Community Information - Articles, Content and Blogs

Incumbent Reisinger Seeks Election to Buncombe County Register of Deeds in 2012

Current Buncombe County Register of Deeds Drew Reisinger announced today he will seek election to the office in 2012. Read more...

Asheville named a finalist to host USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships

Asheville has been selected as one of three finalist to host the 2014 and 2015 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships, USA Cycling announced Wednesday. The three potential host cities are Asheville, N.C. (Biltmore< Estate), Austin, Texas (Zilker Park) and Boulder, Colo. (Valmont Bike Park). Read more...

U.S. Cellular Partners with the City of Asheville to Upgrade Asheville Civic Center

U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and the City of Asheville announced yesterday that the wireless carrier will make a significant investment in the Asheville Civic Center, which will be renamed the U.S. Cellular Center. Read more...

2012 SoCon Basketball Championship Ticket Sales are Underway

City of Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy along with members of Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Commissioners will be the first in line to purchase tickets at 10 am on Friday, November 11 for the 2012 SoCon Basketball Championships to be held March 2-5, 2012. Read more...

The Cove to Serve as a Drop-off Location for Operation Christmas Child

The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove will serve as a drop-off location for shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child. Read more...

Venture Local: October Conference Seeks to Foster Localism and Sustainable Entrepreneurship

We make buying choices every day. These decisions are the driving force in the success or failure of a business. Increasingly, these actions are based on personal connections and a company's ability to have a positive impact on society. Read more...

The Sacred Embodiment Center - The Re-emergence Party and Fundraiser

The Sacred Embodiment Center has graced the Asheville community for the past three years as a central gathering space for healing, celebration and expression. The recently closed location at 31 Carolina Lane, hosted events including kirtan, yoga, tai chi, embodied dance, unique healing classes, workshops, events and more. Read more...

FREE EVENTS IN ASHEVILLE SHED LIGHT ON ADULT ADHD

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WNC's new in-depth, independent, investigative news website Carolina Public Press hosting free launch celebration Oct. 6

Carolina Public Press, a new nonprofit online news source in Western North Carolina, will host a free launch celebration from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6 at Seven-Star Factory in Riverview Station, 191 Lyman St., in the River Arts District of Asheville. Read more...

Chyten's free 'College Counseling Night' scheduled for October 20

The college admissions process can be confusing and stressful for both you and your child. How you manage the process over the next few months, or even years, may be the difference between your child getting accepted, rejected or waitlisted at his or her 'top choice' colleges. Please be our guest for an evening of valuable insights, questions and answers as we outline strategies to help you navigate the confusing and serpentine waters of college admissions. Read more...

New Social-Recreation Groups For Youth with Autism!

The Spectrum, by Dragonfly Forest, has found a new way to reach out to local youth with autism! They are training college students (at UNCA, WCU, and App State) to create and facilitate innovative activities for youth and teens on the autism spectrum. Read more...

Check Out this Inspiring Event and Get a Chance to Attend for Free

There's this common misconception that nothing in this life is free. This post will show you that you can get a chance to spend a day with people who can change your life for free. Read more...

Chyten invites area students to take a free ACT vs SAT Comparison Test

Students in Asheville are invited to take Chyten's revolutionary 'ACT vs SAT Comparison Test' to determine which test represents their best match! Read more...

Convict Conditioning

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Register of Deeds to begin new Online Marriage Application

The Buncombe County Register of Deeds office, in an effort to reduce wait time for couples getting married, has begun an Online Marriage Application. Read more...

Welcomemat Services Announces Growth Plans for Asheville

Welcomemat Services, the nation's leading franchise system specializing in helping businesses turn new movers into loyal customers, has announced expansion into Asheville, North Carolina. Read more...

HEALING FOR THOSE WHO CARE - International luminary teaches locals the art of healing

oin Internationally acclaimed author and medicine woman Rosalyn L. Bruyere and Qi Gong Master Ken Weintrub as the teach Energy Healing for Those Who Care. Reputed as one of the nation's most successful healers, Bruyere wrote "Wheels of Light", one of the foremost texts on energy healing. Read more...

Like Body, Like Business

Life is holistic - and so is your business. Learn how holistic business coaching is what you've been needing!! Set up your quantum vision in the dense world on purpose - through full proof methods. Whether you're starting out, or ready to advance to the next step - no matter what stage you're enterprise is in - you can proceed correctly with guarantees. Read more...

Success stems not from what you do, but from how you think

The number one reason why people fail in business is not because they lack intelligence or funding. It's because most people have not conceptualized the business of being in business. Read more...

World Peace is Coming to Asheville!

Award winning teacher and TED2011 speaker John Hunter talk posted at ted.com, will appear in Asheville on Wednesday May 4th immediately following Asheville's Premier Screening of the film, World Peace & Other 4th Grade Achievements. Read more...

Carolina Connect: A Networking, Business Innovation, and Investors Conference in Asheville

Over the last several years I have spent a lot of time and energy growing my business network here in Asheville and Western North Carolina. I can say without hesitation that Carolina Connect is one of the best business networking and professional development conferences in this region. Read more...

Recapping the MAP {Re}HAPPENING 2011

For the 2nd year in a row the The Black Mountain College Museum and Art Center (BMCM+AC) and The Media Arts Project (The MAP) produced the {Re}HAPPENING, a free-form art event held at the original location of the Black Mountian College, now Camp Rockmont of LEAF fame. Read more...

A Game Worth Playing

Small businesses are at a tremendous threat of failing every day and the local statistics are staggering. Stop and realize that you may be one. Success stems from how we think, not what we do!!! I am not a life coach, not a therapist, not a counselor and NOT your average business coach. If you're in business or want to launch your own business, effective systematization and reaching your passion is my specialty. Read more...

Fun in the Mountains this Spring & Summer

Laughing Waters Retreat Center, one of the area's newest sustainable and holistic retreat centers, has a full calendar of affordable and interesting offerings that will entice people into the beauty of the mountains this season. Read more...

Mojo Coworking Opens Friday, April 1 - With Overwhelming Pre-Sales

Mojo Coworking officially opens Friday, April 1 - with nearly all the long-term private desks and the Mojo office already under contract. 'The response has been overwhelming,' says Mojo Coworking co-founder, Craig McAnsh. 'Our collaborative open floor plan is very appealing and everyone who visits seems immediately drawn to the energy of our downtown location.' Read more...

YMI Cultural Center Diversity Fair

Join the YMI Cultural Center as we Stand against Racism with the Asheville YWCA. We will be hosting a Diversity Fair at the YMI Cultural Center on Friday, April 29, 2011 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.  Read more...

Navitat at Night - A Fresh Perspective on our Area's Natural Beauty

Already known as one of Western North Carolina's hottest new attractions, the word has been out for some time on Navitat Canopy Adventures being a must-do activity for tourists and locals alike. But now one of the area's most sought-after day excursions has added a whole new dimension: Navitat At Night. Read more...

