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Overview > Local Scoop > Labels > Asheville Labels
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 Tourists Win Third Straight12:49 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Scott Robinson broke a 1-1 tie with the a three-run double in the 7th inning giving the Tourists a 4-1 win over Savannah on Tuesday night. Dan Houston (3-6) picked up the win to keep Asheville (4-1, 30-44) in first place in the SAL Southern Division for one more day. Beau Seabury picked up three hits and an RBI while Adam Jorgenson earned his 13th save with a scoreless 9th inning. The 13 saves places Jorgensen 2nd in the league behind Pat Venditte of Charleston.
Savannah took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Wilmer Flores doubled home Jefry Marte from first base. Josh Satin singled with two outs and Stefan Welch walked to load up the bases. Houston then picked up a groundball to end the threat. Savannah had the bases loaded twice on Tuesday and could not score, stranding 11 in the game. Beau Seabury tied up the game 1-1 with a single in the fifth inning. Seabury dove in Kiel Roling with his first of three hits off Chris Schwinden. Asheville took the lead with the bases loaded in the seventh inning on a Scott Robinson double. Robinson smacked a fly ball to right center with two outs plating Roling, Seabury and Andrew Goff putting Houston in position to win. Houston struck out six and walked three in his third win of the season. The Tourists have now won three straight and are 6-3 against Savannah this season. Jonathan Aristil (0-4, 5.08) will take the ball in game two of the series on Wednesday beginning at 7:05. Savannah will counted with LHP Robert Carson (5-5, 2.39) . All the action can be heard on WRES FM. 100.7 or online at www.theashevilletourists.com Labels: asheville, baseball, events, sports, tourists
Telluride Mountain Film Festival comes to WNC12:21 PM
CASHIERS, NC - Telluride Mountain Film Festival comes to Western North Carolina for the first time Friday July 10th and Saturday July 11th, 2009. The two evenings will feature delicious food from local restaurants and live music under the stars at Cashiers Village Hillside Park, up the hill behind Tommy's. The festival will open Friday July 10th with a special presentation of The Village Heritage Award by Cashiers Historical Society. This will be followed by the flamenco/jazz/world music of Asheville-based Cabo Verde. Dinner will then be served, courtesy of Cyprus International Cuisine of Highlands. There will be a Q & A with director Matt Morris after the screening of his film "History Making Farming Author on the Move." The evening features a selection of outdoor, adventure, human interest and environmental films from Telluride Mountain Film Festival. Saturday July 11th will be a casual evening enjoying the music of The Trainwreks, voted Western North Carolina's number one Alternative-Country band by Mountain Xpress. Dinner will be the delicious appetizers, sandwiches, and pastas of Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company. Special guests from Drexel, NC featured in the film Pickin' & Trimmin' will play their down home bluegrass music before intermission. The evening features a selection of outdoor, adventure, human interest and environmental films from Telluride Mountain Film Festival (films are different Friday night and Saturday). Both nights, guests will have two free drinks (that are included with ticket) and can be treated to the fine North Carolina wines of Westbend Vineyards and have the opportunity to meet the owner and wine maker. We are pleased to offer the refreshing micro-brewed beers of Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company as well. Gates open at 6pm both nights. Arrive early to find good parking, and enjoy all the evening has to offer. Two drinks (wine, beer or soda) are included with ticket and more can be purchased. Music starts around 6pm and dinner (included with ticket) is served at 7pm. The Telluride Film Festival begins at dusk both nights (around 9pm) and will conclude about 11pm. A different selection of films will be shown each night. Sorry, no pets or outside food and drink are permitted. Tickets are $45 for one night, $80 for a two night pass. Admission price includes two beverages, films, live music, dinner, and a lanyard with your Film Pass, a flashlight and coupons to local businesses! The gates open at 8pm for film-only ticket holders. WNC magazine will be offering prizes and giveaways. Proceeds will benefit Summit Charter School of Cashiers. The event is hosted by Cashiers Village, located near where Highways 64 and 107 meet, home to Zeke & Earl's hot dog stand and the legendary Tommy’s Coffee Shop. Cashiers Village has plans for a pedestrian friendly residential and retail community at the Cashiers Crossroads which will begin development in earnest as the economy rights itself. Their vision is to create a thriving and culturally enriching town center. Labels: art, asheville, events, movies
UNC Asheville Earns Top Spot in Fiske Guide to Colleges10:56 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - As the 2010 college rankings begin to roll in, UNC Asheville continues to stand with some of the nation's finest colleges. The annual "Fiske Guide to Colleges" released its 2010 list of Best Buys of American and Canadian colleges earlier this month. UNC Asheville is alone among public colleges in Western North Carolina to earn a spot on the list. It is the 16th consecutive year that UNC Asheville has been named a Best Buy. The Fiske Guide praised UNC Asheville as "one of the best educational bargains in the country," citing rigorous academics, small classes, internships, service-learning, undergraduate research and Integrated Liberal Studies, the University's enhanced general academic curriculum. In addition, for the sixth consecutive year, UNC Asheville's Environmental Studies Department was named to the Fiske Guide's listing of pre-professional programs with "unusual strength" in preparing students for careers. The guidebook says, "All the right ingredients for a superior college experience lie in wait at Asheville: strong academics, dedicated professors, and an administration that continues to push for excellence." Professors drew high marks for their accessibility, passion and experience. "The quality of teaching is awesome," said one psychology major interviewed by the guide. Residence life, outdoor recreational opportunities, athletics, Founders Day, homecoming and Greenfest were among features commended for rounding out the college experience. The only other North Carolina public institution named to the Best Buy list of 44 American and Canadian institutions was UNC Chapel Hill. Warren Wilson College and Elon University earned places on the private school list. Labels: asheville, education, UNCA Tuesday, June 30, 2009 City of Asheville Seeks Oversight and Strategy for River Arts District3:04 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The City of Asheville, NC is seeking statements of qualifications and proposals to produce environmental documentation, analyze project alternatives, develop preliminary designs, and develop a strategy for project implementation for roadway improvements and greenway improvements in the River Arts District in Asheville. This project implements a portion of the Wilma Dykeman Riverway Master Plan. The environmental analysis and design process is intended to move the project closer to implementation. The selected firm will also be responsible for coordinating a stakeholder's group, and involving environmental agencies and the public in the project development process. The consultant or consultant team must demonstrate that they have experience managing successful studies with a scope and focus similar to what is desired for the Riverway. Consultants should demonstrate expertise in all aspects of traffic engineering, as well as understanding of transportation-land use relationships, bicycle/pedestrian planning, context-sensitive roadway design and urban design. The successful teams must have experience with environmental analysis and documentation that meet the requirements of the federal government and the State of North Carolina. Inquiries and questions about this proposal should be submitted via email to Dan Baechtold at dbaechtold@ashevillenc.gov. Labels: art, asheville, government
Neighborhood YMCA at Reynolds Village to Host Open House12:14 PM
WOODFIN, NC - The YMCA of Western North Carolina is hosting Bagels and Banter, presented by Crescent PPO, with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, at the new Neighborhood YMCA at Reynolds Village in Woodfin, 8-9 a.m. July 30. This event was formerly known as Doughnuts and Dialogue. See the new Neighborhood YMCA at Woodfin and enjoy a quick and healthy breakfast. Ingles dietitian Leah McGrath will discuss healthy meal ideas, and will present with Mayor Terry Bellamy during the breakfast. Bagels and Banter provides an opportunity for the YMCA to showcase the community-building work Pioneering Healthier Community Committees are doing in the Asheville area. Attendees will learn about a variety of groups including schools, businesses, and local government involved in making Asheville a healthier place to live, work and play. The event is free for Chamber members and $10 for non-members. For more information, call Kristen Weaver, director of association wellness, at (828) 210-9658, e-mail, kweaver@ymcawnc.org or visit www.ymcawnc.org. Labels: asheville, events, government, reynolds village, woodfin, ymca
Asheville Tourists To Host 'A Salute To Our Veterans'12:05 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - July is the most patriotic time of the year, and the Asheville Tourists are joining in the celebration by recognizing our country's greatest heroes. On Saturday, July 11, the Tourists will host "A Salute To Our Veterans" on Disabled American Veterans Night when the team takes on the Augusta GreenJackets at McCormick Field, beginning at 7:05 p.m. A variety of activities will be held prior to and during the game, headlined by the appearance of former World Wrestling Entertainment heavyweight champion Sergeant Slaughter, sponsored by David's Bedrooms. Fans will have a chance to take photos with and receive an autograph from the popular wrestler at the ballpark as well as at the David's Bedrooms store on Biltmore Avenue from 3-5 p.m. on July 11. Those visiting the David's Bedrooms during Sergeant Slaughter's appearance will receive two free tickets to that night's game. The first 2,000 fans through the gates at McCormick Field will receive a free special edition Tourists baseball card team set, compliments of the Disabled American Veterans. WNC Blue Star Mothers and ABCCM Post 526 also will be collecting items for North Carolina troops currently stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fans who donate three personal items, such as toothpaste, pens, nail clippers and dental floss, will receive a free general admission ticket to the game, thanks to 1-800-GOT-JUNK. A complete list of items can be found on the Tourists' website - www.theashevilletourists.com. In addition, all veterans and active members of the military may purchase general admission tickets to the contest for $2 each. Other events for the game include a pre-game recognition of veterans on the field. A color guard will be present, and a parachute team will deliver the American flag prior to the singing of the National Anthem. "This upcoming homestand is the biggest of the season for the Tourists," said Mike Bauer, executive director of the Tourists and Palace Baseball. "We open with fireworks and we conclude it with our salute to the veterans. Baseball truly is the national pastime, and we're looking forward to a special celebration with the help of the Disabled American Veterans and Sergeant Slaughter." The Tourists will play a four-game series at Savannah this week prior to returning home on Saturday, July 4, for an eight-game homestand against the Charleston Riverdogs and Augusta GreenJackets. The homestand begins with the team's annual Fireworks Extravaganza. For more information, call the Tourists' front office at (828) 258-0428. Labels: asheville, baseball, events, sports, tourists Monday, June 29, 2009 Asheville Tourists Win Thriller11:01 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Asheville Tourists closed out their four-game series with the Greenville Drive in dramatic fashion Sunday afternoon, taking a back-and-forth contest 5-4 at McCormick Field. Jordan Pacheco drove in four runs for the Tourists, giving him ten RBI for the four-game series, and 47 on the year. Asheville starter Juan Nicasio pitched well enough to earn the win, but got his fourth no-decision instead. The Drive opened the scoring in the top of the first when Zach Gentile led off with a base hit. Jered Stanley worked a one-out walk, and Ty Weeden drove a double into right field, plating Gentile for the first run of the game. Mitch Dening followed with a single of his own, bringing Stanley in to score and making it 2-0 Greenville. Asheville answered back with a run in their half of the first, when Pacheco brought home Scott Robinson with a one-out single, cutting the Drive lead to 2-1. The Tourists pushed across another run to tie the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the third when Pacheco beat out a potential double play for an RBI fielder's choice and his second run driven in of the game. Nicasio worked four straight scoreless innings after the top of the first, finishing with 5.1 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 8 batters. The Tourists took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the sixth frame on an RBI sacrifice fly by Jimmy Cesario that scored David Christensen from third base. Greenville tied it up at 3-3 in the top of the eighth inning against reliever Kurt Yacko on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Jered Stanley. The Tourists brought in Tyler Trice to work the top of the ninth, and Trice retired the first two batters he faced before Ryan Dent blasted a solo homerun over the wall in left field to give the Drive a 4-3 lead. Asheville came up in the bottom of the ninth trailing by a run, and Beau Seabury reached base to lead off on an error by pitcher Mike Lee. Carlos Martinez struck out, but Scott Robinson lined a single into center field, putting runners on first and second. Delta Cleary followed by drawing a walk to load the bases for the Tourists MVP, Pacheco, with one out. Pacheco waited on an off-speed pitch and blasted a line drive into the gap in right center for a walk-off, two-run single. Seabury and Robinson came around to score on the play, giving Asheville a series victory with a 5-4 win. The Tourists (3-1) take on the Savannah Sand Gnats (2-1) in Savannah after an off day on Monday. Asheville will send RHP Dan Houston (2-6, 4.39) to the mound for game one in Savannah Tuesday night. You can listen to Tuesday's game and all 140 Asheville Tourists games live on 100.7 WRES FM or streaming online at www.theashevilletourists.com. Labels: asheville, baseball, events, sports, tourists
Grove Park Inn Prepares for Centennial Celebration10:29 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa has begun a multi-phase renovation leading toward the Inn's hundredth birthday celebration in 2013. Awarded to construction firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner & Associates of Duluth, GA, the project encompasses restoration of the Inn's distinctive tiled roof to be completed between June 2009 and November 2010. WJE employees assigned to the project will live and work in the Asheville area, contributing to Western North Carolina's economy. Dedicated to preserving the iconic historical look and structural integrity of the property, hotel management has committed resources to restore the Inn's main roof to the quality and specifications befitting the landmark property, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America. Despite the project scope and timeline measures have been taken to ensure little to no effect on resort guests. "An important aspect of the project is the steps that have been taken to minimize the impact on GPI's guests. The project is being completed in phases so that the entire Main Inn isn't under scaffolding all at once. Additionally, the scaffolding being used on the Main Inn is spaced far enough apart to allow the guestrooms to maintain the beautiful mountain views that our guests know and love," said Jeff Bridgman Development Analyst in a recent interview. For information on Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa go to: www.groveparkinn.com Labels: asheville, Grove Park Inn
Bele Chere Gets Back to Basics9:11 AM.jpg)
ASHEVILLE, NC - This year's Bele Chere will certainly set a different tone than it has in recent memory. Over the years, the festival has grown beyond expectation, with some unforeseen consequences. Big name bands had headlined multiple stages with 25 dollar tickets, and last year the entertainment budget was nearly a quarter of a million dollars. Though the money was still pouring into downtown, Bele Chere had lost something that had made it unique to Asheville. This year's festivities will include fewer performers, shorter hours, and a greater emphasis on local bands and music. Despite the reductions, there are benefits to the truncated entertainment; it's free. Not to mention, the budget will be less than half of what it was in 2008. In an effort to redefine the festival, Asheville Parks and Recreation will be including 43 acts compared with last year's 57. With a focus on local bands, including names like The Afromotive, Balsam Range, Sons of Ralph and David Holt and the Lightning Bolts, it would appear that the city is returning to the original mission of Bele Chere which was to promote local art and business. The festival will also be shutting down earlier, at 10 p.m., in an effort to coerce the crowds into downtown bars and restaurants. The main stage on Lexington Ave. will become a drum circle. Two food courts will be set up. One at Pritchard Park and the Taste of Asheville will be setup around the Vance monument. The children's area will be located in the Civic Center along the Senior's Oasis in an effort to provide an air conditioned venue as well. The line up is as follows: Friday: Winner of the Last Band Standing contest, Nikki Talley, The Dirty Guv'nahs, Tennessee Hollow, The Afromotive, The Hip Abduction, Stephaniesid, The Two Man Gentlemen Band, Bull's Gap Headliners - Cracker, Freekbass, Dar Williams Saturday: Bayou Diesel, Hot Politics, Christabel & the Jons, Laura Blackley Band Fusebox Funk, Charles Sayles, Highly Kind, Ras Allen, Mac Arnold & Plate Full O'Blues, WSNB, GFE, Sons of Ralph, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, Delta Moon, Drew Holcombe & the Neighbors, David Holt & the Lightning Bolts. Headliners - Colt Ford, Old 97's. Sunday: Carolina Gator Gumbo, Skinny Legs & All, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Marsupials. Orleans, Webb Wilder & the Beatnecks, Brother Joscephus & the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra, Chuck Brodsky. Labels: asheville, attractions, bele chere, events, music Friday, June 26, 2009 Asheville Touirsts Begin Second Half of Season with a Bang12:25 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Tourists welcomed the Greenville Drive, champions of the Southern Division of the South Atlantic League for the first half of the season, for four games to begin the second half, winning a thriller Thursday night, 5-4. Jordan Pacheco blasted his eighth homerun of the year and Tyler Massey provided a huge two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Tourists the lead for good. Asheville now has a record above .500 for the first time this season. Greenville grabbed the lead right away on a solo homerun from Ryan Lavarnway, his eighth of the year, in the top of the first inning. The Tourists answered right back in the bottom of the inning when Jimmy Cesario picked up an infield hit with one out, and Pacheco demolished a two-run shot over the tall wall in right-center field, giving Asheville a 2-1 lead. The Drive came back with two runs of their own in the top of the second inning, banging out three consecutive one-out doubles. Oscar Tejeda and David Marks provided RBI two-baggers, putting Greenville ahead, 3-2. Asheville drew even in the bottom of the third when Scott Robinson led off with a double down the left field line. Jimmy Cesario laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt that almost went for a hit, but Cesario was thrown out by a half step at first. Jordan Pacheco then followed by lifting a fly ball into left field, just deep enough to score Robinson from third. The sac fly was Pacheco's third RBI of the game, and it tied the game at 3-3. The score remained locked at 3-3 until the seventh frame, as Asheville starter Ethan Hollingsworth overcame some early trouble to keep the Tourists in the game. The righty went 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on nine hits while striking out eight in the no-decision. He came on to start the seventh inning before allowing a one-out walk to Oscar Tejeda and another RBI double to David Marks. After Marks gave Greenville a 4-3 lead, Hollingsworth was replaced by Robinson Fabian, who worked 1.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen. The Tourists came up in the bottom of the eighth trailing by a run against relief pitcher Felix Ventura. Cesario led things off with a base hit up the middle and took second on a passed ball by Lavarnway. After Pacheco grounded out to short for the first out, David Christensen picked up his second infield single of the game, putting runners on the corners. Greenville replaced Ventura with left-hander Lance McClain, but Christensen promptly stole second base to put runners on second and third, and Tyler Massey laced a two-run single into right field to give the Tourists a 5-4 lead. Adam Jorgenson came on in the ninth and worked a scoreless inning to earn his eleventh save of the season. The Tourists (1-0) and Drive (0-1) will meet again Friday night in game two of this four-game series. Asheville RHP Jonnathan Aristil (0-3, 4.95) will take the mound for game two, against Greenville LHP Nick Hagadone (0-1, 5.14). Tickets for Friday's game and all Tourists home games are available by contacting the Tourists box office at (828) 258-0428. You can also listen to all 140 Asheville Tourists games live on 100.7 WRES FM or streaming online at www.theashevilletourists.com. Labels: asheville, baseball, events, sports, tourists
