Bouldering Packages and gift cards to Black Dome and Second Gear outfitters. RiverLink is a regional non-profit spearheading the economic and environmental donate image revitalization of the French Broad River and its tributaries as a place to work, live and play. http://www.riverlink.org/