Breast Cancer Survivors and Friends/ I Can Cope Cancer Support Group

Offered by the Park Ridge Breast Health Center and the American Cancer Society. Join other breast cancer survivors, friends and those at high risk for breast cancer seeking support and information. Please bring a favorite dish to share for a potluck dinner. Read more...

The 2nd All Go West Music Festival on April 23rd, 2011 - Free - Music, Fashion, BBQ & Local Brew

All Go West Music festival to take on its Second installment, located in the streets west Asheville NC. On April 23rd, 2011, The Festival will uniquely offer an array of musical talent, fashion, BBQ, and local Brew. Festival Remains Free To Patrons. Read more...

U.S. Cellular to Offer Free Device Workshop At Three Buncombe County Locations

With a recent study showing a nearly 80 percent increase in smartphone shipments from a year ago, there are plenty of first-time smartphone users who may want a little help figuring out everything their advanced phones have to offer. U.S. Cellular is hosting free workshops at three of its Buncombe County retail stores to guide customers through all of the functions and features of its Android-powered devices, BlackBerry and Windows smartphones. Read more...

Putting Your Beds to Sleep

The cooler weather is here and is gently reminding us that our garden beds are ready to be tucked in for the long winter's sleep. This cooler weather lessens the stress on plants and makes for an optimum time to move and divide crowded perennials such as daylilies, hostas and irises. Read more...

Asheville Independent Restaurants Unveil a New Flavor at Taste of Asheville

Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR) will celebrate a big evening of what makes Asheville a culinary destination beginning at 7 p.m. November 18 at The Venue. Not only will 30 talented chefs dazzle attendees at AIR's Taste of Asheville event, but it will also launch a new look, direction and focus for the organization. Read more...

Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) - One of the Many Highlights of Asheville's Leaf Season

The Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) is a perfect microcosm of fall in Western North Carolina. This three-day festival has it all: multiple music stages, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, food, and outdoor activities. Read more...

Asheville's Newest Cookbook - Tupelo Honey Cafe

The Tupelo Honey Cafe, located in downtown Asheville, is now taking pre-orders for their upcoming cookbook, Tupelo Honey Cafe: Spirited Recipes from Asheville's New South Kitchen. Read more...

Fall Travel Packages for Asheville, NC

Fall is just around the corner in Asheville and we have some really exciting seasonal travel packages to share. Asheville can be enjoyed on any budget, but for those looking for a truly unique travel experience these packages will take your vacation to the next level. Read more...

New Dining Concept Coming to the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is taking the farm to table concept to a new level beginning in September with a new series of dinners that will showcase local famers and artists. Read more...

Jonathan Scales Fourchestra - Innovative Steel Pan - MoDaddy's October 1st

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Fall Color Report - It's Officially the Last Week of Summer

With the autumnal equinox and official first day of fall just one week away, it already feels like fall here in Western North Carolina. Crisp cool nights and sunny bluebird days are setting up our leaves for another brilliant fall color season. Read more...

Interview with a Mortgage Planner: Real Estate Advice from Asheville NC

Kabir Mahadeva is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist (r) with Alpha Mortgage Corporation in Asheville, North Carolina. He works with home buyers to pre-qualify them for an appropriate loan, structure the deal so approval is easy, anticipate any possible issues and complete a successful closing. Read more...

Pets Now Welcome at Asheville Restaurants

Asheville is for pet lovers! Thanks to a rule change at the state level pet lovers can now bring their cats or dogs when dining at restaurants with outdoor seating. Read more...

French Broad River Fishing Report - 9/15/2010

The river is pretty low now; it is flowing about half the average for this date. Because of this it is much easier to get around out there and wade fish. It is also flowing clear for the most part, so topwater action is a possibility, especially in the morning. Read more...

Fall is In the Air - Corn Mazes in Western NC

Like clockwork, the first week of September has delivered crisp, cool mornings and fresh afternoon breezes. These are the first signs of fall in Asheville, to be followed shortly by the stunning fall foliage, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and a variety of other fun seasonal entertainment. Read more...

City of 1000 Easels - Immersive Arts Experience in Downtown Asheville

On September 12, 2010 Asheville's art scene will be on full display when area artists saturate downtown Asheville with over 200 easels to showcase their creative process for the public. Read more...

Kassie Miller in Flat Rock - Sept 17

Kassie Miller is a mix of a little bit of country and a little bit of soul. Her raspy voice, reminiscent of Tanya Tucker, combined with her lively southern-country personality on stage create an artist that will capture you heart, leaving you wanting more. Read more...

Final Shindig on the Green of 2010 on September 4

Bring your instruments, families, friends, lawn chairs and blankets to Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville for the final Shindig on the Green of the 2010 season. Enjoy unique music and dance performances on stage, and informal jam sessions. Come celebrate the treasured cultural heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Read more...

Asheville Area Fall Color Report

Happy September! If you're as excited as we are about fall, you might be wondering when and where the fall color will be the best and brightest this leaf season. The tourism office is working with biologists and fall foliage experts around Western North Carolina for our weekly color reports, starting September 15. Read more...

Curious Sense Announces Move to Asheville NC

Curious Sense, in conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville Buncombe County, is pleased to announce its relocation to the city of Asheville from the Research Triangle of North Carolina. Curious Sense designs digital games, social media, mobile apps, virtual worlds, and online communities for the media and entertainment industry. Read more...

Asheville Area Students Get Free College Test Practice

Students throughout Western North Carolina can get a leg up in the highly competitive college admissions market and the quest for strong scores on the SAT and ACT college exams by taking advantage of a free practice test being offered at the end of August. The A.C. Reynolds PTSO, in conjunction with Kaplan Test Prep, the nation's oldest and largest provider of test preparation and admissions services, is offering a Free Combination Practice Test for SAT and ACT to all area high school students. Read more...

Early Bird Subscription Deadline is Approaching!

This season includes several plays we've wanted to produce for a very long time, including our season opener, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, a play that has never been professionally produced in Asheville. Read more...

YW Wellness Open House August 30th

The YWCA of Asheville will host a Wellness Open House on Monday August 30th from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. Local health practitioners Envision Eyecare, Daoist Traditions College Clinic, West Asheville Massage and Healing Arts, and One Small Step to Health will be present. Read more...

Frankie Bones Supports Local Artist Auditioning for American Idol

Aaron LaFalce, of Asheville, will be auditioning for American Idol next week in Austin, Texas, thanks to support from Frankie Bones Restaurant and Lounge. LaFalce, 27, is a singer-songwriter who plays guitar and piano. Read more...