Celebrate the Art & Science of Birds at The NC Arboretum12:11 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The North Carolina Arboretum celebrates the art and science of birds with "H. Douglas Pratt and John C. Sill's BIRDS: The Science of Illustration," a new exhibit currently open at The Baker Exhibit Center. In conjunction with the Arboretum's celebration as an official part of the NC Birding Trail Guide, the exhibit explores how art and science work together in Pratt and Sill's artistic illustrations of birds. Pratt is an ornithologist, artist, and photographer as well as Research Curator of Birds at the NC State Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. As a widely respected zoological illustrator, author and illustrator, Pratt has contributed to publications such as National Geographic Society's Field Guide to the Birds of North America and the multi-volume Handbook of Birds of the World. Sill has worked as a freelance artist and illustrator since 1971 and has been exhibited in highly acclaimed shows and appeared in a number of books and magazines. He has been the illustrator for the Massachusetts Audubon Society's Bird Identification Calendar since the project began in 1980 and he is an instructor for the Institute for Field Ornithology sponsored by the American Birding Association. Additional exhibit features include:
"H. Douglas Pratt and John C. Sill's BIRDS: The Science of Illustration" runs through November 1 and is free for members or with parking admission ($6 per personal vehicle). For more information, call 665-2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org. Labels: art, asheville, events, nc arboretum
Folkmoot Celebrates 26 Years, July 16 - 2611:36 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Folkmoot USA, North Carolina's Official International Festival, is a two-week celebration of the world's cultural heritage through folk music and dance. Held each summer across the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, Folkmoot features performances, parades and workshops by more than 350 performers from a dozen or so countries. Performers demonstrate cultural heritage through colorful, authentic and original reproduction costumes, lively dance and beautiful music. During its 25-year history, over 200 folk groups from more than 100 countries have shared their heritage and culture at Folkmoot USA. Countries expected to perform in 2009 include India, Serbia, Greece, Netherlands, Romania, Mexico, Kenya, Spain and Israel (updated 6/11/09). This year's Folkmoot Festival takes place throughout Western North Carolina in the towns of Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Canton, Clyde, Highlands, Bryson City, Cullowhee, Asheville, Columbus, Burnsville, Marion, Mars Hill, Flat Rock and Franklin. Be sure to see the Folkmoot Festival Parade of Nations on Friday, July 17 at 1 pm and enjoy crafts and entertainment at International Festival Day on Saturday, July 25 from 10 am - 5 pm. Both events take place in downtown Waynesville. The Folkmoot 5K Run/Walk and Kid's Fun Run will take place on Saturday, July 18, at 8:00 am. Starting and ending at the Folkmoot Friendship Center, the 5K course is USATF Certified. Advance Registration: Adults $20; Children $8. Race Day Registration: Adults $25; Children $10. To register online, click on this link: http://www.setupevents.com To receive a registration form, call 828-452-2997 or stop by the Folkmoot Friendship Center. Hours are Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm. (Open Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm in June & July and Sunday, 12 - 4 pm in July only. Labels: asheville, attractions, events, music
Asheville's Rose Hill Plantation Offering Single Family Homes in Green Community11:24 AM ASHEVILLE, NC - Rose Hill Plantation, Asheville's first single family thoughtfully planned "Healthy Living Community," is bursting with green. A focal point of life at Rose Hill Plantation is the community garden which allows residents to choose a raised garden bed and grow their own vegetables, fruits and flowers. The garden plots are one of several sustainable features that support the community’s dedication to fostering an invigorating, healthy, and sustainable lifestyle for active adults. The homes are built to the Western North Carolina Green Building Council standards.These are new homes in Asheville, NC. And additional green focused amenities include alternative power choices, rainwater collection programs, energy and resource efficient appliances, walking trails and dedicated areas with benches for bird watching, a Clubhouse including a fitness center, a swimming pool and spa, a media room and a tennis court, as well as a stocked lake for fishing. In addition, the community will feature a Healthy Living Manager to help plan community events and outreach programs. For a limited time, ready to move-in two and three bedroom homes at Rose Hill Plantation, or new built homes are priced from $279,900 representing a price savings of 15% or more. In addition owners can enjoy a $5,000 move-in decorator allowance on any existing new built home. For more information, the Sales Center at Rose Hill Plantation is now open and new homes and model homes may be previewed. The Clubhouse, swimming pool and spa, and walking trails are complete, and also under construction, scheduled for opening later this summer, is the tennis court and a unique "Green Showcase Model Home" where homebuyers can preview green friendly upgrades that can be added to any new home prior to construction. These upgrades are designed to enhance the healthy environment, contribute to energy cost savings and help reduce carbon emissions. To visit Rose Hill Plantation call the sales office at: 828.337.2212 or register www.rosehillplantation.net. The Sales Office is open seven days a week and is located at 3041 Leicester Hwy. (Hwy. 63) Leicester, NC 28748 Labels: asheville, green, real estate Thursday, June 25, 2009 Asheville Tourists Host 'Doggies on the Diamond Day' This Sunday at McCormick Field3:50 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Animal Compassion Network joins the Asheville Tourists for Doggies on the Diamond Day starting at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Bring your dog to McCormick Field and enjoy various activities during the day. Happy Tails ice cream made just for dogs by The Hop will be available at ACN's booth while supplies last. The afternoon will also feature dogs available for adoption, raffles and giveaways. Those donating a bag of dog or cat food will receive a 2-for-1 voucher good for a future game. To learn more About ACN, call (828) 274-3647, visit www.animalcompassionnetwork.org or drop by the Pet Harmony store at 803 Fairview St., off Hendersonville Road, behind Province 620, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday or noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Labels: asheville, baseball, pets, sports, tourists
Kids Visit Biltmore for Free All Summer3:18 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Biltmore Estate guests, ages 16 and younger, are admitted free with a paying adult all summer through September 7, 2009 making this a great time to plan a Biltmore family day-trip or summer vacation. America's largest house and one of the most visited attractions in the United States, Biltmore House has approximately four acres of floor space filled with priceless treasures and antique furnishings from around the world. In addition to the magnificent house, there are 8,000 or so acres of estate gardens and grounds where you can spend enjoying an array of activities for all ages. Labels: asheville, attractions, Biltmore Estate
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove Opens New Wellness Center2:50 PM
ARDEN, NC - The Cliffs recently opened a state-of-the-art 18,000-square-foot Wellness Center at its Walnut Cove community in Arden, N.C., the latest in a long line of first-class amenities that stretch across its eight luxury developments based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Western Carolinas. The Center offers a four-lane outdoor pool and a two-lane heated indoor lap pool that are junior Olympic lengths. There also are spacious aerobics and fitness rooms filled with the best training equipment and a spa treatment center adjacent to the full locker room facilities for men and women. A huge meeting room is also available. It's the latest amenity at Walnut Cove that also features a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course that opened in 2005. "We offer a full schedule of personal conditioning programs, classes and activities for our Members," said Vance Ferrigno, director of wellness programming. "Our goal is to help our Members improve their lives outside the gym, whether that means having a better golf game or do whatever it is in life that brings them fulfillment. Our goal is to make The Cliffs the healthiest place to live, work and play in America." The Cliffs offers a comprehensive wellness program focuses on mind, body and spirit that is supported by preventative medical programs, customized individual programs, wellness coaches and nutritional programs. More than 3,000 programs are offered each year throughout all the Cliffs communities. These programs are sustained through formal affiliations with leaders in the field of preventative healthcare, including, for example, the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The Cliffs Communities recently received national recognition for its innovative employee wellness program, earning a gold distinction from the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA). Labels: asheville, health, real estate Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Asheville Civic Center to Host Rare Tennis Exhibition Between World's Best6:15 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Two of the world’s top tennis players are set to do battle on Thursday, August 6, at the Asheville Civic Center. Grand Slam Asheville will bring together world-ranked #4 and 2008 Australian Open Champion Novak Djokovic and former world-ranked #1 and two-time Grand Slam Champion Marat Safin for a head-to-head, best-of-three-sets match.
“This event is a unique opportunity to watch some of the world's best tennis players compete,” said Brian Woods, the event's promoter and a local sports agent. “There has not been a tennis event of this caliber in Western North Carolina before. We are looking forward to a tremendous star-studded night at the Asheville Civic Center, one that tennis fans won't want to miss.” Grand Slam Asheville will also feature local tennis talent. Asheville’s very own Maya Blue Stauffer-MacDowell will go up against a player currently ranked in the top 100 in the Women’s Tennis Association. The 16 year-old Stauffer-MacDowell is a rising senior at T.C. Roberson High School and one of the top junior players in the Southeast. Tickets go on sale July 6 through Ticketmaster and at the Civic Center box office. A portion of proceeds will benefit Mission Children’s Hospital. Special VIP ticket packages, including VIP courtside seating and admission to the VIP reception and silent auction hosted by the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, are available now. For information on the VIP reception, contact Alicia Kramer at (404) 433-1088. Labels: asheville, civic center, events, sports
Asheville Makes Top 10 List for Being Dog Friendly4:47 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - DogFriendly.com released its Top 10 dog-friendly resort regions in the United States for 2009. Asheville came in at 9th place and was noted for the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Biltmore Estate.
The rankings are determined by the DogFriendly.com staff and take into account the quality of dog-friendly accommodations, things to do with your dog, beaches, parks and dog-friendly patio dining. Below is the complete list; 1. Carmel / Monterey, CA - Many pet-friendly accommodations. Off-leash Carmel City Beach. Many walking and hiking options. Shop and dine in luxury. 2. Bar Harbor / Acadia, ME - Pet-friendly Acadia National Park. Shop in the historic downtown. Take a ferry or boat cruise. 3. Black Hills, SD - Lots of dog-friendly attractions and campgrounds. Mt Rushmore worth visiting with a dog. See Badlands National Park. 4. St Augustine, FL - See the historic downtown. Lots of dog-friendly shopping and dining. Take a harbor boat cruise and a ghost tour. 5. Cape Cod, MA - Visit Cape Cod National Seashore. Many cruises and ferries. Also take in Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. 6. Key West, FL - Quaint B&B's and outdoor dining. Dog-friendly attractions, boating and stores. See the Southernmost Point Monument. 7. Charlottesville, VA - Visit estates of Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Shop at the downtown mall. Visit dog-friendly Shenandoah Park nearby. 8. Mendocino, CA - Stay in a pet-friendly B&B or resort. Walk the seaside town. Go to the beach and dine outdoors. 9. Asheville / Blue Ridge, NC - Tour the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit the Biltmore Estate grounds and shop at Biltmore Village. 10. Amarillo, TX - Visit the famous Cadillac Ranch. Spend a day or camp at Palo Duro Canyon. Stay at the Big Texan Steak Ranch Motel. Labels: asheville, Biltmore Estate, parks and recreation, parkway, pets
Asheville Lyric Opera Presents Program of Opera Arias3:37 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Asheville Lyric Opera will present a program of opera arias and scenes by two interns, Erin Moorman, soprano from Raleigh, and Lewis Antonio Gonzalez from Texas on Sunday July 12 at 3 p.m. at St. Matthias Church in Asheville.
The singers will be accompanied on the piano by Vance Reese. The program will include arias by Mozart, two scenes from Maria Stuarta and La Traviata. They will also perform arias from Broadway shows, Sweeney Todd, Jeckel and Hyde, and My Fair Lady. There is no fixed charge for the concert, but a free-will offering will be taken for ALO Intern Program and the restoration of the beautiful and historic church. St. Matthias' Church is over 100 years old and is on the national historic register. The church is located in Asheville just off South Charlotte Street at Max Street on the hill across from the Asheville Public Works Building, 1 Dundee St.
Hickory Tavern Grill and Raw Bar to Open at Biltmore Park Town Square2:21 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Hickory Tavern Grill and Raw Bar will join the Biltmore Park Town Square's restaurant line up this fall, featuring cuisine ranging from gourmet to comfort food, such as crab cakes, salmon, hamburgers and wings. The menu also features wine and a take-out menu.
Hickory Tavern partner Brad Smith said the restaurant is “a family-friendly neighborhood concept that blends casual comfort foods with a touch of the low country of South Carolina.” The restaurant will include outdoor seating and more than 30 flat-screen TVs in the bar area. This is first Hickory Tavern in Asheville; other locations are in Charlotte, Spartanburg and Hickory. Hickory Tavern will be located at 30 Town Square Boulevard in Suite 100 beside Brixx Pizza near Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15 and Cold Stone Creamery–Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Labels: asheville, restaurants Monday, June 22, 2009 Asheville Tourists Shut Out to End First Half of Season10:30 AM
BOWLING GREEN, KY - The first half of the season came to an end on Sunday with a 2-0 loss for the Asheville Tourists' on Father's Day. Dan Houston provided the Tourists with solid starting pitching but Asheville was held to just one hit in the loss. Asheville finishes the first half of the 2009 season with a 26-43 record. The 26 wins marks the lowest win total in the first half of the season as a Rockies affiliate, dating back to 1994. Beau Seabury provided an infield single for the only hit of the game. Dan Houston (2-6) tossed seven innings and allowed just two runs (one earned) in the loss. The Hot Rods centerfielder Anthony Scelfo smacked a homerun to leadoff the first inning for the only earned run of the game. Houston then controlled the pace from there on out and at one point retired 14 consecutive batters, ranging from the second until the seventh inning. Houston left trialing 2-0 after seven innings, walking one and striking out three. Bowling Green's Nick Barnese (1-1) held Asheville to jut the Seabury hit through seven innings in his first win of the season. Barnese struck out six and walked none in the win. Josh Satow pitched the final two innings of scoreless relief to earn his 8th save on the year. The loss drops Asheville to 1-5 against the Hot Rods in their inaugural season. The Tourists were held to just four base runners on the Afternoon. Ryan Peisel reached on a Tim Beckham error in the second inning and Beau Seabury reached on an infield single in the fifth. Josh Satow walked Seabury in the eighth and Pacheco in the ninth. The Tourists will take three days for the All-Star break, before returning to McCormick Field on Thursday to open up a four game series against the first half champion Greenville Drive. Labels: asheville, baseball, sports, tourists Thursday, June 18, 2009 City of Asheville and YWCA Create Partnership3:14 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The city of Asheville has partnered with YWCA of Asheville at 185 S. French Broad Ave. in introducing a trial program called the “Y Commute Pass” which will be offered during the months of June, July and August. This program will allow bicycle commuters and walkers access to the locker room, a locker, and shower for $50.00 for the three months. So whether you walk or bicycle to downtown Asheville, you now have an opportunity to shower before heading into the office.
The City of Asheville’s Transportation Division approached the YWCA to see if they would be interested in offering commuters an opportunity to freshen up on their way to work. Barb Mee, Transportation Planner, found this to be a “great benefit for people who want to walk or bicycle to work in the downtown area. For many people, there is a fear that if they use an active form of transportation they won’t be presentable for work,” she said. I am so impressed that the YWCA of Asheville is willing to be a leader in supporting the community this way.” YWCA Executive Director Holly Jones said that “the YWCA is committed to facilitating healthy lifestyles for the citizens of Buncombe County. The YWCA is proud to launch a community-wide bicycle commuter program in order to support individuals committed to incorporating alternative transportation into their daily routines.” For more information about the YWCA Y Commute Pass, contact Carol Severance at the YWCA, 254-7206 x105. For more information about walking and bicycling in Asheville, contact Barb Mee at the City of Asheville, 232-4540, or email iwalk@ashevillenc.gov or ibike@ashevillenc.gov Labels: asheville, events, government, health, ywca
Asheville Hosts 'Community Economic Forum'2:52 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The City of Asheville and Asheville City Council will host a public forum on Friday, June 19 at 10 a.m. to discuss current economic conditions in Asheville. The event will be held at the Asheville Civic Center Banquet Hall.
Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy will be joined by a panel of local speakers to discuss economic conditions and their impact on key public and private sectors in the community. North Carolina Senator Martin Nesbitt is expected to speak about the status of the state’s budget as well as implications of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Representatives from the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, Advantage West, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Asheville Board of Realtors are also expected to participate on the panel.
“The city is hosting this event so citizens can hear from local industry leaders about the state of our economy and what the outlook holds in the coming months,” said Mayor Bellamy. “By coming together and sharing information, our city will be better positioned to take advantage of economic opportunities and to support the local businesses and families that make up the backbone of our economy.” The event is free and open to the public. Labels: asheville, buncombe county, events, government Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Fisherman's Quarters Introduces New Website4:03 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Fisherman's Quarters II is stepping up to the plate with their new web-site launch. Customers can now view menus online, check in for customer promotions and listen to their infamous jingle that promises to get people hooked. And, unlike many other area restaurants, this web-site is not just a way to draw customers to its location; it also provides education to those who visit it. Articles are posted monthly that discuss topics like the healthy benefits of seafood, cooking techniques and much more. "Most of our business has been built around word-of-mouth," George Baxevanis, owner of Fisherman's Quarters II, says. "But, to remain competitive, we decided it was time to take it online. In addition, many customers were requesting our Web address and we can now share it with them." In the future, George Baxevanis and co-owner George Vlahos will also run special promotions and offer online customer coupons. There are also plans in the works to develop value-added products where customers can order homemade tartar and cocktail sauces online. "Now that we have launched the web-site, we plan to use it as a platform to educate our customers and to thank them for their loyalty," George says. "Our customers always come first." George explains that he and his co-owner take their cues from their customers. In fact, up until less than two weeks ago, the restaurant was not open for lunch. However, after several queries, they opened their doors to lunchtime diners and expanded the hours. The menu at Fisherman's Quarters II is diverse and in addition to seafood, landlubbers will find steaks, pasta dishes and delicious salads and sandwiches. A children's menu for 12 and under is an option and customers can also create their own combination platters. Finally, portions are designed to satisfy the hungriest of diners. "My biggest complaint," George says, "is that there is too much food, or there is no room for dessert; these complaints I can handle!" George adds that they are excited about this new web-site launch and hopes that their current customers will help to spread the word about this new customer-driven Web site. For their hours of operation, to view lunch and dinner menus and to read fun and interesting articles, visit: www.FishermansQuarters.info. Labels: asheville, restaurants
Peter Fletcher Performs at Asheville's St. Matthias Church3:42 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Award-winning classical guitarist Peter Fletcher will perform at St. Matthias Episcopal Church (1 Dundee Street in Asheville, NC), on July 26th at 3PM. The program will feature selections from Fletcher's 2008 CD release on Tower Hill Records, Music of the Baroque. Other repertoire will include: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring from Cantata No. 147, and the E minor Lute Suite of J. S. Bach; Fletcher's transcriptions of Erik Satie and Edvard Grieg; Usher-Waltz, an unusual and intense piece by Russian guitarist and composer Nikita Koshkin; the ever popular Cavatina from the movie The Deer Hunter composed by Stanley Myers and music of Weiss, Albeniz, Villa-Lobos and Reusner The concert will culminate with Koyunbaba, by composer/guitarist Carlo Domeniconi, one of the most unique and exciting works in the classical guitar repertoire.
