Reynolds Mountain Communities CEO Kirk Boone (pictured left) introduced Woodfin Mayor Jerry Vehaun last Friday, who was among a number of politicians, business and community leaders and local citizens attending the Neighborhood YMCA at Woodfin ribbon cutting ceremony. On hand were Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy, State Representatives Susan Fisher and Bruce Goforth, Asheville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Richard Lutovsky, YMCA CEO Paul Vest, YMCA VP of Operations John Mikos, YMCA Board Member Bob Roberts, and dozens of others. After a series of introductions, Mayor Vehaun, assisted by Representative Susan Fisher, used an enormous pair of scissors to cut a ceremonial ribbon, marking the official opening of the Neighborhood YMCA at Woodfin.

According to bankrate.com North Carolina has the lowest closing costs of all fifty states at an average of $2,650. That is a nearly $1,400 less than the highest average costs in New York City. New York, Texas and Florida topped the list with the highest average closing costs for the second year in a row. Couple low closing costs with low mortgage rates and Asheville's consistent high rankings in almost every conceivable category of good living, and this area becomes the perfect choice for retirement or relocation.

The Neighborhood YMCA at Woodfin sign is being installed at the entrance to the new Reynolds Village today. The grand opening is just around the corner.

Much needed rain is falling on Reynolds Mountain Communities, but thankfully all of the work on the anchor building of Reynolds Village is on the inside, as our construction crews finish the fine detail work for our new tenants. Soon, the Neighborhood YMCA at Woodfin will be open for the business of health and wellness, and early reviews give the new facility a resounding thumbs up. Charter memberships are sold out, but anyone who joins a Western North Carolina YMCA can use any of the area branches. This summer, CarePartners Health Services will open a new North Clinic in Reynolds Village and more tenants are soon to be announced. More than just flowers are growing this spring at Reynolds Mountain Communities.

The Mystic Mountain Krewe will host an event that marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season worldwide, or at least in New Orleans and Asheville. The Twelfth Night party will take place at Ed Boudreaux’s at 48 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 7:00pm. The event will feature the official proclamation of the opening of the Mardi Gras season, the presentation of the King Cake and the crowning of the krewe’s new King and Queen. The LaZoom bus will meet the revelers afterwards and take as many as can ride around town, spreading Mardi Gras cheer throughout the city.

The Mystic Mountain Krewe is making preparations for Asheville’s second annual Mardi Gras Parade (Sunday, February 22nd downtown, starting at 4:37 p.m.) In light of current economic realities, this year’s theme is “RICHES TO RAGS.”

The organization is a motley krewe of New Orleans ex-pats and devotees of New Orleans culture and some who just love a good party! Although Mystic Mountain is the organizing krewe, the group is currently enrolling additional krewes and individual revelers for parade entries.

A “krewe” is social aid and pleasure club, per New Orleans tradition. Any group may enter as a krewe—friends, neighborhood groups, work colleagues, businesses, non-profits. Brainstorming is encouraged; the rule of the day is creativity, political satire and spoofing!

For more information or to get involved, visit www.myspace.com/mysticmountainkrewe or call (828) 252-8404.

New Years Eve Menus!

New Years Eve
Pre fix Menu


Antojitos

Mariscos Stuffed Avocado with a Cilantro and Lime Vinagrette

Ensalada

Watercress, house dried Grapes, Cheese Chicharron and Radishes with a Guava dressing.


Sopa

Crema de Langosta
Lobster, Chayote Squash and Guajillo Pepper Bisque


Entrada

Grilled Lobster
With A Cauliflower and Avocado Flan and a Saffron Veloute

Carne Asada
Prime New York Strip
With a Smoked Ancho Pepper Demiglace and a Potato Cofin and Zetas

Vegetariano
Vegetarian or Vegan Course Upon Request


Dessert
A Chocolate Delight



$ 65.00 per person
$ 25.00 with a Wine Paring
Dinner includes a complimentary glass of champagne

Tax and tip not included


For Reservations please call (828) 253-2111

This fall, Reynolds Mountain residents were called upon to help clothe school children in need in the Town of Woodfin. The response was overwhelming: a truckload of clothes and well over $1,000 in cash. Just a few weeks later the Town asked for donations to buy gifts and food for the holidays for families in need, and already $1350 has been raised.

If you wish to donate, make checks payable to the Town of Woodfin with "Holiday Fund" in the memo line and your dontation will be used locally for the direct benefit of those in need. Checks may be mailed to Reynolds Mountain Communities, attn: Lesley Groetsch, 55 Weaverville Hwy, Suite 12, Asheville, NC 28804

Thanksgiving is not just one day in Western North Carolina, it is a season. Join Reynolds Mountain in keeping that spirit alive.