2nd Annual TEDxAsheville Conference Selects Orange Peel for 2010, Announces Speakers, Begins Registration

Online registration for the 2010 TEDxAsheville conference, to be held at the Orange Peel on Sunday, August 29, began on July 19th. This year's speaker lineup includes Last American Man Eustace Conway, and multi-percussionist, composer and educator River Guerguerian. The $25 tickets are available at the conference's website at tedxavl.com. All ticket proceeds will be used to underwrite the costs of producing the conference. Read more...

North Carolina Stage Company Presents the Bard-a-thon: 48-hour Shakespeare Festival Kicks Off September 10th

North Carolina Stage Company presents the 3rd annual Bard-a-thon fundraiser September 10-12, 2010. During thishe 48-hour Shakespeare festival, volunteers can sign up to read Shakespeare for any amount of time they choose and raise money for NC Stage, Asheville's local professional, non-profit theatre. Read more...

2nd Annual Asheville International Children's Film Festival (AICFF) Sets Dates Adds Venues

Creator and Artistic Director Tim T-Bone Arem has set November 1-14 as the time for this years expanding festival. AICFF is the largest children's film festival in the Southeast with offerings of 125 films from 30 countries. The categories to be screened are; features, documentary, animation and shorts. Read more...

Register Now for YWCA After-School

Registration is now open for the YWCA of Asheville's After-School Program for grades K-6. This 5-Star rated program will begin on August 17. Hours are Monday through Friday from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. Read more...

Southeast Mountain Community Extends Help to the Gulf

The Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau is reaching out to the Gulf Coast in an effort to provide some support in the wake of the Gulf oil spill. Read more...

U.S. Cellular To Reward Teachers With Another $1 Million In Classrooms

U.S. Cellular believes teachers deserve something better. The wireless carrier is continuing its commitment to schools with the return of its Calling All Teachers campaign. As part of the company's countdown to something better in 2010, U.S. Cellular is giving $1 million to help teachers erase classroom needs. Read more...

Autism Consulting and Training, Inc. expands services to Asheville, North Carolina!!!!!

Autism Consulting and Training, Inc. now provides in-home, educational services in Asheville, North Carolina.  A.C.T. now! Help your child retain academic skills while preparing him/her for the following school year! Read more...

The Mental State of the Real Estate Seller

Take a closer look at the emotions involved in a positive and successful real estate selling experience. Get tips on attracting the right buyer and preparing your property to sell. Read more...

What the Butler Saw Opens May 12th

North Carolina Stage Company closes its 8th season with the brilliantly subversive 1969 farce What the Butler Saw, running May 12-30 at the theatre's downtown venue. What the Butler Saw was written by Joe Orton, and although it shocked London audiences at its premiere, it's now considered a classic of 20th century comedy. Read more...

Ask Bubbi Advice Column - Monday May 10th 2010

Ask Bubbi, an advice column offered exclusively on AshevilleNow.com. This weeks topics: 1. Are you really as old as your cartoon picture insinuates? 2. My sister fixed me up with her husband's favorite cousin. He's a nice guy but no sparks were flying from my end. Read more...

Help Asheville FM Build Studio B

Asheville FM needs your help to raise funding for general operations, as well as to create Studio B. Having a second production studio at the station will allow us to broadcast live, in-studio music, and will also provide a much needed production space for our shows that require pre-produced audio. Additional funds raised will help the station pay ongoing expenses and acquire additional equipment. Read more...

Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival

Headliner of the 2010 Asheville Burlesque and Sideshow Festival, Michelle alone is worth experiencing, AND she's in excellent company... International Jester Competition winner (the only American to ever win) and the 2008 Fool of Muncaster Castle of England. World-famous juggler and sideshow god Paolo Garbanzo will grace the Orange Peel stage to perform and MC what is shaping up to be the most talked about Burlesque and Sideshow event in the history of the SouthEast. www.garbanzojuggling.com. Enjoy this epic opportunity to drink deeply of these international masters, with both workshops and dazzling, technical performance in Asheville. They will be joined by the cream of the nation's talent in this juried showcase, with artists coming to Asheville from across the nation, to strip, strut and celebrate that original American folkart, Burlesque! Read more...

Asheville Based AvL Technologies Announces Significant Expansion Plans

AvL Technologies, in conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), proudly announces the expansion of its Asheville-based operations with a $5.9 million facility investment and the addition of up to 75 high wage jobs over the next three years. AvL Technologies designs and manufactures transportable parabolic antennas for two-way, real-time satellite communications used in the television and broadcast industry and emergency services, along with government and military applications for communications from remote locations. AvL Technologies was founded by Jim Oliver in the basement of his Asheville home in 1994. He later moved the company to the A-B Tech Small Business Incubator in 1998 when Oliver hired his first employee. AvL Technologies is currently located in Asheville's River Arts District. Read more...

YWCA TWIN Honorees Announced

The YWCA of Asheville is pleased to announce the Honorees for 19th Annual YWCA Tribute to Women of Influence (TWIN) Awards Banquet. The Honorees are listed below. The TWIN Awards Banquet will be Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 6:00 pm at the Renaissance Hotel. Read more...

Chamber Announces 'We're For Business' Awards Recipients

On Tuesday, February 23, over 300 members of the Asheville business community gathered with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce to recognize eight local businesses at the fourth annual We're For Business Awards presented by SunTrust bank at the Crowne Plaza Tennis and Golf Resort. Read more...

Neo Cantina Gets Up and Running

I heard that Neo Cantina is up and running. That's the new name for the old La Paz. The sudden changeover caught more than a few fans of the Mexican joint down in Biltmore Village by surprise, but it appears Neo Cantina is chugging right along. Read more...

Community Member and Activist Provides Free Local Breakfast and Aid in Haiti

While poking around looking for Black History month events on my second favorite Asheville website, TheUrbanNews.com, I came across this heartwarming article about a local do-gooder who has started a program providing free breakfast for children at Pisgah View Apartments. My heart went out immediately and I jumped on the phone to get a hold of Suncere. He answered and I blurted out that I was a graphic designer, knew how to build websites and how to cook. He was on the other line with an organization helping with his Haiti Disaster Relief project, with a fervor in his voice he promised to call me right back.
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Asheville Design Center Presentation to Focus on Work of Burton Street Task Force

The Asheville Design Center, the city's non-profit community-based urban design agency, has launched a monthly series of presentations/discussions dealing with community and the built environment. Read more...

Singing Valentine

The Land of the Sky Chorus is now taking orders for their famous SINGING VALENTINES. For only $40 a snappliy-dressed quartet will deliver 2 love songs, a fresh red rose, and a card with your sentiments nearly anywhere within 50 miles of Asheville Feb. 12, 13, and 14. Read more...

YWCA Child Care Received 5-Star Rating

The YWCA Child Care Center has achieved a five-star rating from the North Carolina Division of Child Development. This rating is based on the level of education the staff brings to the program and on the quality of the programming itself. Read more...