A $10.00 suggested donation is requested for the artist and the church restoration fund.,/p> Peter Fletcher began guitar study at the age of seven under classical guitar instructor, John Sutherland. In December, 1983, he made his formal debut at the age of fifteen under the auspices of The Brasstown Concert Association in North Carolina. In 1990, the Music Teacher's National Association (MTNA) awarded Fletcher a prize at its National Level Competition. In 1995, he received the Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music under Nicholas Goluses, and was twice the recipient of an Eastman Graduate Award. In demand as a performer in cultural venues throughout the country, Mr. Fletcher performs over 100 concerts every year. He made his New York Debut at Weill RecitAl Hall at Carnegie Hall in February 2007, and returned in 2008 and 2009. Peter Fletcher will return to Weill RecitAl Hall in March 2010. His 2002 Centaur Records release, Federico Mompou: Guitar Works (Centaur Records CRC 2588), received critical acclaim. Fletcher had the privilege of meeting Mompou's widow, Carmen Bravo, at her home on the Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona, where Fletcher performed from his recording and discussed interpretation. On their meeting, Carmen Bravo states, "On that occasion, I heard him play the music of Federico Mompou and was able to observe in him a refined sensibility, much affinity for this music, plus a high technical level that justifies his excellent artistic trajectory." After the release, Peter Burwasser of Fanfare Magazine proclaimed: "Fletcher plays it all with a gracious virtuosity that makes for a very pleasing hour plus of unaffected musical poetry." In September '05 Centaur Records released "Peter Fletcher plays Erik Satie" (CRC 2731), an all-Satie project featuring Fletcher's guitar transcriptions. States Steven Rings from The American Record Guide: "The works all sit very nicely on the guitar, and Fletcher's performances are taut and incisive, counteracting The Common tendency to play Satie's music like sleepy New Age." His latest release, "Peter Fletcher Plays Baroque Music for Guitar" was released last October on the Towerhill Recordings label. Mr. Fletcher's next recording project for Centaur involves an all-Grieg album, for which he himself is writing the guitar transcriptions. Scheduled release date is Fall '09. Labels: asheville, events, music Wednesday, June 10, 2009 Asheville Phish Show Recounted3:05 PM
Story compliments of JamBase.com ASHEVILLE, NC - Asheville's hype hinted at a destined special show from the get-go, and Phish seemed to share the sentiment throughout a raging summer evening in the mountains. Surprisingly, the band had never played North Carolina's most forward-thinking, jam band-friendly town, perhaps for lack of a sizeable venue. The "mini Hampton" atmosphere of the Asheville Civic Center proved a tough ticket for the fans, but a rare treat for the 7,600 folks lucky enough to make it through the door. Phish's first set embraced the cozy confines with an "evening with" demeanor, emphasized by Trey's acknowledgement of a "VH1 Storyteller" moment when he introduced "Dog Faced Boy," revealing its origins in a secret look he and Mike took at Fishman's journal. The drummer left his kit and lied on the ground as his bandmates performed the rarity a capella. A highly danceable, albeit brief "Gumbo" followed before "Tube," closing out a three-pack Trey announced had all been birthed from that journal peak. Fishman then accommodated Trey's prodding with a solo rendition of "Lengthwise" - "a true story," he said repeatedly. The show started right at eight. Having heard good things but never heard the track, Phish's decision to open the show with "Kill Devil Falls," a new track they'd played twice in Jones Beach, provided a fun introduction. The song rocks like "Chalkdust" in its build - Trey's favorite song to play, he said in 2000. "Kill Devil's" rock & roll opened nicely for a super funky "Moma Dance," followed by a "Sample" accentuated by a raunchy solo from Trey. "Stash" was met with huge crowd approval, as Chris Kuroda took the rainbow lights for a walk through the crowd, a color scheme he returned to frequently throughout the night. After Fishman wrapped up his journal segment with "Lengthwise," the opening strains of "The Divided Sky" rang through the intimate venue. I don't notice flubs like some critical listeners, but the band seemed to execute the opus without flaw. Page dropped in hard and smooth on his segment before the flying and soaring segment of the song, leading into an absolutely over-the-top energy to "Sky's" finale. Mike brought things back to earth with a honky-tonk cover of Bill Monroe's "When the Cactus is in Bloom," before Page took over vocals for "Bold As Love." The last strains of daylight faded through the windows visible from the floor, and the band left stage after 75 minutes with a party atmosphere thoroughly stirred up. Phish returned with "Backwards Down the Number Line," a song that has proven a solid addition to the repertoire. "Ghost" showed us the tight funk, with a spacey, almost didgeridoo-like section added to the jammed out performance. Trey peaked the song once before it got even hotter about ten minutes in with a climax that left jaws agape. "Fast Enough For You" continued the blazing guitar licks before a very fun, loose "Halley's Comet." "Maze" countered well, coming in low and scary. Page took the chance to show off, before the song went totally haywire. "Nuts," said the dude to my left, and, "So sick," came from my right. Arguably the night's highlight, "Maze" was ridiculous in its intensity. And back to sing-songiness. "Alaska" continued the trend of new songs that start off lyric heavy then follow a simple build to allow for epic guitar solos at the end - not surprising since the song came from Trey's solo repertoire. Rhyming "Alaska" with "I'll aska" in a 2009 Phish song? The jury's still out, but a nice fat mama guitar riff followed the line, "Just when I thought I'd end up alone, big 'ol Alaskan mama come walkin' down the road," providing some redemption for the track. "Theme from the Bottom" was performed straight, before dropping right into a rollicking "Golgi Apparatus." Any show with two songs from Junta is a treat, and considering the difficulty fans had finding tickets for Asheville, the "ticket stub in your hand" line had everyone inside smiling big. "Possum" came out like a train, and by the peak it was obvious this was the set closer. Set break had brought two warnings from the fire marshal not to hang over the railings in the seats, a request that may have worked for a bit but was completely disregarded by the raging "Possum." "Loving Cup" proved a fitting encore, and again it was evident in its intensity that this was likely a one-song finale. Phish has made the Stones' tune their own, and unleashed an energy for this performance even beyond that at the Hampton shows in March. In set one, Phish approached the small Asheville Civic Center like an intimate theater show, highlighted by Trey's story of secretly lifting lyrics from Fishman's journal. Set two brought the funky power. The band's closest brush with an extended exploration came during "Ghost," but overall they seem content to focus on executing songs perfectly and letting jams work their way in - a welcome approach after the sloppiness of 2004. The Asheville setlist wasn't necessarily tailored to touring ("Tube" two nights in a row, three "Kill Devil Falls" in a week), but it stands alone well. Phish is clearly having fun, and both the fans inside and the ticketless crowd outside certainly hope they'll keep Asheville on the radar for tours to come. Labels: asheville, civic center, music, Phish
Asheville Art Museum Celebrates 60 Years of Art12:54 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - As part of the Asheville Art Museum’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, Museum staff are currently working on a new installation of the permanent collection. This exhibition will examine a variety of ways to consider art and the relationship between art and viewer. Looking Back will explore the Museum’s collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries with an interest in the art of the Southeast and Western North Carolina and will celebrate the generosity of collectors and community supporters who have helped build this extraordinary resource over the last six decades. This exhibition will feature artworks by Janet Fish, Maud Gatewood, Robert Indiana, Jasper Johns, Robert Moskowitz, Nathan Oliveira, William Lester Stevens and others. The new installation will open July 3, so makes plans to come by and see some old favorites that have not been on view in a while as well as some new and exciting surprises. This exhibition will be coupled with Looking Forward: Celebrating New Art and New Directions for the Permanent Collection opening this September in the Appleby Foundation Gallery. Labels: art, asheville, events
Asheville Tourists Have No-Hitter Bunted Away12:07 PM
LEXINGTON, KY - Juan Nicasio took a no-hitter into the eighth inning in just his third start of the season in the Asheville Tourists' 5-0 victory over Lexington on Tuesday night. Steve Brown bunted with one out in the eighth inning to end Nicasio's no-hit attempt. It was the only hit of the game for Lexington off Asheville's pitching staff. The victory marks the first consecutive wins for Asheville in over a month and the team will go for the series sweep on Wednesday with Dan Houston on the mound. Nicasio had retired 17 consecutive batters from the second to eighth innings before the Brown bunt single. Nicasio struck out three and walked three - the final walk was the last batter he would faced in the game. Michael Marbry entered with one out in the 8th with a 2-0 lead and two runners on and picked up a double play to end the Lexington threat. Asheville took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a single from Jimmy Cesario that scored Tyler Massey. Lexington's Kyle Greenwalt would hold the Tourists to just two runs over 6 1/3 innings, scattering nine hits. Delta Cleary tripled and Scott Robinson singled Cleary home to end the day for Greenwalt and push Asheville up 2-0. The Tourists added three more runs on the ninth inning. Beau Seabury singled and Carlos Martinez doubled. Cleary then executed a squeeze bunt scoring Seabury giving Asehville a 3-0 lead. Cleary took second on a wild pitch and Thomas Field drove in both Martinez and Cleary with a single to right field. Field finished with three singles and a walk in his first start since exciting a game last weekend with a slight injury. Kurt Yacko tossed a scoreless ninth inning to improve Asheville to 22-36 on the season. The Tourists will attempt their first series sweep with Dan Houston (1-4, 5.03) on the mound beginning at 7:05. There are currently 12 more games in the first half of the season until the records reset. All the action can be heard on WRES FM 100.7 Labels: asheville, baseball, sports Tuesday, June 9, 2009 Asheville Transit Prepares for Tonight's Phish Concert1:38 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - On Tuesday, June 9, Asheville Transit routes will be re-routed in anticipation of both pedestrian and automobile traffic due to the Phish concert being held at the Asheville Civic Center. The following transit routes will be adjusted in order to continue to provide efficient service:
Route 11 – Montford/Klondyke/Hillcrest – 9am- 7pm, service will operate to/from the Transit Center & Montford Ave. via Patton Ave. to Haywood St. and to Montford Ave. There will be no service on Flint St., Cherry St. and the portion of Haywood St. in front of the Civic Center. This applies for all inbound and outbound trips. Route 18 – Erskine Street/Flint Street – 9am- 7pm, service will operate to/from UNC Asheville & downtown via North Lexington Ave. There will be no service on Haywood St., Flint St., and Cherry St. This route will be used on all inbound and out trips. Route 15 – Patton Ave./Deaverview – 9am- 7pm, service will operate to/from the Transit Center via Patton Ave. There will be no service on Haywood St. or Montford Ave. This route will be used on all inbound and out trips. Route 51 – Montford/Hillcrest – 7:30pm- 11pm, service will operate to/from the Transit Center & Montford Ave. via Patton Ave. to Haywood St. and to Montford Ave. There will be no service on Flint St., Cherry St. and the portion of Haywood St. in front of the Civic Center. This route will be used on all inbound and out trips. For more information, visit www.ashevilletransit.com or contact 253-5691 Labels: asheville, events, government, music
NC Arboretum Hosts 3rd Annual Bamboo Festival10:41 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The American Bamboo Society’s Southeastern Chapter hosts the third annual Bamboo Festival at The North Carolina Arboretum on July 11 and July 12.
The fastest-growing plant in the world, bamboo, has gained popularity for its use in the sustainable design movement and as a renewable source material. Of the more than 1,000 recorded bamboo species, some specimens have been recorded to grow up to 121 centimeters a day.
Visitors will learn about the artistic value and functionality of this remarkable grass during the third annual Bamboo Festival, which features lectures, demonstrations, crafts, plant sales and a raffle.
The festival is free with the parking fee of $6 per personal motor vehicle; parking is always free for North Carolina Arboretum Society members. The American Bamboo Society’s Southeast Chapter promotes knowledge of and interest in Bamboo through educational programs, meetings, classes and publications. The chapter encourages the growth and propagation of bamboo by botanical gardens, assists in the importation and quarantine of bamboo according to USDA guidelines, provides access to pertinent information about bamboo, and engages in and encourages projects and research that meets its mission and advances interest in the knowledge of bamboo. For information about the Bamboo Festival or The North Carolina Arboretum, call 828.665.2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org. Labels: asheville, events, nc arboretum
UNC Asheville Anounces 'Concerts in the Quad'10:01 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - From blues and bluegrass to jazz and world music, UNC Asheville's 27th Concerts on the Quad has something for everyone. Music lovers are invited to bring their lawn chairs along with their friends and families to UNC Asheville this summer to enjoy a beloved - and free - annual tradition. Big Ron Hunter and his four-piece band will take the stage June 29. The concerts get under way at 7 p.m. each Monday from June 15 to July 13 on the Quad. In case of rain, the free concerts will be held in Lipinsky Auditorium. The series concludes with two ticketed performances of Folkmoot USA Festival on July 18-19. All concerts are free, except for Folkmoot. The public is invited to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs. Sorry, no pets allowed. With nearly 2,000 people attending each concert, lawn-chair seating will be separate from blanket seating in order to preserve sight lines; please look for signage when arriving on the Quad. Whitewater Bluegrass Company will kick off the series on June 15. For more than 25 years, this band has captivated audiences throughout the Southeast with their blend of bluegrass music, country ballads and mountain swing. Land O' Sky Symphonic Band will perform on June 22. The Marion, N.C.-based band features professional and amateur musicians, playing symphonic tunes in the classic tradition of community bands. Piedmont bluesman Big Ron Hunter will take the stage on June 29. This old-school player and his four-piece band perform it all - from the acoustic styling of Robert Johnston to up-town funky electric originals. Noted Cherokee storyteller Lloyd Arneach will share his traditional stories at 7 p.m. on July 6. An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, Arneach learned his first legends from two storytelling uncles and has gone on to collect traditional tales throughout his life. Also on July 6, popular mountain musicians Laura Boosinger, Josh Goforth and Jerry Sutton will play at 8 p.m. Boosinger, an award-winning singer and clawhammer banjo player, performs regularly at Asheville's Mountain Dance and Folk Festival and around the region. Goforth is a critically acclaimed young fiddler, guitar picker and mandolin player from Madison County. Sutton, an award-winning guitar player, has deep family roots in old-time music and mountain heritage. The Capital Messengers will swing into the limelight on July 13. A unit of the 257th U.S. Army Band based in Washington, D.C., the Capital Messengers is a traditional jazz team directed by Sergeant Jamal Brown. The 26th annual Folkmoot USA festival, the only ticketed event of the series, will feature folk dance and music from around the world on July 18-19. Tickets range from $25-$20 and are half-price for children under age 12. Tickets are available online at www.folkmootusa.org/ or call 877.FOLKUSA. In case of rain, the concerts will be held in Lipinsky Auditorium. Concert location decisions are made at 5 p.m. the day of the show. Patrons may call 828.232.5000 extension 3 after 5:15 p.m. each Monday to hear a recorded announcement about the location of that evening's performance. For more information about Concerts on the Quad, call UNC Asheville's Cultural & Special Events Office at 828.251.6991 or click on www.unca.edu/summerquad. Labels: asheville, education, events, UNCA Monday, June 1, 2009 Asheville Tourists Rout Savannah7:45 AM
The Tourists exploded offensively in the rubber game of a five-game series against the Sand Gnats Sunday afternoon, collecting a season-high 25 hits in a 12-3 victory. Asheville starter Ethan Hollingsworth allowed a leadoff triple in the top of the first and a sacrifice fly before shutting Savannah down through the sixth inning. Every member of the Tourists lineup hit safely at least twice, with seven different players driving in runs, and eight Tourists coming around to score. After Savannah put up a run in the top of the first, the Tourists took the lead for good with three runs in the bottom of the inning. Scott Robinson led off with a double and scored on Delta Cleary's triple to tie the game at 1-1. Cleary then came around to score on a balk before Thomas Field drove in another run with a base hit to make it 3-1. Asheville put up three more in the bottom of the fourth on and RBI triple by Carlos Martinez, a sacrifice fly by Scott Robinson, and an RBI base hit by Kiel Roling. The Tourists carried their 6-1 lead into the sixth inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Tyler Massey got in on the fun with an RBI base hit that drove in Jordan Pacheco, making it 7-1 Tourists. Ethan Hollingsworth finally showed signs of fatigue in the top of the seventh, allowing back-to-back solo homeruns to Sean Ratliff and Wilmer Flores, cutting the lead to 7-3. Hollingsworth would exit before finishing the inning, having gone 6.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and eight strikeouts. Tyler Trice came on to relieve Hollingsworth with a runner on second, and struck out each of the two batters he faced to end the threat. The score remained 7-3 until Asheville put things away in the bottom of the eighth with five more runs. David Christensen led off with a solo homerun, then singles by Field, Massey, and Ryan Peisel pushed across another run, making it 9-3. Delta Cleary picked up an RBI single to push the lead to 10-3 before Kiel Roling drove in his second and third runs of the night with another base hit, completing the 12-3 rout. The Tourists (20-30) will have an off day Monday before heading to Greenville (25-23) for a three-game series beginning Tuesday. Asheville will send RHP Robinson Fabian (1-4, 5.96) to the mound for game one, Tuesday in Greenville. You can listen to Tuesday's game and all 140 Asheville Tourists games live on 100.7 WRES FM or streaming online at www.theashevilletourists.com. Labels: asheville, baseball, sports, tourists Wednesday, May 27, 2009 NC Arboretum to Host Annual Daylily Show and Sale10:13 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Western North Carolina Daylily Club will host its annual Daylily Show and Sale at The North Carolina Arboretum on Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Held in the Education Center, the show will display some of the best varieties of more than 46,000 registered daylilies. The event will feature many outstanding daylily hybrids and cultivars of Western North Carolina. This is a must-see for daylily enthusiasts. Club members will also provide information on care and cultivation of daylilies, and plants will be available for purchase. Other events and activities at the Arboretum on June 27 include: "H. Douglas Pratt and John C. Sill's BIRDS: The Science of Illustration." In conjunction with The North Carolina Arboretum’s celebration as an official part of the NC Birding Trail, this exhibit explores how art and science work together in Pratt and Sill's artistic illustrations of birds. Located at the Baker Exhibit Center, additional features include:
All activities, including the Daylily Show and Sale, are free for Arboretum Society members or with the standard parking fee of $6 per personal motor vehicle. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Arboretum's kaleidoscope of summer blooms, 65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, engaging exhibits, and bountiful opportunities to connect with nature. For information, call 828.665.2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org. Labels: asheville, bicycling, events, floral, flowers Tuesday, May 26, 2009 New Restaurant to Open at Biltmore Park1:50 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Charlotte, NC's best-loved restaurant will soon open in Asheville. To be opened in June at Biltmore Park, 131 Main will share its passion for fresh, regionally grown foods and its dedication to extraordinary service with Western North Carolina patrons. This month Charlotte magazine's readers voted 131 Main as the best overall restaurant for food and drink in Charlotte. Joe Douglas, a partner in Captiva Restaurant Group that owns and operates the restaurant says, "We believe that consumers in the Asheville area will embrace our passion for great food and exceptional service." "I'm proud of our team members and thankful for our loyal patrons," explained Chris Carlsen, CEO of Captiva Group, says, "Our passion for delivering incredibly fresh, great tasting food with legendary service in a warm, clean environment is important to those wanting the best dining experience for their investment." The Charlotte-area locations of 131 Main include those in the Blakeney and Dilworth communities of Charlotte and at Lake Norman in Cornelius. The Biltmore Park location is Captiva's first 131 Main venture outside the Charlotte market. "We love Asheville and believe that our core values in operating a restaurant matches perfectly with the culture of Western North Carolina," said Douglas. "The secret to our success is that we've created an environment that simply makes people happy." 131 Main at Biltmore Park will be located adjacent to the Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15 cinema and will offer convenient parking for its patrons. The restaurant is expected to open by mid-June. For more information, visit www.131-Main.com Labels: asheville, restaurants Thursday, May 21, 2009 City of Asheville to Hold Meeting Tonight on Stimulus Spending10:44 AMASHEVILLE, NC - The City of Asheville will hold the second of two public meetings to provide information on the stimulus funding. City officials will be at the meeting to discuss how recovery funds will be used for municipal projects and community grants, including information about the Homeless Prevention Fund, Community Development Block Grant and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants. The public will be allowed time for Q & A following the presentation. Additionally, an opportunity will be provided for vendors to register on the city's online vendor registration as well. Tonight's meeting is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. at the Haynes Building (second floor) - A-B Tech Enka Campus. Attendees can park outside the building locations unless otherwise directed. If there are questions concerning these upcoming meetings or other matters related to the stimulus funding, contact Brenda Mills, ARRA Project Manager, at (828) 259-8050 or bmills@ashevillenc.gov.