Our VOICE Promotes a Plethora of Community Events Begining Feb. 2nd

Those of you who read my first article submission to AshevilleNow.com or have been familiar with Our VOICE, the rape crisis center serving Buncombe County, know that they are no accepting original works of art from all people affected by sexual assault and rape. They will accept submissions until March 1st for their 10th Annual Survivors Art Show. What you may not know is that, beginning tomorrow Our VOICE will be inviting community members to partake in three more events held over the next few months. Read more...

Lifeguard Training at the YWCA

Lifeguard training at the YWCA. Read more...

Asheville City Schools Foundation Presents 2nd Annual Tour of Excellence

The Asheville City Schools Foundation will present the Tour of Excellence on Thursday, February 18th from 9AM-12PM. Participants will meet at Asheville High for a light breakfast and then take a school bus to three sites where the ACS Foundation has implemented innovative programs that address challenges facing our schools. Tour participants will see programs at Hall Fletcher Elementary School, Asheville Middle School and Asheville High School. Read more...

Asheville Celebrates Groundhog's Day

Is spring on the way or is there more snow in the forecast? Nibbles, the Western North Carolina Nature Center's groundhog, makes her prediction on Tuesday at 3 p.m. Read more...

Top Floor Studio to Unveil YuDeal on Wednesday

Asheville web design company Top Floor Studio, which has been quietly working on a big new project for months, is now prepared to launch it. It's called YuDeal, and it promises a new kind of marketing for businesses and a new playing field for consumers. Read more...

UNCA Men Win 5th Straight

The squad that was committing turnovers at an alarming rate is now getting solid guard play. And a season on the verge of being lost two weeks ago suddenly has promise. Read more...

Balanced Growth: Expansion vs. Retraction

This post is ripped directly from Asheville, NC 2010: A Financial Crossroads, a report prepared by Asheville City Staff to put our current economic position in perspective. I'll be featuring excerpts from the report from time to time. Read more...

Vote for Asheville as the Capital for Love and Romance

Love is in the air with Valentine's Day just around the corner, and Asheville needs your vote for the "Most Romantic City in America" contest by Korbel California Champagne. The window to cast your vote is short - the contest ends on Thursday, so vote now! Read more...

Haitipalooza in Asheville. Saturday, January 30th

Locally organized benefit concert for Haiti, including the Asheville Horns, Vertigo Jazz Project, Big Money Band, members of Afromotive, Uncle Mountain, and much more. Read more...

Adults with ADD Lose Over 3 Weeks of Work Annually

Can ADD and ADHD in adults affect workplace wellness, attendance and overall job performance? Absolutely. According to a recent report in HealthDay News, adults with ADD/ADHD lose more than 3 weeks of work annually. The report cited that many adults with ADD aren't even aware that they have a problem, making it more difficult for them to receive help. Studies show that an estimated 3% of the population suffers from undiagnosed ADD/ADHD. Read more...

Sample Local Asheville Artisan Chocolates

Discover why all chocolates are not created equal at the Asheville French Broad Co-op on February 12. David Mason, owner of Black Mountain Chocolate, reveals the mysterious process of making chocolate from the cacao bean. Read more...

RiverLink Events

Upcoming RiverLink Events. Read more...

Introducing the NC Stage Company: Stage Hands

Do you love NC Stage and wish you could do more to support them? Is it sometimes difficult to find ways to give to the theatre? NC Stage Company needs your talents, your time, and your creativity as much as they need financial support. This is your chance to be part of the theatre. Read more...

Kids Radio Making Waves in Asheville

Tim (T-Bone) Arem, Producer and host of the brand new kid-friendly radio program T-Bone's Radio Active Kids is bringing imagination to families in Asheville and beyond. An educator, producer, performer, writer, fitness coach / consultant, creator and Artistic Director of the Asheville International Children's Film Festival, Arem's path into children's radio began in 1991 with the creation of a radio program in Los Angeles by the name of Morning Musical Menagerie. Read more...

Don't miss the 8th Annual Asheville Fringe Arts Festival - January 21-24, 2010

The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival is a featured collection of performers, artists and experimental music composers . Those of you who've attended the Fringe Arts Festival in the past know that it is a cabaret of curious and eccentric performances that inspire your divergent side to come out and play. Read more...

Biltmore Village Business Owners Worried About Bridge Construction's Impact on Business

Business owners in Biltmore Village are worried about the impact that a big bridge construction project will have on their businesses. Crews are replacing the Biltmore Avenue bridge over the Swannanoa River near the heart of Biltmore Village. Traffic in the area is already a mess, and the construction will make things messier for at least the next five months. Read more...

Introducing the Wine Studio of Asheville - Asheville Update Episode 6

In this week's episode of Asheville Update I visit the Wine Studio of Asheville located at 169 Charlotte Street in North Asheville. The Wine Studio opened on the weekend of January 8th and 9th, 2010. During the visit I shot a brief video of the owner, Jessica Gualano, talking about the new studio and some of the services including Winesdays and Girls on Grapes. Read more...

A New Autism Resource in Asheville!

A new resource for people with autism is opening in Asheville, NC! The Autism Community Center of Asheville was founded by a group of parents, educators, and community support professionals as a nonprofit 501 c (3) organization intended to serve as a focal point for the autism community in Asheville, NC. Read more...

AICFF January Newsletter

We had a successful first-ever AICFF, Asheville International Children's Film Festival in November 2009. As either an attendee, sponsor, or partner, you are receiving our very first newsletter which will keep you informed of exciting AICFF events and opportunities for 2010 and a reflection on the 2009 festival. Thank you for being a part of our first children's film festival. Up to date news can also be found at our Facebook Group and Twitter page. Read more...

Mad Men Panel: A Real Life Discussion of Advertising in the 60's

The popularity of the AMC's Mad Men TV series about a New York advertising in the 1960's has inspired this real life discussion of what advertising was really like back then, offering insights into lessons learned and what is different about advertising today for better or worse. Read more...

The Nauhaus Group - Asheville Update Episode 5

This week I visit the Nauhaus with Zane Adams, the Director of Marketing for the Nauhaus Group. The Nauhaus Group is striving to build green homes that achieve a carbon neutral or carbon negative effect on the environment. Read more...

Goodbye Savoy, Hello Vinnies!!

Savoy has changed and grown with Asheville over the years, leading the way with innovations and trends, always sensitive to our community's conditions and needs. After 10 award-winning years as Asheville's finest contemporary dining experience. Read more...

VOLVO Announces the Closure of Asheville Manufacturing Facility

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) recently announced the consolidation of its North American industrial operations. As a result of this restructuring the Asheville, NC manufacturing facility will shut its doors by March 31, 2010. The closing will eliminate the jobs of Volvo's 228 employees at the manufacturing plant. Read more...