Asheville Downtown Association to Present Gift to Pritchard Park Drum Circle10:33 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) will present several drums and musical accessories to members of the Asheville Drum Circle on Friday, May 22 at 7pm. "We are so fortunate have this group of people who create this music in Pritchard Park. The circle encourages participation and we are donating instruments to support their activities," says Byron Greiner, president of the ADA Board of Directors. The drums donated by the ADA will be available to attendees and passersby to get in on the fun. The largest gift, a 55-gallon dun dun, provides a rhythmic foundation for the group. The association also donated two djembes, an ashiko, a cowbell, three sets of claves and three shakers. "We're really grateful for the support of the Asheville Downtown Association and downtown businesses. This donation gives people who come without an instrument a way to connect to the group," says Larry McDowell, one of the event's organizers involved with the drum circle since its beginning in 2001. The Asheville Drum Circle cranks up Friday nights beginning about 7pm in Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. With dozens of drummers and hundreds of spectators, the circle has become one of Asheville's most popular events. "The Asheville Downtown Association supports the cultural diversity of our downtown. We encourage all Ashevillians to come and listen or even better join in the fun at the park," adds Greiner. The Asheville Downtown Association is a membership organization committed to being the voice of downtown. For more information, call 828-251-9973. Labels: asheville, downtown, events
Food Lion Skatepark to Host Summer Camp9:31 AM.jpg)
ASHEVILLE, NC - Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, in conjunction with Push Skate Shop, will offer Skateboard Camps this summer at the Food Lion SkatePark, for skaters of all skill levels, ages 6-15. Week-long camp sessions are an opportunity for beginners to learn basic skills and for more advance skaters to sharpen their skills. Camp sessions meet daily at the park from 9am-12pm. Cost is $75 for each session. Register early – camps are limited to 15 boarders. Camp Sessions:
To register for Summer Camp: The Food Lion SkatePark offers a safe, challenging, and attractive skate park facility for skateboarders of all ages.
Asheville-Buncombe Memorial Day Ceremony Scheduled9:16 AM
ASHEVILLE. NC - The City of Asheville Mayor's Committee on Veterans Affairs, in conjunction with Buncombe County, will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Memorial Stadium on Monday, May 25 at 1 p.m. This event is open to the public. Event highlights will include the unveiling of the Veteran's Memorial at Memorial Stadium, Presentation of Colors by a local high school ROTC, Recognitions of Service by Buncombe County Chairman David Gantt and Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy and performances by Rockell Whiteside and the Reuter Center Singers. For more information on the event, please contact Jessica Dunlap in the Mayor's office at (828) 259-5600 or jdunlap@ashevillenc.gov. Labels: asheville, buncombe county, events
Asheville Civitan Club to Host Pancake Breakfast9:03 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Tickets will soon be available for the upcoming Asheville Civitan Pancake Breakfast to be held June 13 in the cafeteria at the Irene Wortham Center. Tickets will be $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Children 12 and under are $3. Proceeds from the event will go to the Asheville Civitan Foundation and the Irene Wortham Center. The mission of the Asheville Civitan Foundation is to award scholarships to Buncombe County and Asheville City graduating seniors. The Irene Wortham Center delivers comprehensive, quality residential and day services in a caring atmosphere for individuals with developmental challenges. Call John Reed at (828) 348-4222 to purchase tickets in advance.
Craggy Gardens section of Blue Ridge Parkway to Partly Reopen8:45 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - An 11-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina that has been closed for nearly nine months has partially reopened. The Craggy Gardens Area now has alternating one-lane traffic, which means the end of a 72-kilometer detour. But construction on the retaining wall will continue until mid-June, when parkway officials hope to reopen the area to two-lane traffic. Officials closed the stretch of the parkway in August 2008 because of a failed retaining wall. During daylight hours, a flagman or traffic light will control the one-lane traffic. At night, a traffic light will be used.
Asheville's Festiva Resorts Opens Adventure Club Sales Center in New Orleans8:20 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Asheville based Festiva Resorts is proud to announce the opening of our newest Festiva Adventure Club sales center in New Orleans, LA. The sales center occupies 8,400 square feet of space on the 15th floor of One Canal Place in the heart of the Central Business and Maritime Districts of New Orleans. One Canal Place is located at the foot of Canal Street just steps away from the Aquarium of the Americas and the French Quarter. The first three levels of the high rise are a shopper's paradise with upscale boutiques, a cinema and theater, and a food court. A short elevator ride from there will bring visitors to the Festiva Resorts New Orleans experience. Guests who visit Festiva's preview center will be welcomed by a panoramic view of the Mississippi River and New Orleans' historic French Quarter. As riverboats lazily glide downstream and jazz music floats up from the street, visitors will learn about the exciting benefits of becoming a member of the Festiva Adventure Club. Once they are acquainted with Festiva Resorts and New Orleans, we then welcome guests to visit the Frenchmen Orleans, a boutique resort property on vibrant Frenchmen Street. With abundant options for dining, shopping and nightlife just steps from the Frenchmen, including some of the city's best local music venues, those who stay once are certain to return time and time again. Festiva Resorts is eager to work with local businesses to promote travel and tourism in the Crescent City. Our goals of promoting not only the Festiva Adventure Club but also local businesses and attractions have helped us with moving toward opening a welcome center on Canal Street, just steps from famous Bourbon and Royal Streets. We are also thrilled to have entered into an alliance with Carnival cruise lines through Vacation Tour & Travel to offer a combination package that includes a stay with Festiva Resorts for cruise passengers departing from New Orleans. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Festiva manages and operates a dynamic collection of hotels and resorts throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Northeast and Caribbean. Festiva Resorts currently has nearly 60,000 members and 27 timeshare and vacation ownership resorts. Labels: asheville Tuesday, May 19, 2009 'Green Bash' Scheduled for May 23rd12:13 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - On Saturday, May 23rd at 9p.m. Seven-Star Inc. teams up with Catalyst POETIX to present the first-ever "GREEN BASH" as a benefit for the Green Cities Institute, at 191 Lyman St., a.k.a. "The Star Factory."
Boasting a line-up of regional heavyweight talent, GREEN BASH features spoken-word poets of The Poetix Vanguard, hip-hop stylings of Preach Jacobs, the freshest DJ sounds of Bowie, Mindelixir, The Midnite Ace, and Cameron Corey with digital projection art from VJ collective The NightLight Riders. The GREEN BASH sound system consists partly of Atlanta's infamous "80 Megaton" consisting of 4 x 18" subwoofers generously being provided by Mellow Mushroom along with 600 square foot of light up dance floor. Merging innovative, multimedia event production with the global sustainability movement, Seven-Star Inc. and Catalyst POETIX endeavor to positively impact the community through raising cultural awareness and promoting sustainability. Seven-Star's mission is to accelerate the global market towards sustainable economy, ecological wisdom, and social justice through green event/entertainment development and production. Catalyst POETIX specializes in providing innovative experiential arts programs to heighten community awareness and empower youth. Together, the GREEN BASH will support the start-up of a new not-for-profit called Green Cities Institute which is developing a new native language eLearning platform offering "how-to" on-line seminars on hot water solar heater kits, permaculture, small scale green building, and community self-sufficiency. The Green Cities Institute is the brainchild of Joseph B. Malki founder of the Green Cities event series and Chief Business Development Officer at Seven-Star, Inc. and Ajay Nair, CEO of BartiNet.com. Mr. Nair is a native of State of Kerala, India and his background is focused on business management and sustainable habitat planning. Both Mr. Maki and Mr. Nair's inspiration comes from studying the lack of sustainable infrastructure in the developing world, particularly in slum communities. Mr. Nair states, "The non-availability of training materials in native languages like Hindi, Tamil, Urudu and Arabic prevents a massive underclass from reaping the rewards of permaculture, solar technology and other sustainable initiatives. Many times, the solutions are low-tech and available but for lack of access to knowledge. Our hope is to work with UN Habitat, mobile aggregators, social media and universities around the world to provide accessible training to the worlds most under privileged communities in their own languages." The green cities movement is hitting stride across the world as government and businesses are discovering more than a silver lining in solar, wind, composting and other green ventures. However, this green "boom" has largely ignored the world's poorest. In 2005, Seven-Star produced the United Nations World Environment Days' Green Cities Expo. This year, they have re-launched the event series with a different twist. "It's time for greater collaboration between all sectors of society around sustainability and its inherent cost savings. Artists, poets, and musicians have been excluded from the deeper conversations, but that's changing. Green Bash is the beginning of integrating their voices and creativity on behalf of causes like the Green Cities Institute. When you combine outrageous fun with a cause, people pay attention. Artists have the power to shape this global dialogue and help the most unfortunate. Being ecologically active and involved in social justice is more than hip, its a timeless idea of being "good" Doors open at 9pm and there is a $10 cover charge. For more information, call Graham Hackett at (828) 712-3808 or email info@poetixonline.com Labels: asheville, events, green, music
Asheville Tourists Come Up Short Against Greenjackets11:59 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Asheville Tourists and Augusta Greenjackets took the field Monday night to conclude Saturday's suspended game and play a seven-inning contest to close out this homestand at McCormick Field. Asheville extended their existing lead in game one to 5-1 before the Augusta bats woke up and blasted 12 runs on 16 hits to take the opener, 12-6. Game two saw Greenjackets RHP Kyle Nicholson go the distance, shutting out the Tourists lineup in a 4-0 Augusta win. Play began Monday night with Asheville leading 3-1 in the top of the fourth inning and RHP Michael Marbry on the mound. Marbry stranded two inherited runners before allowing six runs on five hits over 1.2 innings. Augusta would score at least one run in each of their five turns at bat, with Jonnathan Aristil, Isaiah Froneberger, and Stephen Dodson each allowing at least a run in the 12-6 loss. Asheville seemed to have the advantage in the pitching matchup for game two, but Augusta RHP Kyle Nicholson got the better of Christian Friedrich Monday night. Friedrich pitched well, allowing three runs (two earned) on three walks, and five hits while striking out seven, earning his second loss of the year. Nicholson was great, shutting the Tourists out on seven hits and two walks, striking out five. Nicholson hunkered down each time Asheville threatened offensively, stranding nine base runners through seven innings. The Augusta offense was provided by RBI hits from Josh Mazzola and C.J. Ziegler, fueling the Greenjackets win. Tourists shortstop Carlos Martinez went 2-for-3 in the loss. The Tourists (14-22) will now travel to Rome to take on the Braves (22-16) for a four-game series beginning Wednesday night at 7:00. Wednesday night will feature a matchup between Asheville RHP Dan Houston (0-1, 3.12) and Rome RHP Randall Delgado (1-3, 4.03). Labels: asheville, baseball, sports, tourists Monday, May 18, 2009 Asheville Honors Excellence in Public Service Nominees12:51 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The City of Asheville announced the city-level winners of the annual Excellence in Public Service Awards. The winners were selected from a nominated pool of eighty-four exceptional city employees, all of whom made significant contributions to the City and to the Asheville community during 2008. The following city employees were honored as follows:
City winners will join winners from federal, state, county and municipality offices for the region's Excellence in Public Service ceremony on Wednesday, May 20, at UNC Asheville.
UNC Asheville Celebrates 81st Annual Commencement12:17 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - More than 4,000 family and friends gathered on UNC Asheville's Quadrangle Saturday morning to celebrate UNC Asheville's 2009 graduating class. Some 612 students were honored during the 81st annual Commencement Ceremony, including 365 spring graduates, 221 winter graduates and 26 summer graduates. They were all treated to an impromptu performance by honorary degree recipient Doc Watson as well as an inspiring commencement address by Thomas L. Purce. Among the students were the first three graduates of the joint UNC Asheville – N.C. State University bachelor of science degree in engineering with a concentration in mechatronics. The students took engineering classes on campus taught by NCSU faculty, along with the regular UNC Asheville coursework. The program was created in response to the express needs of the manufacturing community in Western North Carolina and is one of a very few programs in the country that has a concentration on mechatronics, which incorporates mechanical and electrical engineering. Twins Alan and Daniel Griffee of Weaverville have landed jobs locally, while Esraa Halim will return to Egypt this summer to visit family and consider graduate school. Early in the commencement ceremony, UNC Asheville Chancellor Anne Ponder awarded honorary degrees to Evergreen College President Thomas L. Purce and legendary musician Arthel "Doc" Watson. Purce has served as president of Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., a nationally recognized public liberal arts institution, for nine years. Purce has also held top-ranking administrative roles at Washington State University and Idaho State University and was the first black elected official in Idaho, serving as city councilman and then mayor of Pocatello. Watson, a Western North Carolina native, is a legendary guitar player, songwriter, and singer of bluegrass, folk and country music. Blind since the age of one, Watson became an avid musician. He got his big career break at the Newport Folk Festival in 1963, and recorded his first solo album the following year. Watson has since won seven Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Medal of the Arts and was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. After receiving his honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, Purce addressed the graduates, urging the students to make a lifelong commitment to education and community service. "It is not the intention of this university to graduate citizens into the world who think that their only reason for getting an education is to increase their personal income... Personal income is important but so is creating a world community that recognizes the intrinsic importance of every human being on the globe" Purce said. "As you chart the course of your life, keep your eye on a fixed point," he continued. "Like the navigators of old, find your north star. The knowledge and the values that follow from your strong liberal arts education will be your star." Three graduates were presented with UNC Asheville's highest student awards. Asheville native Nicholas Ladd received the William and Ida Friday Award for Community Service. Ladd, who served as student body president this year, was a tireless advocate for students and their access to affordable education. He was also a leading voice on campus for sustainability, especially in reducing the carbon footprint of the residence halls. Over the years, Ladd participated in "alternative" spring breaks, giving his week off to do service projects in Asheville, New Orleans and Huntsville, Ala. A double major in environmental studies and philosophy, Ladd will head to medical school this fall so that he can continue his service to others. The A.C. Reynolds Award and the Thomas D. Reynolds Prize for Leadership and Campus Service was presented to senior health and wellness promotion major Jewell Gist. Most notably, the Asheville native was instrumental in the opening of the University's new Intercultural Center this spring, which is home to student organizations as well as the offices of Multicultural Student Programs and the Center for Diversity Education. She also worked on pre-orientation programming for new students and coordinating heritage month activities to honor multicultural students. Megan Miller, a classics major from Tryon, N.C., was named the recipient of the Manly E. Wright Award, which is presented to the student first in scholarship. During her time as a student, Miller conducted research on paleography, earning $6,000 in grants and invitations to present her findings at national conference. Recently, she received the Nina Simone Senior Scholarship Award and was awarded a Fulbright Award to continue her studies in Great Britain, where she has been accepted at Oxford University. While at Oxford, she will be supported by the 2009 Lionel Pearson Fellowship from the American Philological Society. A first generation college student, Miller bested four finalists from Ivy League schools for the $27,000 Pearson scholarship. During the ceremony, Chancellor Ponder also honored the University's faculty and staff with annual top awards. John Meyers was named Distinguished Staff Member. Meyers, who serves as the instructional technology consultant in the Center for Teaching and Learning, was instrumental in moving the University to a more flexible and cost-effective online course support tool. He is known campus-wide for his enthusiasm and patience in teaching difficult technical concepts to both faculty and staff. The Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award was presented to Tim Forrest, professor of biology. Forrest, who joined the faculty in 1996, holds a doctorate in entomology from Florida State University. In the classroom, Forrest is noted as being demanding but fair, passionate about his subject, and ready to make the extra effort to help students succeed. One student noted that Forrest is "always available to help, always responsive to my interests, always unflinchingly honest about the quality of my work, he has shown me an example of the working diligence and passionate spirit of a gifted scientist, which is what I aspire to be." During the summers, Forrest coordinates an educational "Bug Camp" for middle school students who are underrepresented in the sciences. Prior to the close of the ceremony, Chancellor Ponder announced two new UNC Asheville traditions. At the beginning of Commencement, graduates were greeted by an Alumni Bell, a gift of alumni and friends of the University. The large, cast bell will be rung at Convocations and Commencements as well as other official occasions of celebration and remembrance. The University flag was also raised for the first time. The student-designed flag will fly with the American and North Carolina flags on the Quad. Chancellor Ponder closed the ceremony with a reminder to the graduates. "Graduates, as you leave here today and go into the world, I know that you will remember fondly your Alma Mater," she said. "May you be assured in the knowledge that the University of North Carolina at Asheville is behind you all the way."