YWCA Accepting Nominations for TWIN Award

The YWCA is now accepting nominations for YWCA Tribute to Women of Influence (TWIN) Awards Banquet which will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. Read more...

ThermoFisher Scientific Announces Expansion and 104 New Positions

In a joint announcement with the NC Department of Commerce, Buncombe County, and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville and Buncombe County (EDC), Thermo Fisher Scientific released plans today to create 104 jobs. Read more...

Vintage Bridal Costume Jewelry

Wear vintage costume jewelry on your wedding day that is unique and exuberant - pieces in which the rhinestones were so beautifully set, they could be imposters for diamonds. Read more...

Lexington Avenue Brewery and Sweet Peas Hostel Ribbon Cutting - Asheville Update Episode 4

On this week's episode I cover the ribbon cutting events at both the Lexington Avenue Brewery (Lab) and the Sweet Peas Hostel, both located in Downtown Asheville. Read more...

Cecil Bothwell, Godless Atheist 1. Almighty God 0

Asheville's local political scene made national headlines this month when opponents of Cecil Bothwell, a newly-elected city councilman, alleged he was disqualified from holding public office. Bothwell's critics pointed out that he posted "atheist" as his religion on a MySpace page. Read more...

SantaCon 2009 - Asheville Update Episode 2

Second in a weekly series of Asheville video updates. This week we covered SantaCon 2009 in Asheville. Read more...

YWCA of Asheville to Offer Holiday Camp

The YWCA Holiday Camp for grades K-6 will be December 21, 22, 28-31 at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. Hours will be 7:30 am until 6:00 pm. The cost is $30/ day or $150 for the entire camp. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack will be provided. Attendees will enjoy arts and crafts, swimming, field trips, and other enriching recreation. Read more...

ADD at Work: Maximizing Your Effectiveness

Today, an estimated 3-5% of the U.S. population are living with attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). Some ADD/ADHD adults frequently find themselves stuck, unproductive and unable to get ahead in life, especially in their careers. Are you always late for work? Are you so distracted that you have trouble completing projects on time, or get bogged down for hours doing minor tasks? Maybe you can't find important documents under the growing mound of paper on your desk. Read more...

Echo Gallery Holiday Open House

Please join me and the other member artists of Echo Gallery at Biltmore Park as we welcome in the holiday season and the works of guest artists to the gallery. We'll celebrate our Holiday Open House this Friday, December 4 from 6-9pm. Read more...

A Dream of Camelot

A Dream of Camelot begins in tragedy as Morgaine discovers that Arthur, the lover of her youth, and Mordred, their son, have killed each other. Morgaine sings a lamentation in which she realizes her own potential to recreate the dream of Camelot along with others who can take responsibility for facing the issues that had destroyed their society. Lancelot, and then Mordred and Arthur, now dead, choose to find a better way in the hopes of creating a new Camelot. Read more...

Asheville Man Gets 120 Days for Shooting Cyclist in the Head

By now just about everyone in Asheville and surrounding communities has heard the story about the Asheville firefighter, Charles Alexander Diez, shooting at a cyclist, Alan Simons, on July 26, 2009. This story has received a ton of media attention both locally and nationally. We don't have anything to add to the story, but since the verdict came down last week the online coverage has been staggering. Check out these popular online websites that have picked up this Asheville news story. Read more...

New stuff at Green Man Brewing

On Monday, I dropped by Green Man Brewing, a.k.a. Dirty Jack's to the locals, to try the new Double IPA, The Truth. Lucky for me, Brewer Mike was there, so I could get my beer geek on and chat a bit and let me sample some of the stuff they've got going on at the brewhouse (not Jack of the Wood) for the holidays season. Read more...

Living with ADD/ADHD - Free ADD/ADHD Educational Seminar on December 8th

The ADHD Center for Success will be hosting a free one hour educational seminar, 'Living With and Understanding Adult ADD/ADHD'. ADHD in adults is very real condition and diagnosis, yet surprisingly there remains a great deal of confusion, skepticism and misinformation in the media and the minds of individuals. Read more...

Evergreen Community Charter School Gets RiverLinked!

RiverLink visited Evergreen Community Charter School this week to teach the first graders about today's water quality issues. The students expressed their feelings about the river through our River of Words and Art lesson, which is tied to RiverLink's Earth Day Art Contest. The annual contest takes place in the spring, and details will be announced as they are solidified. Read more...

Get a Discounted Massage at Sensibilities Day Spa & Support RiverLink at the same time!

During the month of November, Sensibilities Day Spa will match each RiverLink donation dollar for dollar up to $1000! To thank you for supporting RiverLink, you will also receive a 10 percent discount card to use on your next merchandise purchase or service. Visit Sensibilities Day Spa at one of their two location ; 59 Haywood St downtown or in Biltmore Park to donate. Read more...

AIR Brings Back the Main Course Dining Program for 2010

The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) is pleased to announce the return of the Main Course Dining program with buy one get one free values all over Asheville. The Main Course Dining coupon book provides diners with more than 35 buy one get one free entree deals at 18 independent restaurants in the Asheville community. Read more...

Asheville Area Schools Can Win $100,000 in U.S. Cellular's 2010 Calling All Communities Program

When U.S. Cellular's Calling All Communities campaign launched last year, the company asked everyone to vote for their favorite schools. Read more...

Asheville Still Easily Accessible After I-40 Rockslide

The Asheville area and the mountains of Western North Carolina remain accessible from the east, south and north after a rock slide along Interstate 40 at the North Carolina/Tennessee border. The choice of two convenient detours make getting to Asheville a breeze. Read more...

Blue Ridge Bags and More: An Autism Business

Blue Ridge Bags and More is a small business, owned by the Autism Society of North Carolina, which employs adults with autism. As part of my job at the Autism Society, I am the official director of Blue Ridge Bags, which is how I know that we need some serious help! See, we have a really cool business, that is actually useful for folks (with and without autism), but nobody knows about us! Read more...

A and B Opens Branch Offices in Florida, North Carolina and Texas

A and B Professional Cleaning and Concierge Services, LLC, one of the leading providers of commercial and residential janitorial services in the North Central Alabama area, has expanded both their janitorial and professional concierge divisions to three additional states. With a 30 plus years experience in office and residential cleaning, A and B offers thorough and detailed cleaning services to their customers. You will find that their staff members are professional and exceptionally proficient. Customer satisfaction is their number one goal and is the reason that A and B continues to thrive and grow, despite today's economy and the effect it has had on many other companies. Read more...

New Media: It Changes the Game - Are Your Ready to Play?

On Monday, October 19, the American Advertising Federation of Asheville (AAFA) will host The Power of New Media and Social Networking, an educational seminar that explores the world of new media. The program will be led by Dave Saunders, President and Chief Idea Officer. Read more...