Meals On Wheels Host 2nd Annual 'Wheel Ride for Food'11:35 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Meals On Wheels of Asheville-Buncombe County will hold its annual Wheel Ride for Food Cycling event to raise money to provide food and services to local homebound elderly. This is the second year for the event which boasts challenging metric half-century (32-mile) and metric century (65-mile) routes that lead riders through scenic parts of North Asheville, Weaverville, Marshall, Ox Creek, Town Mountain and downtown Asheville before returning to the original starting point at Carrier Park. The ride is organized and managed by local cyclists and volunteers and is held in conjunction with the Mountain Sports Festival at Carrier Park in Asheville. All skill levels are welcome. Date: May 30, 2009 @ 8:30 AM Sponsors and volunteers are still needed for this event. If interested, please contact Terri Bowman at (828) 253-5286 Labels: asheville, bicycling, events
Asheville's Flower Gallery Launches Website11:23 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Downtown florist the Flower Gallery has launched a Web site at www.flowergalleryashevillenc.com. Owner and designer Luck McElreath, a native of Bangkok, said she draws on Asian influences in her floral design. The retail location, at 46 Haywood St., is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Call (828) 258-8427 or (800) 825-5516 Labels: asheville, florists, flowers Thursday, May 14, 2009 Asheville Tourists Revved Up for NASCAR Night8:16 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Asheville Tourists are changing gears in their next homestand by teaming with Time 4 Sports and hosting NASCAR night, Friday, May 15th. The event will feature a NASCAR show car, a driver look-alike contest, and several NASCAR-themed games, contests, and giveaways leading up to that night's Tourists game against the Augusta Greenjackets at 7:05. The festivities will begin as soon as fans enter the stadium, where they can check out Casey Mears' Number 07 Jack Daniels Show Car. From there, interested fans are encouraged to enter the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. look-alike contest at the Guest Services Gazebo. The Tourists fan judged by the crowd to be the most Junior-like will receive a Dale Earnhardt, Jr. jacket provided by Time 4 Sports and a pair of tickets to the May 24th race. There will also be a contest involving the following night's Sprint All-Star Race in Charlotte. Fans can enter a top-5 contest for the chance to win four tickets to the Sprint Cup Series at Charlotte on May 24th. There will be a table on the concourse at which fans can submit their predicted Top 5 finishers for the All-Star race the following night. Any fan that correctly submits the top 5 finishers in order will receive free tickets to the May 24th race, and should no fan guess correctly, the tickets will be awarded to the entrant with the most accurate submission. Winners will be awarded their tickets during the Tourists game against Augusta on Monday, May 18th. Any NASCAR know-it-alls can test their mettle in the Time 4 Sports NASCAR trivia contest. Three contestants will go head-to-head to answer a series of challenging NASCAR questions. The fan with the most correct answers will receive a pair of tickets to the May 24th race and a Jeff Gordon jacket supplied by Time 4 Sports. Finally, one lucky fan will leave McCormick Field with four suite tickets to the May 24th race in Charlotte. Whenever a fan makes a transaction of $10 or more on NASCAR night, they will receive an entry to the raffle. Fans may enter as many times as they like. The winner will receive the four suite tickets and second-and-third place winners will be drawn, each taking home four standard tickets to the May 24th race. The night's festivities will also include NASCAR-themed on-field promotions and giveaways, supplied by Time 4 Sports on Airport Road in Arden. Tickets for Friday's NASCAR night and all remaining Tourists home games are available by contacting the Tourists box office at (828) 258-0428. Labels: asheville, baseball, sports, tourists
Charles Osgood Films CBS Sunday Morning at Asheville's Biltmore Estate7:23 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Charles Osgood is everything you think he is. The longtime host of CBS Sunday Morning and anchor of the Osgood File news program on the radio is every bit himself off camera as he portrays on camera or on mic. Sunday Morning spent two days filming for this Sunday's show at Biltmore in Asheville, NC. During his down time, Osgood talked candidly with fans (spending about 15 minutes with some of them) and graciously posed for pictures. He spoke to people as if they had been long time friends. Sunday's episode will be based at Biltmore and focused on design. It will include some of Biltmore's greatest assets as well as other pieces on fashion and design. The show will air Sunday morning at 9, right after News Channel 7 Sunday Morning. Watch Rich Klindworth’s entire interview with Charles Osgood: link to WSPA Labels: asheville, Biltmore Estate
Asheville Named 'Top 5 Bargain Destination" in USA Today7:07 PM
Article originally appeared in Thursday's edition of USA Today Recession, the swine flu, and airline capacity cuts: On the one hand, it seems like the odds are stacked against travelers. On the other, there are a lot of great travel deals and a whole world out there. So if you're looking for bargain travel this summer, you're in luck. In fact, I found so many good deals that, in addition to the top five, I added a roundup of more destinations that should be on the radar of anyone looking for an affordable vacation. I've monitored trends, industry news, and sale patterns to point you in the direction of places that offer the best bargain value for the coming season. Below you'll find examples of deals presently available for summer trips. Like all deals, these are sure to expire; however, a little research on your part can yield similar results when you're ready to book. Los Angeles The winning combination of new air service, solid deals, and fewer visitors make the greater Los Angeles area a bargain hotspot this summer. L.A. airports have seen a drop in passenger traffic this year, but airlines are still adding new service, which means more choice and less competition for travelers. Need more convincing? The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) just named Los Angeles a top budget-friendly destination. And, Disneyland is offering free admission to visitors on their birthday. So about those new routes. Virgin America just started service between San Francisco and John Wayne Airport in Orange County. Meanwhile, Delta has expanded service between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. There are so many sales on domestic air travel this summer, it's hard to keep track of them all. AirTran (book by May 12), Alaska (book by May 14), Delta (book by May 18), Southwest (book by May 14), United (book by May 14), and Virgin America all have flights on sale to Los Angeles airports. No matter when you book, you can always check the latest domestic airfare deals for your dates. On the ground, there are more ways to save. Santa Monica has a Sun, Sea, Save promotion that offers travelers a third night free and a variety of free attraction passes when booking at participating Santa Monica hotels. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau lists current L.A. discounts on restaurants, tours, and more. And, Disneyland deals are available directly through the park or via providers such as Expedia and JetBlue. Dominican Republic With this many deals and discounts, the Dominican Republic could convincingly rename itself the Deals Republic this summer. But deals aren't the only reason to consider the DR: Two low-cost airlines are starting new service to the island, and industry publication Travel Weekly named the Dominican Republic the number one Caribbean destination late last year, a testament to its broad travel appeal. However, bear in mind that summer is hurricane season, so if you do plan a Caribbean vacation, be sure to get trip insurance and consider traveling outside of the late August and early September peak storm season. New service from low-cost carriers puts the Dominican Republic within reach for more travelers. Starting on June 18, Spirit will begin service between Ft. Lauderdale and Santiago, and on June 19, JetBlue kicks off service between Boston and Santo Domingo. Options abound on the vacation package front. CheapCaribbean.com is offering discounted air-and-hotel packages such as four-nights and airfare from $560 per person (at press time, this deal was set to expire on May 11, but may be extended or replaced by a similar offer). JetBlue had an air-and-three-night package at the Riu Mambo all-inclusive resort in Puerto Plata for $405 per person. These are just a few of the vacation deals you should be able to find to the Dominican Republic this summer from online travel agencies and airlines. At resorts around the island, discounts are the norm this summer. Club Med Punta Cana is offering 50% off the second person on stays of three nights or longer, or free stays for kids 15 and younger for seven-night stays. The Excellence Punta Cana Resort has 15 to 25% off summer rates, and the Puntacana Hotel has 40% off rates to celebrate its 40th anniversary. National Parks If you're within driving distance, on a budget, and enjoy the outdoors, a national park (or state or regional park) can be an ideal summer bargain destination. Accommodations are as cheap as you'll find them (though you'll have to pack your own bed ... or sleeping bag) and you'll be surrounded by free activities like hiking, bird watching, and swimming. If everything but the sleeping on the ground sounds good, you can forgo the camping in favor of an in- or out-of-park hotel or motel. However, unless you're planning on staying at one of the no-reservations campgrounds in a park, don't wait until the last minute to book your accommodations; this bargain option is one many summer travelers will likely take advantage of this season. Not sold yet? Here are some numbers that illustrate the sorts of vacation costs you can expect at national parks. At Yellowstone, for example, the entrance fee (good for up to six people) is just $25. Campsites for up to four people range between $12 and $25 per night. And early summer room rates near the park start at $59 per night. If you're not within road-trip distance of the park, you might consider flying into Salt Lake City, where you'll be able to take advantage of U.S. summer airfare sales from many major airlines. For more tips, Priceline.com blogger Brian Ek has a detailed and money-saving post on the best way to visit Yellowstone on a budget. Other parks offer similarly good value. In Yosemite, you'll pay $20 per car and $14 to $20 for a campsite. And at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, entrance is free and campsites cost between $14 and $23 per night. Australia This summer is a particularly good time to save money on an Australia vacation. The U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is reporting that travel to Australia is 20% cheaper now than it was a year ago. Plus, competitive pricing from airlines and other promotions such as discounted vacation packages and air passes make Australia an intriguing choice for travelers who can spend a little more but are still on a budget this summer. The flight time from Los Angeles to Sydney is about the same as between L.A. and Rome. And this summer, it may actually be cheaper to fly to Australia than to Europe. A spot-check of flights from San Francisco in July puts a round-trip flight to Sydney at $763 versus $1,040 to Rome. Even from the East Coast, Australia flights are competitive with airfare to Europe. Fares and vacation packages bring Australia's affordability into better focus. Qantas is running a sale with round-trip flights between L.A. or San Francisco and Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney from about $620, or from New York starting at $820. V Australia recently ended a similar deal, and may offer more sale fares to stay competitive. Qantas also has a four-city Australia air pass from $999, which allows travelers to visit multiple cities on a single airfare. For $999, the airline has an air-and-hotel package with six nights' accommodations as well. Asheville, North Carolina Asheville earns top-five status by being an already affordable destination with new low-cost airline service. AirTran will begin flying between Orlando and Asheville starting June 11, with introductory fares of $69 one-way. You might also check flights into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (about an hour and thirty minutes away) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (about two hours away) to compare fares if the lowest price is a priority. In the Specials and Deals section of ExploreAsheville.com, you'll find savings such as 50-percent off a second night at the Four Points by Sheraton, $25 per night gas rebate card from the Crowne Plaza, and discounts at museums around town. You can also take advantage of the site's Asheville budget travel planner, with free activity ideas and more savings opportunities. Plus, Asheville is an ideal jumping-off point for a visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as "America's Favorite Drive" and a can't-miss (and free) activity. For more information, the Asheville Travel Blog offers a current look at events and activities in town. By Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Labels: airport, asheville, hotels, vacation Wednesday, May 13, 2009 Rose Hil Planation in North-West Asheville Offers Spring Savings5:20 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Rose Hill Plantation, Asheville's first single-family thoughtfully planned "Healthy Living Community," is now also Asheville's best buy. For a limited time, ready to move-in two and three bedroom homes, or new built homes are priced from $279,000 representing a price savings of 15%. In addition, owners can enjoy a $5,000 move-in decorator allowance on any existing new built home. From the ground-up Rose Hill Plantation is unique in its dedication to fostering an invigorating, healthy, and sustainable lifestyle for active adults. The enclave of 103 single-family detached-homes is nestled into a pristine parcel of land and surrounded by breathtaking vistas in Northwest Asheville, just 10 minutes from the city's downtown. Of the gated community's 58 acres, more than 40 acres are in a conservation easement that includes dedicated walking trails and communal gardens. "Rose Hill Plantation is the premiere healthy living community for the Asheville area and now it is clearly the best value," said onsite Realtor, Debbie Kelly with Beverly-Hanks & Associates. "It's the only single-family community that offers a detached home with maintenance-free living in a gated community for under $300,000. This limited-time pricing combined with the healthy lifestyle amenities make it the most compelling new community in Asheville," added Kelly. The Sales Center at Rose Hill Plantation is open seven days a week and is located at 3041 Leicester Hwy. (Hwy. 63) Leicester, NC 28748. Or call the sales office at: 828.337.2212 or online at www.rosehillplantation.net. Homes at Rose Hill Plantation are now priced for a limited time from the high $200s to the low $400s. Each of the single family one and two story homes range from approximately 1387 to 2430 square feet and offer two and three bedroom plans with garages and some have the capability of a finished lower level. The homes offer a maintenance-free environment within a lock-and-leave setting in a gated community. Rose Hill Plantation is a development of Jeff Glover who is a Platinum Member of the Western North Carolina Green Building Council. Labels: asheville, green, planned community, real estate
'Battlle of the Bands' Winner to Perform at Bele Chere3:11 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Think your group has what it takes to make it to the stage at Bele Chere? Then consider participating in a battle-of-the-bands competition, "Last Band Standing," to win an opportunity to perform at the Bele Chere 2009 Festival on the Biltmore or Battery Park stage. Fans will vote online from June 8-24 to narrow the field and determine the top five bands that will face off at a battle of the bands-style concert at the Orange Peel on July 8. The winning band will be announced immediately following the live performances and will receive a time slot to perform on stage at Bele Chere July 24-26 along with other prizes. The Orange Peel will host the event 7 p.m. July 8 and will be free and available in June. Western North Carolina bands and musicians in the following counties are encouraged to apply: Allegheny, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Graham, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Jackson, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Yancey, Watauga and Wilkes. Applications are now available on the official Bele Chere Web site at www.belecherefestival.com. Applications are free to submit and will be accepted until 5 p.m. June 3. Labels: asheville, bele chere, events, music
Asheville Parks and Recreation to Host 'Men's Health Night'2:59 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts will host Men's Health Night 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 28 at Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Street. Held in collaboration with Asheville Buncombe Institute for Parity Achievement, a local group working to equalize health access for African Americans, this free event will cover diabetes, cardiovascular and prostate health with a video and presentations. Free healthy snacks provided. For information, contact Maureen Jablinske at (828) 350-2058 or stephenslee@ashevillenc.gov. Labels: asheville, events, health, parks and recreation
Dunkin' Donuts Opening New Location8:43 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Doughnut lovers will soon have a new spot to get their fix. A Dunkin' Donuts will open in the former location of a Krystal burger franchise on Smokey Park Highway in Asheville. It's set to open the last week of May, according to a spokesperson with the company. It will stand next to Hardee's at 305 Smokey Park Highway. This will be the fourth Dunkin' Donuts location the Asheville area. Other locations already serve coffee, doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches on Biltmore and Merrimon avenues and Hendersonville Road. Labels: asheville, restaurants
Rome Fails to Fall and Beats Tourists 9-78:34 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Rome first baseman Gerry Rodriguez lashed a grand slam and drove in five runs as the Rome Braves took the first of a four-game series in Asheville, 9-7 Monday night. Tourists' own first baseman Kiel Roling turned in an equally impressive individual performance, going 4-for-4 with two homeruns, a double, and five RBI of his own. Asheville starter Parker Frazier (0-3) struggled through four innings of work, allowing five runs on eight hits, walking three batters, and striking out one. Frazier did well to limit the damage and keep the game close, but the bullpen couldn't do the same. The Tourists jumped out to an early lead with runs in each of their first two turns at bat. Kiel Roling started his big night at the plate with an RBI double in the bottom of the first, and Ryan Peisel drove in David Christensen with an RBI groundout in the second. The Braves would answer back with four runs in the top of the third. After Frazier retired the first two batters of the inning, Luis Sumoza singled into right field. Gerry Rodriguez followed with his first RBI of the day on a triple to center field. Stephen Shults drove in Rodriguez with a base hit up the middle and moved to second base on a steal. Samuel Sime drew a walk to put runners on first and second for Jesus Sucre, who drove them both home with a double to left field, making the score 4-2 Tourists. Asheville responded immediately, tying the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the third on a two-run homerun by Kiel Roling. It was Roling's first homerun of the night and third of the year, each blast leaving McCormick Field over the right-center field wall. Rome regained the lead, 5-4 in the top of the fourth on an RBI double by center fielder Calvin Culver. As Culver rounded second base, he fell and sprawled on the infield dirt between second and third base. Culver lay motionless for a minute, got tagged for the second out of the inning, and was ultimately replaced by Chris Shehan. Culver was wheeled off the field the following inning, reportedly suffering from a separated shoulder. Alan DeRatt came on to relieve the starter Frazier and worked a perfect top of the fifth inning. He came out in the sixth and allowed a leadoff single before a sacrifice bunt put a runner on second with one away. DeRatt then walked back-to-back batters to load the bases for the dangerous Rodriguez, who made the Tourists pay with a grand slam homerun to straightaway right field. The blast gave Rome a commanding 9-4 advantage. It was Rodriguez's seventh long ball of the season, good for second in the South Atlantic League. The Tourists got a couple back on Kiel Roling's second two-run homerun of the game in the bottom of the eighth, making it 9-6 Rome. Another towering opposite-field blast, Roling's second homerun gave him five RBI for the game, the most for any Tourist this year. Asheville would threaten again in the bottom of the ninth against reliever Craig Kimbrel. A leadoff single by Ryan Peisel and a throwing error by Kimbrel put a runner on second with no outs for Tyler Massey, who drew a walk. Thomas Field grounded out, advancing the runners to second and third. Scott Robinson grounded out to first base, plating Peisel to make it 9-7 Rome, before Delta Cleary struck out to end the threat and the game. The Tourists (13-17) will take on the Braves (16-15) in game two of this four-game series tomorrow at 11:05 am for Education Day at McCormick Field. LHP Christian Friedrich (3-1, 0.93) will face off against Rome RHP Jacob Thompson (1-2, 3.82). Tickets for Tuesday's game and all Tourists home games are available by contacting the Tourists box office at (828) 258-0428. You can also listen to all 140 Asheville Tourists games live on 100.7 WRES FM or streaming online at www.theashevilletourists.com. Labels: asheville, baseball, sports, tourists
Twitter Tweets Used to Celebrate Grove Park Inn's 96th Birthday8:11 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - In less than 90 minutes The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa gave away 96 free rooms exclusively through Twitter. A "Tweet" was sent out at 11:00am this morning to those following E.W. Grove on Twitter (www.twitter.com/ewgrove) and the first 96 who called a special "800" number was provided a free one night deluxe Mountain View accommodation stay at the historic resort located in Asheville, North Carolina. "There certainly is a developing trend for the hospitality industry to promote on Twitter," Said Ron Morin, Executive Director of Operations at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. "With our move toward more of an online presence Twitter seemed a unique way to give away 96 free stays." "We launched this promotion to celebrate The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa's 96th birthday celebration in July," says Susan Phillips, Director of Marketing and Communications at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. "We are one of the first major companies to launch a major giveaway as a way to reach and communicate with current and new customers. E. W. Grove plans to continue Tweeting to his loyal followers." The Grove Park Inn was inspired by the internet success of one of its recent guests, President Barack Obama, who stayed at the Resort while preparing for his second debate with Senator John McCain. The Grove Park Inn is devoted to seeking creative endeavors and E.W. Grove on Twitter is a brilliant example. Edwin Wiley (E.W.) Grove, who was a druggist who made millions creating and selling his elixirs and tonics, has a large following of Twitterers. In 1890 more bottles of "Grove's Tasteless Tonic," were sold than Coca Cola™. Grove dreamed of building a place where people could go to relax, rejuvenate and forget about their woes became a reality in 1913. The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is a four-diamond resort overlooking Asheville's skyline and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Built in 1913, the Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America and among Travel + Leisure's Top thirteen Spa Resorts in the world. Amenities include a world-class spa, Club Floor, award winning fine dining, Donald Ross golf course, tennis, swimming, sports complex, retail shops, nightly entertainment and children's programs. For information on The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa go to: www.groveparkinn.com Twitter is a free site where people can post updates of up to 140 characters to a webpage, an activity typically called microblogging. Other users can "follow" the updates or send direct messages, and the site can even be updated by SMS. The site, founded in 2006, is estimated to have between 4-5 million users and is believed to be the third-most used social network after Facebook and MySpace. Labels: asheville, Grove Park Inn, hotels, places to stay