TEDxAsheville, Local Version of Ultimate Brain Spa, Gathers Volunteers, Sponsors for 2010 Event

TEDxAsheville, the great-ideas conference that turned away 350 people at its inaugural event in August, returns in 2010. Volunteers and sponsors are wanted for TEDxAsheville 2010, coming next summer with new speakers, new performers and more ideas worth spreading. Read more...

Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale - October 8th, 9th and 10th at 8 pm, and the 11th at 7 pm

We began with ten cast members and the script of Shakespeare's wonderous and heartfelt story. Through improvisation and discussion, the Warren Wilson Theatre ensemble has created a unique production of this tale, which is best for winter. It's not quite winter yet, but there is a chill in the air that recalls days gone by and stories lost to Time. Read more...

YWCA Black and White Gala - October 1st, 2009

The YWCA of Asheville's fifth annual Black & White Gala will be held on Thursday, October 1, at 7:00 pm at the Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave. The evening will feature silent and live auctions, food from local restaurants, and high energy dance music by Westsound. All event proceeds will go to support the programs of the YWCA of Asheville. Read more...

Free One Hour Seminar: Understanding Adult ADHD

In recognition of National ADHD Awareness month, the ADHD Center for Success will be hosting a free one hour seminar: Understanding Adult ADHD. Aimed at increasing awareness of ADHD and ADD, the community event will be held at AB Tech, in the Small Business Center, Room #215 on September 23 at 7 pm. Read more...

YWCA Swim Lessons - Begin September 28th

Learn to swim in the YWCAs solar-heated pool. The next session of Red Cross certified swim lessons will begin on Monday, September 28. Classes are offered for babies, pre-schoolers, youth, teens and adults. Read more...

It's another funky party up in BootyBandLand! Sept 24-27th

In a chill spot called Booty Band Land, musicians and artists will flourish through an epic celebration not to be missed... or forgotten. This festival was created to provide an affordable and interactive, yet top-quality event that will showcase the excellent emerging artists in the region, as well as some world-class greats. Read more...

HAPPENING: Kicking-Off Saturday Nights at Black Mountain College

A dance party explosion and fundraiser for the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center and The Media Arts Project. Read more...

Gut Health by Dr. Sudeshna Dasgupta-O'Brien

Digestive disorders are on the increase. About 38 million Americans suffer from a variety of digestive problems such as GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, food allergies, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. Read more...

Asheville Downtown Association Announces Oktoberfest

The Asheville Downtown Association is excited to announce its inaugural Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 10 from 1 - 5 pm on Wall Street. Read more...

Autism: A Perspective

Much has been said and written about autism in the past several years. Autism has become a household word. When I was a resident, over 20 years ago, it was a relatively rare diagnosis, and certainly not a condition that the general public had much awareness of. Now, many of us know of a child with autism either in our own family or our neighbor's or in the community. When a child is not developing like his peers, a parent's first concern today is that he might have autism while simultaneously hoping that he does not. Read more...

Holistic Health News: Not All Fish Oil is Created Equally Part 3

Fish oil is a natural health supplement recommended by naturopathic doctors. Learn how to buy a high quality fish oil supplement that provides the maximum holistic health benefits. Read more...

Nutrition and Autism by Sudeshna Dasgupta-O'Brien

Jesse, age 7, was also diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. Jesse had some eye contact, although he did not maintain it for long; he also had sensitivity to high-pitched noises such as singing, frequent meltdowns and delayed speech. These are some of the many faces of autism today. Nine months later, after being on a gluten-free, casein-free diet and nutritional supplements, Becca is now speaking in sentences she has put together herself... Read more...

Urban Harvest Dinner to Highlight Top Chefs, Local Food, Urban Agriculture

On Friday, September 25, 2009 at 6pm, The Bountiful Cities Project, Asheville's Urban Agriculture and Food Security organization, will host the first of a series of "BCP's Urban Harvest Dinners," at the Pearson Drive Community Garden in Montford. The dinners are elegant, on-garden evenings to raise funds for BCP's ongoing outreach and education programs in many community gardens and urban farms throughout the city of Asheville. Read more...

Health Care System...Let's Change the Tune! - Benefit Concert for Palmyra Romeo- September 15th at the Grey Eagle

On May 27th, 25-year old Palmyra Romeo, - an Asheville-based AmeriCorps intern at RiverLink, avid outdoors woman, talented bluegrass bass player, and an honors graduate of NC State University - unexpectedly had a seizure, lost her ability to speak, became paralyzed on her right side, lost consciousness and was rushed to Mission Hospital. An MRI revealed a ping-pong ball sized abscess on the left side of her brain. Since then, Palmyra has undergone two brain surgeries, and is making amazing progress. Read more...

Fitness on Top of Dysfunction - Revealing the Fallacies of Exercise Performance

There is no denying that to engage in physical fitness is a healthy endeavor. Whether you're new to exercise, hitting a plateau at your fitness level or diligently involved in sports, the mental and physical challenges of activity are what strengthen the mind, body and spirit of your being. Read more...

Dancing Makes You Smarter

Most people agree that dancing is a good form of exercise, but research shows other health benefits like stress reduction, increased serotonin levels, and improved well being. Read more...

YWCA of Asheville Completes National Peer Review

The YWCA of Asheville has successfully completed its National Peer Review Assessment for the YWCA of the USA and the Southeast Region. The YWCA of Asheville excelled in all areas of assessment - programmatic, legal and financial. This extensive organizational review requires weeks of preparation and is the critical determinate for affiliation with the YWCA of the USA and the YWCA of the Southeast Region. Read more...

Asheville International Children's Film Festival - Call for Funniest Home Short Film

The Asheville International Children's Film Festival is looking for the funniest home short film in Western North Carolina. Read more...

Asheville Area Chamber's Health Insurance Pilot Program Passes North Carolina House and Senate

The Health Insurance Pilot Program or H.B. 212 passed the North Carolina General Assembly on August 6, 2009 and was delivered to Governor Perdue on Friday, August 7, 2009 where it awaits her signature of approval. Read more...

Register Now for YWCA After-School

Registration is now open for the YWCA of Asheville's After-School Program for grades K-6. This 5-Star rated program will begin on August 25. Hours are Monday through Friday from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. The YWCA provides transportation from area schools. Read more...

Announcing the 8th Annual Lexington Ave Arts and Fun Festival - Downtown Ashevill

Arts 2 People is excited to bring you the 8th annual FREE, Lexington Ave Arts and Fun Festival (LAAFF)! Join us in the annual end-of-summer celebration of Asheville's artistic and musical communities. Three blocks of N. Lexington Ave in downtown Asheville will be brimming with all local art, food, beer, music, street performers, and random acts of creativity on Sunday, September 6th from 11am - 9pm between College Street and the I 240 overpass. Read more...