UNCA's NC Center for Health and Wellness to Recieve $3 Million Grant8:03 AMASHEVILLE, NC - UNC Asheville's North Carolina Center for Health & Wellness has received a $3 million grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. The three-year grant, the biggest ever for the foundation's Healthy Active Communities focus area and one of the largest in UNCA's history, will go toward growing the center's work in three main focus areas: childhood obesity, worksite wellness and healhty aging. The $42 million N.C. Center for Health & Wellness is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in March 2011. The 133,500-square-foot center will become home to the college's health and wellness department, the school's fastest growing major that focuses on improving health through prevention. School officials hope the work being done at the center and the college will help improve the health of residents in Asheville and North Carolina, while also preparing students for careers in health care. UNCA receives grant. Labels: asheville, health, UNCA Monday, May 11, 2009 Despite the Defeat of the State Slope Bill, Local Leaders Press On2:07 PMASHEVILLE, NC - Buncombe County Commission Chairman David Gantt says he's very disappointed the General Assembly did not approve legislation this session to regulate steep slope development. But he says the county won't fail to act. Gantt says in the coming months, he hopes to assemble a group of builders, developers, landowners and environmentalists to come up with a Buncombe County standard that will be a model for the rest of the mountains. Mars Hill Representative Ray Rapp's Safe Artificial Slope Act faced opposition from the building and real estate industries, and lawmakers who worried it would hurt the mountain economy. Rapp says he hopes to re-introduce it next year. Labels: asheville, buncombe county, development Friday, May 8, 2009 Visit the Animal Moms At Western North Carolina Nature Center on Mother's Day10:55 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Join the Western North Carolina Nature Center for Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10th, and spend some time with our animal mothers. The Nature Center is open from 10 am to 5 pm and located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in East Asheville. The first 100 mothers will receive a free flower, courtesy of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center. Sunday's "Animal Moments" educational program will focus on animal mothers and their offspring. These moments are scheduled every day at 11:30 am and 3 pm for you to learn something new about nature! For more information on Mother's Day, contact the front desk at (828) 298-5600. The Nature Center's mission is to educate the public about the flora and fauna of Western North Carolina and foster an interest in the conservation of native plants and animals. The Nature Center serves 27 counties in western North Carolina and each year welcomes 100,000 visitors through its doors. It is operated by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department of the City of Asheville. The Friends of the WNC Nature Center was incorporated in 1974 and since that time, has privately raised over $1 million to enhance the programs and facilities of the Nature Center. The Friends has over 2300 members who support its activities on behalf of the Nature Center. For more information on the Friends, contact Sarah Oram, Director, at (828) 298-5600 ext. 308. To view Western North Carolina Nature Center's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitors, go to: this web-site. Thursday, May 7, 2009 Tourist's McCormick Field to Host Asheville Chamber Events10:46 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Asheville Tourists are proud to announce two exciting events at McCormick Field this season especially for members of the Asheville Chamber. First, Chamber members will have the rare opportunity to play softball on McCormick Field in a staff-versus-member softball game. The following week, members of the Chamber will get the chance to eat and network at a special cocktail hour before the Tourists game that night. Thirsty Thursday with the Asheville Chamber! July 16th is Thirsty Thursday with the Asheville Chamber, featuring a Chamber staff-versus-member softball game to be played on McCormick Field! Participation is open to all Chamber members and costs just $10. The Chamber will accept up to 40 players to participate, so make your reservations today. Friends and family that would like to watch the game may do so for free, and since it is a Thirsty Thursday after all, the stadium will offer discounted concessions and $1 beer. The fun gets underway at 5:30 pm on Thursday, July 16th, for reservations call James Carter at (828) 258-6115 or by email at jcarter@ashevillechamber.org. Chamber Night with the Asheville Tourists! The following Friday, July 24th will be Chamber Night with the Asheville Tourists. This event features a cocktail hour from 5:30 to 7:00 pm with hors d'oeuvres, draft beer, wine, and a cash bar - specifically for Chamber Members. Rub elbows with fellow members in a unique networking opportunity before the Tourists take the field to battle the Lakewood Blueclaws at 7:05 pm. Tickets are on sale now for only $10, and include the cocktail hour and a box seat ticket to the game. Contact Mike Bauer at (828) 258-0428 or complete the attached form to reserve a spot today! Labels: asheville, events, sports, tourists
Asheville Ranked Top Arts Destination10:29 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Exciting, reliable, budget-friendly locales captured readers' hearts and votes as cities nationwide vied for top ranking in AmericanStyle magazine's 12th annual Top 25 Arts Destinations poll. For the second year, Asheville, with a storied crafts legacy dating to the turn of the century, held the No. 2 spot among small cities. Once again, the winners' list features a mix of traditional destinations and emerging arts scenes where galleries contribute to community revitalization. "Remember the vital roles played by artists during the last recession," said Wendy Rosen, publisher of AmericanStyle. "They moved in to dying Main Streets, shuttered factories and warehouse districts, and converted them into galleries and art scenes. Their murals, outdoor sculpture and other public art enchanted tourists and helped spark new investment. Artists led the way then, and they are leading the way now: Just look at what young artists have done to bring tourism to Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, and how artists have made Asheville, a must-visit destination off the beaten path." "Tough economic times also make consumers conscious of where their products come from," Ms. Rosen added. "Art lovers know they can make a positive impact by buying from local galleries and local artists, so their dollars recycle in the community and support homegrown talent. We all know that art and handcraft galleries are among the few remaining places where you can find authentic, made-in-America gifts and art products." AmericanStyle magazine is a national lifestyle magazine for art enthusiasts, collectors and travelers. The annual Top 25 Arts Destinations readers' poll has earned the magazine national recognition as the premier arts travel resource. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Fundraiser for Green Opportunities Scheduled for May 28th - 'Arts 2 Go!'3:46 PMASHEVILLE, NC - The Asheville Affiliates will host "Arts to Go" May 28th from 6:30pm-930pm at the Phil Mechanic Building in Asheville's River Arts District. The event is billed as a fundraiser for Green Opportunities, a paid job training and placement program designed to prepare unemployed, out-of-school young adults in and around Asheville for living wage jobs in the rapidly expanding green economy. With tons of great food and drink, art exhibits, raffle/silent auction items, and live musical performances, "Arts to GO" promises to be an exciting evening of entertainment! Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, with all proceeds to benefit Green Opportunities. Bring extra cash for the raffle and silent auction items! Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Opening bids on silent auction items vary. The event will also serve to celebrate the first graduating class of Asheville Green Opportunities members. For more information or to RSVP, contact 828-258-1856 or info@greenopportunities.org or greenopportunities.org. The green economy is growing fast, creating thousands of green-collar jobs that pay a living wage, offer advancement opportunities, and serve the community and the planet. These jobs represent important "pathways out of poverty" for members of our communities who have traditionally struggled under the "gray," pollution-based economy. Asheville GO is designed to empower individuals with barriers to employment through a combination of service-learning projects, on-the-job training and one-on-one support. Labels: art, asheville, events, green
Grove Park Inn Offers Complimentary Concerts With Accommodations11:58 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, NC is providing their guests sizzling added value this summer. Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day weekends will all include evening concerts and dances featuring nationally known entertainers. In addition, the weekends will offer family activities including pool parties, complimentary dance instruction, history tours, live music throughout the day and night and even a revolutionary Tea Party, Asheville style. The complimentary events are open to all guests staying at the Resort. The concert series kicks off during Memorial Day weekend with "The Bellamy Brothers" and the "Alison Brown Quartet." On the evening of May 23 Nashville recording artist Alison Brown takes the stage with her unique blend of bluegrass and extraordinary musicianship. On May 24th guests will be treated to a concert by national hit makers "The Bellamy Brothers" performing a concert of their hits like "Let Your Love Flow." July 4th will truly be an American Celebration at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa as American Idol's Bo Bice performs in concert on Independence Day. The concert will be followed by a fantastic view of a fireworks display, courtesy of the City of Asheville and an ice cream social. Throughout the weekend guests will have the opportunity to interact with Revolutionary War re-enactors, attend pool parties, participate in a historical scavenger hunt and enjoy a special Independence Day Buffet in the Blue Ridge Dining Room. The beach comes to the mountains on Labor Day weekend as the Resort presents two nights of Carolina Beach Music dances with national recording artists "Chairmen of The Board" and "The Fabulous Kays." The weekend offers complimentary shag dance lessons, daily live music throughout the Resort and the option to enjoy the Coastal Seafood Buffet in the Blue Ridge Dining Room. "This new "Total Experience" added value concept guarantees that all of our guests will have unforgettable summer holidays." said Maddy Winer, the Resort's Entertainment Director. "Weekend Packages are available and continue to be a great value. You can just stay the night of the concert but the ultimate is to stay the entire weekend and enjoy all our special activities." Packages and individual room nights are available by calling (800) 438-5800. For more information, go to: www.groveparkinn.com and click on "Concerts & Events." Labels: asheville, Grove Park Inn
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Honors Asheville Teen As 'Youth Advocate of the Year'11:44 AMASHEVILLE, NC - Colleen Daly, 17, of Asheville, N.C., has been named the South Regional Youth Advocate of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids for her leadership in the fight against tobacco. Colleen is being honored at a gala in the nation's capital tonight (May 6) along with a national winner, three other regional winners and a group winner. Colleen knows how to empower those around her to work for positive change. Colleen has a wealth of tobacco control experience, including meeting with legislators to advocate smoke-free air, educating youth about the dangers of tobacco products and serving as president of her local chapter of Teens Against Tobacco Use (T.A.T.U.). Currently, Colleen is working with Project ASSIST and the American Heart Association to advocate for statewide smoke-free air legislation in North Carolina. Her smoke-free advocacy also includes working to pass a smoke-free parks policy in Asheville and speaking at Asheville's minor league baseball stadium to introduce this policy to the public. Colleen also has developed a talent for graphic design and redesigned her county's Project ASSIST logo. More than 400 public health, political, civic and business leaders will attend the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' 13th annual anniversary gala in Washington, D.C., to recognize these young leaders. The winners will receive educational scholarships and grants to continue their prevention efforts and serve as ambassadors for the Campaign. "Colleen Daly and other young leaders from across the nation are making great strides against youth tobacco addiction and their voices are being heard," said Matthew L. Myers, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids president. "Every day, 1,000 kids in the United States become regular smokers and one-third of them will die prematurely from tobacco-caused disease. Almost 90 percent of adult smokers began at or before the age of 18. Youth are powerful allies in the fight to turn these trends around." In North Carolina, 19 percent of high school students smoke, and 11,800 kids become daily smokers every year. Every year, tobacco use kills 12,200 North Carolina residents and costs the state over $2 billion in health care bills. Nationally, tobacco use kills more than 400,000 people and costs the nation more than $96 billion in health care costs each year. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is a leader in the fight to reduce tobacco use and its devastating consequences in the United States and around the world. By changing public attitudes and public policies on tobacco, the Campaign strives to prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke. Labels: asheville, events, health
Asheville's 'Downtown After Five' Returns - May 15th8:47 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Downtown After Five returns to Lexington Avenue at the I-240 overpass on Friday, May 15 from 5-9pm. The event lineup includes Cadillac Jones, DJ Williams Project and featured local Asheville band, Wilsin. Always free, this year, DTA5 is stepping up with an "Entertainment Stimulus Package" and offering three great bands for one great price - FREE. Local band, Wilsin, is the opener hitting the stage at 5:15pm. Founded by Asheville's renowned singer/songwriter Will Hartzog, Wilsin blends a variety of musical backgrounds. The band brings innovation and experimentation to the stage and the result is a soulful sound. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, the DJ Williams Projekt mixes soul, jazz, R&B and hip hop to produce an unforgettable live show experience. The band's members have shared the stage with Dave Matthews, John Legend and Karl Denson. The Projekt will start about 6:20pm. Headliner Cadillac Jones, a funk-jazz band from Atlanta, Georgia, takes the stage at 7:45pm. Making music together since 2000, the band takes its influences from Herbie Hancock, James Brown and the Blackbyrds. Mixing driving rhythms, tight melodies and improvisational jams, the group creates a sound sure to get crowds moving. May's Downtown After Five marks the official CD release party for Cadillac Jones' fourth album titled Rhythm Method. DTA5 gives back to the community by partnering with local non-profits. The charitable organization mans the wristband sales tents and splits the money with the Asheville Downtown Association which produces the event. May's wristband recipient is the Asheville Area Arts Council. The mission of the council is to enrich the community by educating all people in the Asheville area about the arts, advocating integration of the arts in all aspects of community life, and supporting artists and arts organizations. Other 2009 beneficiaries include Arts2People, Asheville GreenWorks, Downtown Asheville Residential Neighbors (DARN) and Asheville Sister Cities International. Downtown After Five is committed to continuing reducing its carbon footprint. The concert series features biodegradable food and beverage containers, staffed compost and recycling stations, a solar-powered main stage and a complimentary bike corral. DTA5 has decreased its contribution to the landfill from more than 600 bags of trash in years past to just 13 bags in 2008. Food vendors for the 2009 Downtown After Five Series are The Lobster Trap, Nick's, Anderson Davis Hot Dogs, Ultimate Ice Cream, One World, Rolling Stone Pizza and Sugar Momma's Cookies. DTA5 features a wide selection of beers including local favorites: French Broad Brewery, Highland Brewing Company, Green Man Ales, Pisgah Brewing Company and Asheville Pizza & Brewing. Regional breweries for this year’s events are Magic Hat Brewing Company, SweetWater Brewery, Big Block and Starr Hill Brewery. Attendees will also find national brands Budweiser, Bud Light, Shock Top, Kona, Bass and Guinness. Downtown After Five is a production of the Asheville Downtown Association, a membership organization committed to being the voice of downtown. For more information, visit ashevilledowntown.org. Labels: asheville, downtown, events, music Tuesday, May 5, 2009 Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Announces Pawsfest ‘092:11 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Join Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in celebrating North Carolina Week for the Animals! On May 9th, pets (and their people) are invited to Pawsfest ’09, held on the grounds of Wags to Riches Thrift Store at 66 Long Shoals Road in Arden - just 15 minutes south of Asheville near Lake Julian. Visit with Joey the miniature horse, a couple of friendly ferrets, and some rescued parrots, while enjoying food, music, games, pet photos, animal friendly groups and vendors to keep you and your furry pal busy. And if you come without a buddy, you might just leave with one! Dogs and puppies, kittens and cats of all shapes and sizes will be up for adoption, and low-cost microchipping will be offered to help owners keep their own pets safe for life. For more information, please check the Brother Wolf website, www.bwar.org. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is an Asheville 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to ending euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals through aggressive spay/ neuter, education, and foster care. Labels: asheville, events, pets
Asheville Tourists April Recap2:02 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Asheville Tourists had two of the hotter hitters in all of Minor League Baseball in the month of April, as James Cesario and Jordan Pacheco tore the cover off the ball. Though the team finished the month 10-11, they did have some major bright spots, and Christian Friedrich showed why he is such a highly ranked prospect. As the calendar changes to May, watch out for Asheville.
Cesario and Pacheco were the talk of the minors all month, as they both batted over .400. Pacheco smacked a team-high four home runs, and led the team in runs batted in (20). Cesario finished second behind Scott Robinson for the team lead in runs, and his eight doubles were tops.
Robinson batted a very high .353, and swiped a team-high ten bases. He was a terror on the basepaths, and he turned his 30 hits in to 21 runs scored. He needs to cut down on his strikeouts, but it was definitely a month to remember for him. Thomas Field batted close to .300, scored ten times, and drove in seven. Top starter Christian Friedrich started four games for the Tourists, and posted an incredible 1.17 earned run average. The left-hander struck out 35 batters in only 23.0 innings of work, and held the opposition to a .188 batting average. He is clearly one of the top starting pitching prospects in the organization. A handful of other prospects made starts for the Tourists in April, with Dan Houston (4.09), and Ethan Hollingsworth (4.40) pitching very well. Robinson Fabian and Parker Fraizer also had their moments, but they were hit hard at times as well. Adam Jorgenson had a great month, and was, at times, very hard to hit. Batters only hit .150 against him, and he struck out better than a batter per inning. He also nailed down two saves in three opportunities. Top Prospect Watch: David Christensen is starting to heat up, and has batted .333 over his past ten games. The slugging outfielder has picked up four multi-hit games in that span, and has driven in ten runs. If he catches fire, the South Atlantic League is in big trouble. Labels: asheville, baseball, sports, tourists Monday, May 4, 2009 Prudential: Optimistic Outlook for Asheville Real Estate Market in 200912:52 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Prudential Lifestyle Realty has done its research. It has found fresh data from several respected sources, that confirms what many local REALTORS® and mortgage brokers had already predicted - a more optimistic outlook for Asheville area real estate in 2009. Compelling evidence that confidence is returning to the markets can be seen in recent data related to the pace of home sales and mortgage lending activity. The Federal Home Loan Corporation or "Freddie Mac" reports that mortgage interest rates are now at historically low levels, dipping below five percent. Not since Freddie Mac began keeping records back in 1971 have reliable and safe 30-year fixed rates been that cheap and attractive. The "Home Affordability Index" compiled by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) also broke a record held since the early 1970s. According to that closely watched index, homes across the USA are now more affordable overall than they have been in nearly four decades. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, banks are seeing a surge in loan applications, both for buyers and for homeowners wanting to refinance. CEO Ken Lewis of Charlotte-based Bank of America told reporters that the bank increased its staff by some 5,000 people in order to meet the increased mortgage loan processing demand. To ensure that the housing sector continues its recovery, the government is also busy. The Fed is investing some $1.5 trillion in mortgage-backed securities. This proactive strategy aids banks that have been burdened by mortgages that private investors have been reluctant to purchase. That, in turn, makes retail mortgages more affordable for average consumers as banks return to normalcy. President Obama also launched the successful Making Home Affordable initiative, an FHA program that is helping homeowners avoid foreclosure through loan modifications that reduce their monthly payments. But one of the biggest reasons that Asheville area property sales are expected to rise is that first-time buyers are eligible for a huge $8,000 tax break from the IRS. The official definition of a "first-time" home buyer is someone who has not purchased a home within the past three years, and that broad category includes many people in WNC. According to Standard & Poor's / Case-Shiller Index, median prices for single family homes nationwide have fallen by about 30 percent from peak levels reached back in 2006. While loss of value has been problematic, it has also yielded a positive outcome that is a fundamental necessity before markets can experience a sustainable recovery. Plummeting prices have effectively eliminated the kind of frenzied excess that caused the hazardous housing price bubble to expand in the first place - and ultimately go bust. Springtime is traditionally the busiest time of year for the real estate industry, because as the weather improves it becomes easier for people to browse neighborhoods, tour properties, and shop for homes and condos. Based on all the positive statistical data this should be a good season for sales, and that will set the stage for improvement throughout the rest of 2009. Labels: asheville, real estate
Asheville Streets Closed Due to Storm12:19 PMASHEVILLE, NC - A strong thunderstorm that blew through the Asheville area last night has closed several streets and delayed the opening of one school. City dispatchers say the storm downed trees and power lines around 9:30 p.m. Sunday. The streets closed due to the storm damage are: Swannanoa River Road between Glendale Avenue to South Tunnel Road; Thompson Street between Stoner Road to Glendale Avenue; all of Stoner Road between Thompson Street and Fairview Road; Fairview Street between Sweeten Creek Road and First Street. Haw Creek Elementary School was put on a two hour delay Monday so school janitors could repair and clean up the damage. School is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2009 Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Sponsors Fundraiser8:42 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is sponsoring a fund-raising yard sale 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at 49 Peachtree Road in South Asheville, next to the old Wal-Mart shopping center. All money raised benefits Brother Wolf, which rescues dogs and cats helps them find permanent homes. Furniture, clothes, jewelry, baby items and more will be for sale. Call (828) 458-7778 or visit www.bwar.org for more information. Labels: asheville, events, pets Wednesday, April 29, 2009 AB Tech Team Advances to National Culinary Competition9:08 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College's culinary team will compete in a national competition this summer after winning first place in a regional match. AB-Tech's Hot Food Team won first place in the American Culinary Federation’s Student Team Southeast Regional Competition in Charlotte on April 20 securing its place in national competition for the third time in four years. The team competed against five other teams in the Southeast, impressing judges with its garde manger platter, a selection of cold food, hospitality education instructor Charles deVries said. "The judges really loved the aroma and could smell it before they even walked in the room," he said. "This is a very cohesive group and they have become much closer the past few weeks. They realized what the pressure was like to take this on and they stepped up." In last year's competition, the A-B Tech team took second place at the regional level. "Four of the five team members competed last year when we lost by .06 points. It was a real Cinderella story to see them come back to take first place," team coach John Hofland said. "The food reflected a level of expertise that you would not generally see in a student venue. They made their coaches very proud," he said. AB-Tech's team will compete in July against teams from Pennsylvania, Michigan and Hawaii at the national competition in Orlando, Fla. Team members include Michael Aanonsen, Shannon Ginn, Steven Goff, Anna McClintock and Travis McCloud.