TEDxAsheville - Locally Organized Version of 'Ultimate Brain Spa' at the Orange Peel August 30

Local fans of the TED conference will present TEDxAsheville, an independently organized TED event, Sunday, August 30, 7 - 11 PM, at The Orange Peel. Mix your favorite mind-blowing lecture in college with a hot night out at a club, add a few beers, and you've got TEDxAsheville, where smart is sexy and great ideas are the name of the game. Four Asheville visionaries and a sprinkling of breathtaking local performance talent offer a night of fun for your head that promises inspiration, excitement and ideas worth spreading. Read more...

August 14th and 15th Parties Celebrate 5 Years for the Asheville Arts Center

On Friday August 14th from 5 - 8 PM and Saturday the 15th from 10 am - 3 PM the Asheville Arts Center celebrates its 5-year anniversary with 2 exciting birthday parties. The Friday evening party will be held at the South location on Summit Avenue (off of Hendersonville Road before Long Shoal's Rd). Read more...

Chimney Rock Park and Rutherford County Arts Council announce 'Music on the Mountain: Songs from the Southern Highlands'

Chimney Rock Park and Rutherford County Arts Council today announced a joint event to be held Saturday, August 15 from 3-6pm on the Meadows at Chimney Rock. There is no additional cost with park admission which is $14 for adults and $6 for children ages six to 15. Read more...

Update on the Asheville Mural Project Summer 09

The Asheville Mural Project is poised to complete last summer's work on the concrete support piers of the I-240 Bridge downtown. The Lexington Avenue side of the Gateway Mural is estimated to be completed by the end of July, where artists Kurt Thaesler, Steve Lister, and Harper Leich have been working to finish the portion dedicated to the arts in Asheville. Painting is currently well underway, as well as a plan to address the water run-off issue occurring due to the break in the roadway overhead. Read more...

Shoot A Cyclist For Safety

A few days ago outside of Asheville, NC a motorist became so enraged at a cyclist for legally riding on a public road - that he shot him in the head... with the victim's 3-year old son in the bike seat behind him. According to the police, the bullet came within an inch of killing the cyclist. Read more...

Sediment Runoff Causes Fish Kill on Little Ivy Creek

Monday's rain turned the Little Ivy Creek a familiar color, brown. Taylor Barnhill has noticed the river brown after each rain storm this summer, but this time a host of dead fish washed up along the stream bank next to his property. The mud runoff was so great the fish could no longer breath in the water. What was once a thriving hatchery supported trout stream appears to have lost many smaller fish. The dead fish, including small mouth bass and northern brook trout, are a harsh reminder of the devastating impacts of having too much mud or sediment in our streams. Read more...

Get Your Rafts Ready for Rockin' RiverFest!

Where can you celebrate summer with rafting on the French Broad River while enjoying great local music, food and beer and other fun activities? At the Rockin' RiverFest on Saturday August 1 at French Broad River Park in Asheville. There's something for everyone at Rockin' RiverFest including the Raft Race, Kids' Parade, Music Showcase & Competition, local food and beer, vendors and artists tables, exciting arts performances and fun recreational activities. Read more...

PARC call for Bele Chere Volunteers

PARC and Mountain Voices Alliance will host an information booth at Bele Chere this coming weekend. This year, we will be distributing information and signing petitions to encourage the City to use the property across from the Basilica at St. Lawrence as a park, instead of another massive high-rise hotel. Can you help? Read more...

Media Arts Project Launches New Online Directory

The Media Arts Project (MAP) announces an event to celebrate the launch of its new website and online member directory, Thursday, July 23, at 5:30pm at the Flood Gallery in Asheville. Funded by the Asheville HUB, the new directory will foster the development of Western North Carolina's creative economy by promoting the region's diverse and accomplished talent base and providing a resource for WNC media arts professionals to collaborate and connect, both with one another and with opportunities for work. Read more...

2nd Saturday Artist Market Announces New Hours and Community Booth Guest

The 2nd Saturday Artist Market announces new hours for the remainder of its season, running from 12-4pm on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The Market takes place on Domino Lane and in Christopher's Garden on the East site of West Asheville, just off Haywood Road and behind Harvest Records. Read more...

POPAsheville Needs Your Help

Hi POPAsheville Lovers & Supporters, Hope you're all well, and the spring/summer weather and your corner of the economy has been kind to you. Remember how great POPA 2009 was? Read more...

Terra Summer, offered by the Terra School

Terra Summer, a one-of-the-kind interdisciplinary experience for middle-school students that uses the magical world of food-from growing to cooking to eating-to teach children elements of a rigorous academic curriculum while exploring local and global social, environmental, and economic issues. Read more...

Asheville Women Entrepreneurs Collaborate to Create 'Asheville Street Markets'

In the spirit of community, local economy, and sustainability, the organizers of five different Asheville craft and street markets have banded together to support and promote one another's endeavors. The newly formed 'Asheville Street Markets' includes Rosetta Star, owner of Rosetta's Kitchen and founder of Asheville People's Market; Jodi Rhoden, owner of Short Street Cakes in East-West Asheville and founder of the Howard Street Handmade series of craft markets and events; Lori Theriault, owner of Crazy Green Studios and founder of the East-West Asheville 2nd Saturday Arts Market; Alexandra Brown, founder of the newly formed Lexington Bazaar, and Justin Raebuck and Brandy Bourne, organizers of Asheville's semi-yearly craft blowout, The Big Crafty, downtown at Pack Place Read more...

'Beer City Bash' to be held at The Orange Peel on June 26

Bruisin' Ales, The Orange Peel, and The Mountain XPress are sponsoring the 'Beer City Bash' on Friday, June 26. The bash is a celebration of all things beer in Asheville. The event is a victory party for the local beer community, who rallied to win an Examiner.com poll by Charlie Papazian, founder of the Brewers Association, author, and one of the most recognized names in the world of beer and brewing. Read more...

Coming soon... The Lexington Avenue Brewery (The LAB) & Sweet Peas Hostel

With each passing week, we grow closer to the much anticipated opening of the Lexington Avenue Brewery (the LAB) and Sweet Peas Hostel. Located in the TS Morrison Building on North Lexington Avenue, these two businesses, covering a total of 12,000 sq ft of space, stand to reshape the flow of nightlife and travelers in downtown Asheville. Read more...

Faces of Asheville - A Portrait Documentary Project

After two solid years of dedication the local photographer Jen G. Bowen is proud to open the final exhibit of the 'Faces of Asheville' portrait documentary project. Initially started in July 2007, the project & the artist's studio were burglarized & destroyed in Aug 2007. Read more...