Asheville Tourists Win Over Riverdogs8:57 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Tourists hosted the first place Charleston Riverdogs Tuesday night for the first of a four-game series at McCormick Field. Robinson Fabian started the game for Asheville and had his best outing of the year, allowing three runs on six hits and a walk through 6.2 innings of work. Fabian also struck out seven batters on the night while going deeper into the game than any Tourists starter this season. David Phelps opposed Fabian and pitched well, receiving little help from his defense as the Tourists would score three unearned runs off the right-hander. Asheville led for most of the contest before things got wild in the later stages. Jimmy Cesario remained red hot when he smacked a solo homerun in his first at bat of the game. It was the first homerun of the year for the South Atlantic League's leading hitter. Cesario would pick up a base hit later in the contest, extending his hitting streak to six games, all of them multi-hit efforts. The Tourists carried the 1-0 lead into the top of the fourth, when David Adams hit a two-out single and first baseman Brian Baisley crushed a two-run homerun over the wall in left field. Fabian would close out the inning without further incident with the Tourists trailing 2-1. Asheville wasted little time in reclaiming the lead when Kiel Roling led off the bottom of the fourth by reaching on an error by shortstop Carmen Angelini. After a Cesario single and an Erik Wetzel sacrifice bunt, Tyler Massey drove in a run with a groundout and Ryan Peisel hit an RBI single to put the Tourists back in front, 3-2. Asheville would add another run in their next turn at bat on a sacrifice fly by Delta Cleary, making the score 4-2. Robinson Fabian came out to work the top of the seventh inning an struck out the first two batters he faced. After getting ahead of Angelini with an 0-2 count, Angelini battled back to draw a walk. Fabian then threw a wild pitch, advancing the runner to second and Ray Kruml drove an RBI double into left-center field, drawing the Riverdogs to within 4-3. Kurt Yacko came on to relieve Fabian and struck out Adams to retire the side. The Tourists picked up another run in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI single by Delta Cleary, his second run driven in on the night. Yacko worked 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out three batters. Asheville took a 5-3 lead into the ninth inning when Adam Jorgenson came on for the save opportunity. Catcher Mitch Abeita greeted Jorgenson with a solo homerun that was crushed over the wall in left, cutting the Asheville lead to 5-4. After retiring the next two batters, Jorgenson got Kruml to hit a routine ground ball to second base. Erik Wetzel fielded it cleanly but held onto it a beat too long, allowing the speedy Kruml to beat the throw to first. Jorgenson then walked David Adams and threw two wild pitches, advancing the runners to second and third. Brian Baisley brought them both around to score with a two-run double drilled down the left field line, putting the Riverdogs on top, 6-5. Asheville headed to the bottom of the ninth down a run and facing Charleston closer Pat Venditte, a switch pitcher with stellar numbers thus far this season. Venditte began pitching lefty to Tyler Massey and got him to line out to center field. Verditte then switch sides and went after Ryan Peisel as a righty, inducing a ground ball out. Carlos Martinez smoked a line drive just off the glove of shortstop Angelini for a base hit. Scott Robinson pulled a single through the hole and into left field, putting runners on first and second for Cleary. With Cleary at the plate, Martinez and Robinson attempted a double steal. The catcher, Abeita made a wild throw to second base that went all the way into center field, allowing Martinez to score. Kruml picked up the ball in center and made an aggressive throw to third base in an attempt to cut down Robinson, but instead the throw sailed over Mike Lyon's head and into the stands, allowing Robinson to trot home and into his teammates' arms with the game-winning run The Tourists (8-11) will tangle with the Riverdogs (11-8) again Wednesday morning at 11:05 for Education Day at McCormick Field. Asheville will send RHP Parker Frazier (0-2, 6.06) to the mound in Wednesday morning's contest to oppose Charleston RHP Brett Marshall (0-2, 6.32). Tickets for Wednesday's game and all Tourists home games are available by contacting the Tourists box office at (828) 258-0428. You can also listen to all 140 Asheville Tourists games live on 100.7 WRES FM or streaming online at www.theashevilletourists.com. Labels: asheville, baseball, sports, tourists Tuesday, April 28, 2009 Asheville Restaurants Prepare for "Dining Out for Life" Benefit on Thursday7:40 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Western North Carolina AIDS Project will host its seventh annual Dining Out for Life benefit on Thursday. More than 90 restaurants will donate 20 percent of their gross receipts to help WNCAP continue its mission of increasing awareness to at-risk individuals, providing services and assisting prevention programs in 19 counties. The restaurants will donate money from breakfast, lunch and dinner services. Restaurants in Asheville, Sylva, Black Mountain, Hendersonville, Saluda, Brevard, Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Weaverville and Woodfin are participating. The 2008 event raised more $117,000. To view a list of participating restaurants and our sponsors, visit www.wncap.org/dofl. Labels: asheville, events, restaurants
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza Opens in Biltmore Park Town Square with Fundraiser5:11 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The new Brixx Wood Fired Pizza Oven restaurant, which opened Monday in Biltmore Park Town Square, raised $5,000 for Eblen-Kimmel Charities at a Saturday pre-opening benefit. Brixx also offer Brixx Bucks, a coupon that will contribute $2 to Eblen for every full-price pizza throughout May when presented at the restaurant. Brixx, owned and operated by Asheville natives Kevin and Carol Franklin, specializes in wood fired pizzas, pastas and focaccia sandwiches and serves 24 draft beers and 24 wines by the glass. Learn more at www.brixxpizza.com. Labels: asheville, restaurants
Asheville: Mission Hospitals Offers Integrative Healthcare Program5:05 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Asheville, North Carolina is home to almost 2 percent of all alternative medical practices in the country, but until recently these therapies have remained for the most part separate from traditional Western medicine. Mission Hospitals has launched a new Integrative Healthcare Program that is "dedicated to the safe and compassionate integration of complementary and conventional medicine through the activities of research, education, clinical services, and community partnerships. Our goal is to reaffirm the importance of relationships in enhancing wellness and healing in a family centered and culturally sensitive manner." The program will take advantage of the wealth of local alternative medicine practitioners by offering evidence-based therapies such as aromatherapy, healing touch and massage. It is hoped that this effort will help reduce costs through shorter hospital stays and the use of less medicine. The hospital is currently focusing on educating doctors, nurses and hospital staff and hopes to have some alternative therapies available to patients by the middle of the year.
National Prsevation Month Kicks-Off at Asheville's Ashton Park4:47 PM ASHEVILLE, NC - May is National Preservation Month, and Asheville celebrates this year with a kick-off event at the newly renovated historic Aston Park on Friday.Music and refreshments are planned at the park from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Aston Park is located at the intersection of South French Broad Avenue and Hilliard Avenue in downtown Asheville. The event will feature information on Asheville's historic neighborhoods and landmarks, rehabilitation tax credits and sustainable building practices. “Preservation Naturally, Celebrating Heritage Sustainably” is the theme for the month-long celebration, which allows citizens to enjoy and appreciate our unique natural and cultural heritage. Additional events are featured on Asheville’s Preservation Month Web page, www.ashevillenc.gov/preservationmonth. Preservation Month is locally sponsored by The Historic Resources Commission of Asheville and Buncombe County, Asheville Historic Tours, Friends of Mountain History, Joan Richards Art and Frame, Asheville GreenWorks, Friends of Mountain History, Beverly-Hanks & Associates and the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County. Labels: asheville, events, government Monday, April 27, 2009 Asheville's Bele Chere - FAQ8:33 AM
FAQWhat is Bele Chere? When is the festival?
Where exactly is Bele Chere? Who produces Bele Chere? What does Bele Chere mean? How do I get there? If I drive, where can I park? Where can I catch the shuttle? What if I need help once I get there? Where can I get some extra cash?
How can I find out what streets are going to be closed? Can I buy beer at Bele Chere? NOTE: Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the street is prohibited after 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday. SUNDAY IS ALCOHOL-FREE. How do I get the wristband? Can I bring my own cooler? Can I bring my pet to the festival? How long has Bele Chere been around? How many people attend Bele Chere? Bele Chere 2008 Information | Bele Chere 2007 Information Labels: asheville, bele chere, events
Tourists Return Home for Big Win Against Greenville8:24 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Asheville Tourists returned to the friendly confines of McCormick Field Saturday night to host the Greenville Drive for a short two-game series. After dropping three out of four in Greensboro by way of extra innings, the Asheville squad was ready to return home. They did so in style, taking game one from the Drive by a score of 6-2, thanks to ample offense and a new face out of the bullpen.
Dan Houston started the game for Asheville looking for his first victory of the season. The righty pitched well, allowing just one unearned run on two hits and a walk through four innings of work. Houston struck out three Drive batters, but did not go long enough to qualify for the win. Asheville opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning, with some help from the normally stingy Greenville defense. The Drive came in to the series having committed just nine errors on the season, the fewest in the South Atlantic League, but that changed early Saturday night. Ryan Peisel led off the bottom of the second with a ground ball to shortstop. Oscar Tejeda came up with it cleanly, but threw high to first base, allowing Peisel to reach. David Christensen then ripped a base hit through the hole between third and short, and the runners advanced to second and third on a balk by Stolmy Pimentel. After Tyler Massey struck out, Thomas Field hit a ground ball toward third base that was booted by Michael Almanzar, plating Peisel for the first run of the game. Carlos Martinez brought Christensen home with a sacrifice fly to give the Tourists a 2-0 lead. The Drive got one back in the top of the fourth, scoring an unearned run when Jordan Pacheco threw high to first base on a grounder, allowing Anthony Rizzo to get to second base. Rizzo would come in on an RBI groundout by Almanzar to cut the Tourists lead to 2-1. Asheville pulled away in the bottom of the fourth with three more big runs. Tyler Massey drove in Peisel with a groundout, his second run of the night, and Thomas Field singled in Christensen - also his second run of the contest. Scott Robinson added an RBI double off the wall in left field, bringing Carlos Martinez home and increasing the Asheville lead to 5-1. David Christensen would bring in another run with an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth, recording his third hit of the night and making the lead 6-1. Alan DeRatt came on to relieve starter Dan Houston in the fifth inning, and DeRatt allowed a run on three hits over 2.1 innings of work. Michael Marbry, the newest addition to the Asheville bullpen would close things out for the Tourists. Marbry didn't arrive at the ballpark until just before game time, but with the Tourists' bullpen overworked, he saw action right away. Marbry was sharp, earning the victory by working 2.2 innings of shutout ball. He allowed just two hits and struck out two more to earn his first win of the year. The Tourists (7-10) will close out this two-game series with the Drive (10-7) Sunday afternoon at 2:05 at McCormick Field with RHP Ethan Hollingsworth (0-1, 3.27) looking for his first win of the year against Greenville RHP Bryan Price (1-0, 1.13). Sunday afternoon is the first Lance Family Sunday of the season at McCormick Field, featuring postgame autographs and kids run the bases. Tickets for tomorrow's game and all Tourists home games are available by contacting the Tourists box office at (828) 258-0428. You can also listen to all 140 Asheville Tourists games live on 100.7 WRES FM or streaming online at www.theashevilletourists.com. Labels: asheville, baseball, sports, tourists Thursday, April 23, 2009 Ciel Community Debuts its First Luxury Home in Asheville2:59 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Ciĕl is debuting its first environmentally friendly luxury home. Ciĕl is a high-end community in Asheville, N.C., developed by AIBL Invest, LLC.
With luxury appointments from top to bottom, the home has garnered certification from the NC HealthyBuilt Homes program and nomination in the NAHB Green Awards, which recognizes home builders and developers that advance green building through innovative design and construction techniques. “This home epitomizes luxury living in an environmentally sustainable way,” said David Zimmerman of AIBL Invest, LLC. “Every aspect of the construction process was carefully planned by a team of experts and artisans, ensuring the result is a healthier, more efficient luxury home.” The home, built by Cottonwood Development Company, is chock-full of artisan touches, high-end finishes and green features. The builder and developer consulted with Joe Crocker, an Appalachian State University professor and LEED-accredited expert in green building, to ensure the home meets environmental standards. With almost 7,000 square feet under roof and more than 2,000 square feet in outdoor living space, the home is priced at $3,499,999. For more information, visit www.ciel-property.com. Labels: asheville, real estate
Asheville City Council Looking for Board Members8:10 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - WANTED: Citizens who are willing to become local leaders. That’s the goal of the City Boards and Commissions. Asheville City Council is looking for some citizens who want to get involved and make a difference by serving on a city board or commission. The boards listed below currently have vacancies and are looking for dedicated citizens to lead the community. The deadline for receiving applications for these opening is Thursday, May 7 at 5 p.m. CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION – Some duties of the Commission include (1) reviewing and making recommendations on programming goals and objectives for each venue in the Civic Center; (2) establishing a method for handling of customer service complaints; (3) developing and making recommendations regarding long range plans for the Civic Center; (4) reviewing and making recommendations on proposals for changes in the fees and charges for use of Civic Center facilities; (5) encouraging promotion of sports, recreation, entertainment and cultural events and activities, and to facilitate the use of the services and facilities of the Civic Center; and (6) performing other such tasks and functions as the City Council may direct. CIVIL SERVICE BOARD - The Board works with the Human Resources Department to resolve employee grievances on an as-needed basis, as well as meets periodically to discuss personnel administration issues. PUBLIC ART BOARD - The Board was established to promote and maintain public art. The Board's purpose and responsibilities include: (1) provide public art in public buildings and public spaces; promote Asheville as an "arts destination" city and use public art as a major attraction for cultural tourism and economic development; educate the citizens of Asheville and visitors about local culture and history through art; encourage the use of volunteers on public art projects to include maintenance of public art when appropriate; be responsible for raising public donations of money to match City of Asheville appropriations for public art; be responsible for approving the subject matter of public art after the City Council has made appropriations for public art at specific sites; be responsible for developing a procedure for the selection of art and/or artists which will include public input, as well as appropriate staff review; recommend accepting gifts of money and art to the City Council; be responsible for acknowledging the gift to the donor and making recommendations to City Council for appropriate recognition; and inventory public art semi-annually to ensure that the conditions and standards of public art are being met and report their condition to the Parks & Recreation Director, including recommendations for maintenance, repair or deaccessioning when appropriate. Labels: art, asheville, government Wednesday, April 22, 2009 Asheville Tourists Route Grasshoppers9:10 PM
GREENSBORO, NC - Asheville (6-8) placed six runs in the first inning on Wednesday and held on for a 9-6 win over Greensboro (7-7). The Tourists mounted 13 hits including homeruns from Tyler Massey and Jordan Pacheco in the victory. Robison Fabian (1-0) picked up the win in his third start of the season allowing just two hits on the day.
There was no sluggish morning for the Asheville offense in a 10:45 AM start time at New Bridge Bank Ballpark. Greensboro starting pitcher Brad Hand (0-2) walked Scott Robinson and Erik Wetzel to begin the ballgame. Jimmy Cesario, with one of his four hits on the day, then singled to leftfield driving in Robinson. Jordan Pacheco was hit by a pitch to load the bases and David Christensen delivered a bases -clearing triple to give the Tourists a 4-0 lead. Asheville would plate two more on a solo homerun from Tyler Massey and a sacrifice fly from Scott Robinson. Asheville sent 11 batters to the plate with four hits and six runs in the first inning. Greensboro countered in the bottom of the first with two runs off Robinson Fabian. After consecutive walks to begin the inning Ben Lasater hit his eighth double of the season to score one. Kyle Skipworth added a sacrifice fly making it a 6-2 game after just one inning. The Tourists would come right back and chase Brad Hand from the game. Jordan Pacheco smacked his third homer of the season in the second inning and Asheville put up two more in the third. James Sims led off with an infield single and would move around to third on a stolen base and error. Sims would score on a wild pitch. Erik Wetzel followed up with a walk and stolen base and was brought home on the third single of the game by Jimy Cesario. Wetzel walked twice and scored twice and has now walked six times in his three games since joining Asheville on Monday. Robinson Fabian earned the win tossing 5 1/3 innings. Fabian left in the sixth and was relieved by Tyler Trice with two runners on. Fabian walked four and struck out one but allowed just two hits. Kyle Skipworth singled off Trice and a run scored on a throwing error from Massey in left field. A groundball out from Justin Jacobs pulled Greensboro to within 9-6. Isaiah Fronberger pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Adam Jorgensen earned his fist save of the season with two strikeouts in the ninth. Game three of the series will be on Thursday at 7:05. Parker Frazier (0-2, 5.56) will take the ball looking for his first win of the season. RHP Kyle Kaminska (1-1, 7.20) will be on the mound for Greensboro. The two teams have split the first six of twelve games in the season series. Thursday's game can be heard on 100.7 FM WRES Labels: asheville, baseball, sports, tourists
Asheville Green Homes Parade Sceduled for April 26th5:00 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Green homes go on parade this month in a green home tour featuring 41 Buncombe County homes.
The self-guided tour, put on by the Asheville Board of Realtors' eco-consultants division, will be 1-5 p.m. April 26. A list of the homes and directions to each are on the event's brochure, available at the Asheville Board of Realtors new office, 37 Montford Ave., Asheville (you can pick up a brochure beginning Monday; as of today, you can also download the brochure at www.green-hometour.com). For more, call Mike Figura at 337-8190. The homes on the tour range from $121,000 at The Westcourt (a future LEED mixed-use condo development in West Asheville) to a $2,895,000 HealthyBuilt Silver home at the Cliffs of Walnut Cove. “Just a few years ago, the first HealthyBuilt Home was constructed in North Carolina. Now there are 193 HealthyBuilt Homes listed on MLS,” said Figura, chairman of the eco-consultants division. “When we realized this, it just made sense to create a green home tour so that we could show the public the excellent green building that is occurring in Buncombe.” The Buncombe Green Home Tour will feature existing green homes for sale as well as pre-construction green developments. Information will be available at the Asheville Board of Realtors on April 26 for pre-construction green developments that people cannot tour. Two landscape architects, David Tuch with Equinox Environmental and David Brannon with SiteRythems, will also talk about topics like sustainable land planning and environmental resource assessment at the Asheville Board of Realtors. Labels: asheville, events, green, real estate Tuesday, April 21, 2009 The NC Arboretum Blooms in May with Major Events10:13 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The North Carolina Arboretum celebrates bright blooms this May as it hosts three major events that showcase spring’s beauty.
The American Rhododendron Society’s Southeastern Chapter kicks the month off on May 2 and May 3 at the Arboretum during its annual show. Hundreds of blooms will be displayed at the Education Center during the show, including many favorite mountain plants. Azaleas as well as spring and summer blooming rhododendrons are among the most popular. Trail Walks to the National Native Azalea Repository – a popular destination amid the Arboretum’s 434 acres – will be offered. On May 9 and May 12, the Carolinas Dahlia Society and the NC Chrysanthemum Society celebrate the season with their Spring Dahlia Tuber Sale and Chrysanthemum Cutting Sale. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the event will be held at the Education Center Auditorium on May 9 and at the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby on May 12. The fragrant and vivid world of roses will be on display on May 30 and 31 as The Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society hold its annual exhibit at the Arboretum. Roses of every color and size will be featured during the exhibition and experts will present educational programs. Knowledgeable society members will be available to provide information about the selection, care and history of these magnificent garden plants. A rose sale will be held in conjunction with the exhibition, which will include the sale of rose fertilizer and soil amendments. Shows and events are free for Arboretum Society members or with the standard parking fee ($6 per personal motor vehicle). Visitors are encouraged to explore the Arboretum’s kaleidoscope of spring color, 65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, engaging exhibits, and bountiful opportunities to connect with nature. For information, call 828.665.2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org. Labels: asheville, events, flowers, nc arboretum
American Idol Star to Perform at the Grove Park Inn10:27 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - July 4th will truly will be an American Celebration at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa as Bo Bice performs in concert on Independence Day. The concert will be followed by a fantastic view of a fireworks display, courtesy of the City of Asheville and an ice cream social. The event is open to all guests staying at the Resort that evening.
The weekend begins on Friday, July 3rd with a tribute to America’s past – The Asheville Tea Party where guests will enjoy a party atmosphere with Americana trivia games for all ages, goodies to feast on, music and, of course, tea. Throughout the weekend guests will have the opportunity to interact with Revolutionary War re-enactors, attend pool parties, historical scavenger hunt and enjoy a special Independence Day Buffet in the Blue Ridge Dining Room. Husky-voiced American Idol singing sensation Harold "Bo" Bice hails from Helena, Alabama. During Spring and Summer 2008, Bice continued his tour promoting his See the Light album. He also simultaneously spent a few weeks participating in a special tour called It Was Forty Years Ago Today with Todd Rundgren, Denny Laine, Lou Gramm, and Christopher Cross. The tour paid tribute to the Beatles' ground-breaking album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (original release date was June 1, 1967). “The Grove Park Inn is offering all guests staying at the Resort the opportunity to see Bo Bice in concert as well as participating in all the other Fourth of July activities,” said Maddy Winer, the Resort’s Entertainment Director. This new “Total Experience” concept guarantees that all of our guests will have an unforgettable Fourth of July weekend experience. Packages are available and continue to be a great value but you can just stay on the night of July 4th and still enjoy Bo Bice in concert as well as all other activities offered that day.Labels: asheville, events, Grove Park Inn
Asheville Celebrates Earth Day10:11 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Learn what the City of Asheville is doing to be green by attending the first annual Earth Day Expo. The expo will be held at the Public Works building (161 South Charlotte Street) first floor in room A109 on Wednesday, April 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is free to the community. The expo will be focused on energy efficiency and will highlight the sustainability initiatives of the city.
Councilmember Robin Cape will open the event and a presentation will be provided by the City of Asheville’s Energy Coordinator and the Sustainability Advisory Committee on the Energy and the Environment. Time will be provided for the public to speak with experts from various city departments. Earth Day Expo is part of a larger national event called the National Conversation on Climate Action (www.climateconversation.org ) organized by ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability. Various events throughout the nation will bring together thousands of people in communities to drive local level solutions to global climate change. “This is an unprecedented initiative to engage dozens of communities and thousands of people to drive substantive, solutions-oriented dialogues about climate action opportunities at the local level”, said Michelle Wyman, Executive Director of ICLEI USA. For additional questions please email Phil Kleiser at sustainabilityintern@ashevillenc.gov Labels: asheville, events, government, green
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Columnist to Speak at UNC Asheville on April 228:28 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Leonard Pitts will appear at two events in Asheville on Wednesday, April 22. Events are co-sponsored by the Asheville Citizen-Times, Mission Hospital's Diversity Committee and UNC Asheville's Mass Communication Department.
Pitts will give a talk on "Strength and Diversity" at 7 p.m. at UNC Asheville's Lipinsky Auditorium. He will discuss his thoughts and opinions on diversity and the important role education plays in championing diversity as a strength of the workplace, community and country. Admission is free with an e-ticket. A reception will be held for Pitts from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Double Tree Biltmore Hotel, 115 Hendersonville Rd. Tickets for this event are $45 and include VIP seating at Pitts' talk later in the evening. Pitts joined the Miami Herald in 1991 as its pop music critic and has penned a syndicated column focusing on pop culture, social issues and family life since 1994. He won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 2004 and is the author of seven books, including the new release "Before I Forget." E-tickets to the talk and reception are available online at www.citizen-times.com/leonardpitts or in person at the Asheville Citizen-Times Office, 14 O. Henry Ave., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Labels: asheville, events, UNCA
Sparrow Spa is Coming Biltmore Park8:15 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - There is only so much a bubble bath and a book can do when you are surrounded by your cast off clothes from a long work day and thinking about the dishes in the sink that, despite how much you wish, are not going to wash themselves. Scrubs. Salts. Clay. Peels. Polish. Lotions and potions. Even heated stones. There are few lengths that we have not explored in our search for rejuvenation and true relaxation.
Fortunately, one Asheville local is hoping to stop that search short by replacing it with and almost too good to be true reality. In August, Sparrow Spa will open its doors in the first floor of the Hilton Asheville in Biltmore Park Town Square. Owned by Jen Charlton, the luxurious resort spa will offer an incredible array of services with a unique Asheville flair. Passionate about pampering yet every aware of the eclectic charm and offerings of this great city, Charlton is determined to combine spa services with Asheville artistry, a collaboration that promises a one-of-a-kind experience. Featuring natural, organic products, Sparrow Spa will exclusively use Eminence Organic Skin Care--a European line that contains the highest possible levels of all-natural organically-grown herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Guests can enjoy teas and treats from local business Morsels as they select from a full menu of massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures, all while in a beautiful and distinctive environment. While the atmosphere will relax and calm, it will also actively support the arts community, a business helping business philosophy that Charlton is looking forward to promoting. Jonathan Wainscott, who designed the interior of the spa, will produce custom millwork, while local artist Charles Donaldson will carve custom glass panels for the nail care area. The spa will also function as a gallery, showcasing the work of several local craftspeople and artisans. But Charlton isn't stopping there. She also hopes to give back to the community with Sparrow Spa's "Cause for Celebration" package. Proceeds will support the Animal Compassion Network, Western North Carolina's largest animal welfare non-profit. "Cause for Celebration" could not be more aptly named. Asheville residents and visitors will have good reason to celebrate as they toss out the bubble bath they got on last week's grocery shopping trip and replace it with a world-class spa with local style. Support local business, indulge, and wash that stress away. The dishes can wait. Jen Charlton also owns Sensibilities Spa, located in Downtown Asheville and Biltmore Park Town Square. Labels: asheville, retail, spa Friday, April 17, 2009 Asheville Tourists Open Season12:20 PM ASHEVILLE, NC - The Tourists welcomed the Greensboro Grasshoppers to open McCormick Field for the 2009 season and came up just inches shy of a thrilling victory. Asheville starter Dan Houston struggled, but kept his team in the game, allowing four runs on five hits over three innings, while striking out two. Greensboro starter Jose Rosario was in top form, however, holding the Tourists to three runs on six hits over five innings of work. In the end, UNC - Asheville product Kevin Mattison, patrolling center field for the Grasshoppers, had to make a leaping catch up against the center field wall to rob Bo Bowman of a walkoff homerun.The Grasshoppers wasted little time, plating two runs in their first turn at bat. Kevin Mattison led the game off with a walk and promptly stole second base. He came in to score on a double by third baseman Paul Gran, giving Greensboro the early lead. Gran would come around to score on a groundout by Ben Lasater, making the score 2-0 Grasshoppers. Greensboro would increase their lead to 4-0 in the top of the third inning. Mattison got things going again, this time with a leadoff single. After a single by Gran, Mattison would come in to score on a groundout by Ben Lasater, making the score 3-0 Greensboro. Kyle Skipworth then plated Gran with a base hit of his own, pushing the lead to four. The Tourists got one back in a wild bottom of the third inning. After Carlos Martinez struck out to begin the inning, Scott Robinson reached on a bunt single down the third base line. Maikol Gonzalez was hit by pitch, and Jordan Pacheco followed with a walk to load the bases. Jimmy Cesario hit a sharp ground ball toward shortstop which deflected off the foot of the baserunner Gonzalez. Gonzalez was ruled out on the play, and Cesario was awarded first base, so the bases remained loaded with two outs. Tyler Massey stepped in and hit a grounder up the middle that was fielded nicely by Greensboro shortstop Joel Staples. Staples elected to go to second on the play, but Cesario beat the ball to the bag, allowing Robinson to score and cut the lead to 4-1. The score held there until the bottom of the fifth inning, when Scott Robinson led off with a double and came around to score his second run of the contest. Tyler Massey drove in his second Tourists run, plating Jimmy Cesario on a single to center field, drawing Asheville to within 4-3. The Grasshoppers came right back against relief pitcher Isaiah Froneberger. The lefty did not have his best command, and some sloppy defense behind him didn't help the Tourists. Greensboro was able to push across three runs, while collecting just one walk and two hits, thanks to two costly errors by the Asheville defense. Throwing errors by David Christensen and Jimmy Cesario helped the Grasshoppers build a 7-3 lead. Scott Robinson was able to get on base and score his third run of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning, cutting the lead to 7-4 Greensboro. It stayed that while until the bottom of the ninth inning. Scott Robinson stayed hot, roping a double down the right field line to lead things off. Robinson advanced to second on a wild pitch before Maikol Gonzalez struck out. Jordan Pacheco worked an 0-2 count to get a pitch he liked, then stroked a single into center field, scoring Robinson for his fourth run of the night. With Pacheco and Jimmy Cesario on base, Tyler Massey struck out for the second out of the inning, before Bo Bowman drove one all the way to the wall in center field for a loud final out of the game. The Tourists will play the second and third of a four-game series in a doubleheader Wednesday, beginning at 5:35 pm. Tourists RHP Ethan Hollingsworth (0-0, 0.00) will face off against Greensboro RHP Johnny Dorn (0-0, 9.00) in game one. Game two will feature a matchup between Asheville RHP Jonnathan Aristil (0-1, 5.40) and Grasshoppers RHP Stuart Alexander (1-0, 3.00). Tickets for all 2009 Tourists home games are on sale now. For more information about season tickets, mini-plans and all premium seating at McCormick Field, contact the Tourists front office at (828) 258-0428. Labels: asheville, baseball, sports, tourists Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Asheville Named in Forbes2:30 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Asheville metro area placed well in Forbes magazine’s annual Best Places for Business & Careers ranking.
Considering all 11 criteria — including projected job growth, projected income growth, in-migration, cost of living, colleges, crime rates, cultural opportunities and more — the Asheville metro area ranked sixth overall in the Best Places for Business & Careers list. Raleigh ranked first. Asheville ranked second in a particular criteria of “the cost of doing business,” while the Hickory metro ranked fourth. Asheville went up against the the 200 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. The population Forbes listed for Asheville metro area was 411,000, obviously taking in some surrounding areas. www.forbes.com/2009/03/25/best-cities-careers-bizplaces09-business-places_lander.html Labels: asheville Tuesday, April 14, 2009 New Papas and Beer Restaurant Opens in Asheville8:06 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Papas and Beer, a popular California style Mexican restaurant, has opened on Tunnel Road at the former location of Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and the menu features burritos, salad, fajitas, enchiladas and traditional deserts. However, the location doesn't have its alcohol license yet, so you can order plenty of papas, but no beer, yet. Other Papas and Beer locations exist in Hendersonville and on Brevard Road. The Tunnel Road location is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday. For more, call 255-2204. Labels: asheville, restaurants
John Koch Painting Featured at Brunk's May 9-10 Sale8:00 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Brunk Auctions will be offering more than 1,000 lots Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, at their galleries in Asheville, North Carolina. The sale will feature a John Koch painting titled The Plasterers, which is an oil on canvas measuring 40 inches by 49 7/8 inches. The lot also includes six preparatory sketches for the painting.
John Koch was a New York artist (1909-1978) who painted The Plasterers in 1967. described in the New York Historical Society's 2001 exhibition catalogue as a "tour de force of (the artist's) ability to bring the outside into an interior through reflection of light playing off surfaces," The Plasterers stands among John Koch's most important paintings. It will be offered on Saturday, May 9. The auction will also include a wide range of American and British furniture, paintings, Oriental rugs, jewelry, silver, porcelain, folk art, and firearms, as well as other antiques and decorative accessories. The two-day sale begins each day at 9 a.m. Eastern time, with a preview starting at 8 a.m. Eastern Time and continuing through the auction. There is also a public preview from 1-8 p.m. on Friday, May 8. Real-time Internet bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com. To view the fully illustrated catalog and to sign up to bid either absentee or live via the Internet during the auction, log on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com. Labels: art, asheville, events Monday, April 13, 2009 Luella's Bar-B-Que Coming to Merrimon Ave.9:34 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - After a successful two years in South Asheville, the owners of Luella's Bar-B-Que, Missy and Jeff Miller, are moving the restaurant to 501 Merrimon Ave., the former location of Gusmo's Mojo Café and Boston Pizza.
The move will accommodate the business's growth, the Millers said. “The South Asheville location has been good for us and we value the friendships we have made with our customers and neighbors,” Jeff Miller said. “The new location offers us a tremendous opportunity to provide more space and comfort in a very convenient location for our expanding customer base.” The new location will have twice the seating, including outdoor dining and a nonsmoking bar. The menu will continue to include the restaurant's signature smoked meats and homemade sides and new items, including more vegetarian offerings. The current South Asheville restaurant, in the Skyland Crest Plaza, 1950 Hendersonville Road. will remain open until the Merrimon location has been remodeled. For more information, call 684-2030 or visit www.luellasbbq.com. Labels: asheville, restaurants
Blue Ridge Parkway Performs Drilling Work9:22 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Travelers south of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway should expect to encounter some roadwork this week. From Tuesday through Thursday the Federal Highway Administration drilling team will be completing road shoulder geotechnical investigation to retain and stabilize the slope at Milepost 400.8, about 18 miles south of Asheville at Ferrin Knob Tunnel No. 1.
The Parkway will be open for travel during the drilling but only under one-lane flagmen traffic control. Travelers should expect to see workmen signs in the area for a minimal distance of 1,000 feet from the drilling. In 2003, a rock slide covering both lanes of the parkway occurred in this area. The cut slope was terraced to safely contain any future rock fall and to stabilize the slope. However, during the past few years a dangerous bump has formed in the north-bound lane of the pavement making it necessary to annually remove the asphalt pavement and install new asphalt pavement patching
Home and Living Showcase Planned for May 2-3 at The Cliffs8:20 AM
TRAVELERS REST, SC - The Cliffs Communities will be hosting The Home and Living Showcase on May 2-3 at The Village at The Cliffs at Mountain Park, a pedestrian village located midway between Greenville, S.C., and Asheville, N.C. The event is open to the public on Saturday, May 2, from noon to 4:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 3, from noon to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free; however, a $10 donation is encouraged to benefit Habitat for Humanity – Greenville County. Additional event details are available at www.mountainparkvillage.com.
The Home and Living Showcase is the perfect opportunity to explore the latest trends in home design and construction by meeting acclaimed builders, interior designers, and home and landscape architects. For those who are contemplating building a home, the Home and Living Showcase will offer a turnkey environment where one can explore everything from financing a home construction loan to viewing the latest materials and products available. Product samples, demonstrations, and expert advice make this event one that will not only generate great ideas but jump start any residential construction project, whether that be a custom home built from scratch, a beautiful organic garden, or remodeling effort. More than 60 of the region’s premier vendors will stage exhibits at the Home and Living Showcase. The Home and Living Showcase is part of The Cliffs’ 20th Year Celebration, a season of special events being held throughout 2009 to commemorate this special time in The Cliffs’ history. Labels: asheville, events, real estate Saturday, April 11, 2009 Biltmore Estate Hosts Annual Easter Festivities9:59 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - From colorful Easter egg hunts with the Easter Rabbit, to storytelling and magic shows, your family will find fun at every turn this Easter.
On the Front Lawn * Easter egg hunts: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. (Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends 15 minutes prior to each hunt.) Festivities are open to ages 2–9, and participants need to bring baskets for egg gathering. * Visits and photos with the Easter Rabbit,: 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. * Children's music and storytelling: 9:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., and 1:45 p.m. * Magic shows: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. * Seed planting, coloring, and word finds: 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Inside Biltmore House * Choirs perform in the Winter Garden: 11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m, and 3:00 p.m. At River Bend Barn and Farmyard * Children's games and crafts, butter churning demos, and baby animals: 12:00 noon–5:00 p.m. Labels: asheville, Biltmore Estate, easter Friday, April 10, 2009 Marco's Pizzeria Hosts Fundraiser12:04 PM
ASHVEILE, NC - Marco's Pizzeria on Hendersonville Road will host a fundraising day for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on April 28.
The pizzeria will donate 10 percent of their profits that day to the cause. Kathy H. Bonyun, a teacher at AC Reynolds High School, has committed to walk 39.9 miles and raise at least $1,800 for the Charlotte walk, on Oct. 24-25. She said she “was inspired to do the walk because of a high school friend who is fighting for her life.” Marco's is at 1854 Hendersonville Road. For more information, call the restaurant at 277-0004. Labels: asheville, restaurants
Asheville Restaurants Give Back with "Dining Out For Life"11:58 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Western North Carolina AIDS Project will hold its seventh annual Dining Out for Life benefit on April 30.
More than 90 restaurants will donate 20 percent of their gross receipts that day to help WNCAP continue its mission of increasing awareness to at-risk individuals, providing services and assisting prevention programs in 19 counties. Restaurants in Asheville, Sylva, Black Mountain, Hendersonville, Saluda, Brevard, Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Weaverville and Woodfin are particihttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7072737832072761348pating. Last year's event raised more $117,000. To view a list of participating restaurants and our sponsors, visit, www.wncap.org/dofl/. Labels: asheville, restaurants Thursday, April 9, 2009 Asheville Pizza Company Hosts All Star 5K Run1:41 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Runners and kids on bikes from across the Southeast will converge on Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co., 675 Merrimon Ave. in North Asheville this Saturday. The All Star 5K, a run and bike race, begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The race runs through North Asheville and then reconvene at Asheville Pizza for a post party. Racers are encouraged to dress as their favorite sports player.
Entry fee is $30. This year's race is a benefit for the nonprofit initiative MPAC (MAYSA's Multi Purpose Athletic & Community Complex). For more information, visit www.AllStar5K.com. Labels: asheville, events, restaurants
Capital Bank Brings Mega Money Mondays to Asheville Tourists’ Fans1:37 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Starting Monday, April 13, Capital Bank will hand out cash to fans during Mega Money Mondays at every Asheville Tourists Monday night home game this season, The first 750 adults through the gate receive an envelope containing between $1 and $100 in cash. There are also prizes in some of the envelopes, including Tourists tickets.
On top of that, should the Asheville starting pitcher throw a perfect game on a Monday home game, every fan in attendance at the contest will divide $1,000,000, courtesy of Capital Bank. “This is our opportunity to bring even more excitement to an already fun night out at McCormick Field,” said Al Davis, senior vice president and western region executive. “We know every bit of extra cash helps and we’re proud to support the fans and the Tourists team with the much anticipated Mega Money Mondays.” Fans are also encouraged to stop by one of Capital Bank’s four Asheville-area locations to sign up to win the Family VIP Experience which includes four VIP tickets to each Monday home game, along with food and drinks in the clubhouse luxury box, the opportunity to throw out the first pitch, a souvenir photo with Teddy Tourist, VIP parking pass and a Tourists gift bag. A winner will be chosen each Friday before the next Monday game. Capital Bank’s Mega Mondays are April 13 (opening night), April 20, May 11, May 18, June 15, July 6 and July 27. “It's understandable why few promotions have generated more anticipation and created more positive response from the Tourists' fans since the team announced Capital Bank’s promotion in March,” said Chris Smith, the Tourists assistant general manager and community liaison. “Capital Bank has been a great sponsor for the last few years of the Tourists and this time they have gone above and beyond in generating enthusiasm at the ballpark.” Capital Bank Asheville locations are 1310 Hendersonville Road., 918 Merrimon Avenue, 462 New Leicester Highway and 11 North Market Street. Labels: asheville, banks, baseball, sports, tourists
Fly Fishing Film Tour Comes to Asheville Community Theater1:31 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Fly Fishing Film Tour, a traveling collection of fly fishing movies that aim to inspire anglers with quality films in a theater environment, comes to Asheville on Friday. The tour focuses on both freshwater and saltwater film shorts, with much of the proceeds going to local and national conservation groups. This film consists of seven segments showcasing fly fishing around the world.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Friday at the Asheville Community Theater. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 each with proceeds benefitting Trout Unlimited's local Rivercourse program, which teaches young people to fly fish. Tickets are available at these area fly shops: • Appalachian Angler in Boone, 963-8383. • Curtis Wright Outfitters in Weaverville, Saluda and Biltmore Village, 645-8700. • Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman, 877-3106. • Hunter Banks Co., Asheville, 252-3005 or 800-227-6732. • One Fly Outfitters, Black Mountain, 669-6939. • Rivers Edge outfitters, Spruce Pine, 765-3474. • Waynesville Fly Shop, 246-0306. For more information, visit www.ashevilleflyfishingfilm.com. Previous Posts
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