MPAC's 4th of July Block Party in Weaverville

MPAC presents the 4th of July Block Party as a continuance of Weaverville's 15 year old celebration with average attendance of 31,000. This is going to be a fabulous event that also doubles as a fund / awareness raiser for a few organizations including the North Buncombe High School Band Boosters. Highlights are headlining music act - Jen and the Juice, a Firecracker 5K race, Asheville Aerial Arts, The Blue Ridge Roller Girls, Asheville Puppetry Alliance, and a variety of performers and of course... fireworks! Read more...

'Beer City Bash' @ The Orange Peel

We're having a party, Asheville! Come one, come all (over 21 only) to the 'Beer City Bash' at The Orange Peel on Friday, June 26. Doors @ 7:30pm; Starts at 8pm. Yours truly will be the MC! We're celebrating Asheville's tie with Portland, OR in the 'Beer City USA' poll. $10/pp includes two beer vouchers, giveaways, and live music. Don't miss it! Read more...

Holistic Health News: A Licensed Naturopathic Doctor Explains the Link Between Allergies and Asthma

Allergies and asthma affect millions of people in the United States. Understanding the link between the two can help people suffering from asthma to use natural health treatments to decrease symptoms and the frequency of attacks. Read more...

Mountain Green Conference

Warren Wilson, is hosting the third annual 'Mountain Green Conference' on June 24, 2009. This year's theme centers on Green Tourism. Read more...

Holistic Health Care News: The Importance of Healthy Sunscreen

Protection from the sun is essential in order to maintain overall health, but it is important to know what kind of protection you are buying. In order to achieve optimal protection you must purchase a sunscreen that is preferably organic, offers full coverage and lasts over the long term.
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DTMP: Section Three - Five Districts

The third section of Asheville's Downtown Master Plan puts forth the creation and recognition of five distinct downtown neighborhoods. Each neighborhood designation would bring its own strategic goals, and each would serve as a 'Gateway' into downtown. Read more...

Wine Q&A with Asheville Wine Consulting

So here it is...my very first blog post...evah! I've decided that at least for now, I would like to organize this page as a wine Q&A. I am much more comfortable speaking than writing and this seems like the best way for me to get my creative juices flowing! Read more...

It's never too late to get college degree

If you're a mature worker trying to decide whether it's worthwhile for you to earn that college degree you've always wanted; you'll get plenty of encouragement, not only from me and other job experts, but form your peers who have taken the leap. "I went back to college for three years and got my bachelor's degree in 1989 when I was 46 years old," said Della F. Richardson, adult student coordinator of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif. Read more...

Local Businesses Create Marketing Council

An inspired group of local business leaders is forming the Marketing Council within the Black Mountain/Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce. Its first organizational meeting will be held at 8:30 am on Tuesday, June 2 in the Conference Room of the Chamber of Commerce at 201 E. State St. in Black Mountain. Read more...

Bellamy Bringing the Broadband?

Hunter Goosmann, the mastermind behind the ERC's regional broadband service, twittered a link to stimulus money dedicated to expanding broadband access: Read more...

Give Consumers Quality Products!

Hope my readers can stand one more column about shoddy workmanship. I've written one after another because nothing is made well anymore! The other day, my normally even keeled husband blew his lid because...Here we are in this beautiful brand new townhome with all new state of the art appliances and every single one of them is defective. Each appliance requires a different technician to come out and check the problem which requires sitting and waiting from 8 to 5 for each one of them to show up and tell you what you already know... Read more...

YWCA Offers Special Pass for Bike/Walk Commuters

People who walk or bicycle to downtown Asheville now have an opportunity to shower before heading into the office. The YWCA of Asheville at 185 S. French Broad Avenue is introducing a trial program called the Y Commute Pass which will be offered during the months of June, July and August 2009. This program will allow bicycle commuters and walkers access to the locker room, a locker, and shower for $50.00 for the three months. Read more...

DTMP: Section Two - Parking and Moving

I've got three favorite parking places downtown. One of them remains unmetered. Each requires an extra block of walking to city center. You all have your favorite spots as well, even the cyclists and the scooterati. Anecdotes suggest that some folks have a terrible time finding a place to park whenever they come downtown. Downtown business owners want it to be easy for people to get out of their cars and move all over the city. Read more...

Green Opportunities

If you work with teens or know someone who does, please turn them on to this excellent organization, Green Opportunities. GO 'is dedicated to building a strong and just green economy in Western NC from the bottom-up through green-collar job training, community education, and green microenterprises.' Read more...

Today's Happenings, Beer and more...

Update on local beer news and other interesting happenings from Julie at Bruisin' Ales. Read more...

Paddlin the Nolichucky for a Cause

The Nolichucky River is one of the crown jewels of the region. Its crystal clear headwaters start at the base of the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi and flow through a gorge with some of the best whitewater in the Southeast, a stretch so scenic it has been considered for listing on the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers list. But the river is under threat. There has been a 45% increase in the amount of state listed impaired streams since 2006. Read more...

DTMP: Section One - Arts, Culture, History

Section One of the DTMP is focused on arts, culture, and history in downtown Asheville. Folks all have their favorite and least favorite things about going downtown. I love hearing music in the streets, seeing art wherever I look, running into friends, and the abounding culture of creativity. A combination of low property values a generation ago, relentless entrepreneurship, city planning, and a most excellent populace has created a downtown full of life, where it feels like anything could happen. Read more...

Locomotivity, Get Your Cowork On

I've been trying to get over to Locomotivity since it opened on March 30th of 2009. Then, a few weeks ago I got word from Jose Ibarra, of Applied Solutions Group, Inc, that Locomotivity might have a podcasting studio in the works. For those who don't know, Locomotivity is a new coworking space located at 224 Broadway Street, in the building formerly occupied by the Costume Shoppe. Locomotivity is the project of Lance Ball, a local web applications... Read more...

NC Legislation: 'Contraversial, Statewide Smoking Ban Passed'

I personally think that last week's passing of the statewide smoking ban is a big deal. I know that for smokers this new legislation is annoying, but personally I welcome the change. Read more...

Strive Not To Drive - Day Four - A Multimodal Future

This post is a sort of transcript from the speech I gave tonight at The Wedge. It was the first of four public events there. We served up 98 black bean burgers and had a great time. The next one is June 11th. I'm running for Asheville City Council because I want to help make Asheville more affordable and more sustainable. By working together, we can create a city that works for more of us. Focusing on our common goals will move us a lot further than focusing on those things that divide us. Read more...

No High-Rise in front of the Basilica!

One of the most beautiful buildings in Asheville celebrates its 100th birthday this year. The historic Basilica of St. Lawrence was built in 1909, and sits at the entrance to downtown. The City of Asheville is now negotiating with the McKibbon Hotel Group to sell them the land in front of the Basilica. Read more...

Asheville Pizza: Area Classic

Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co is a local place where my mom, Veronica, and I go sometimes to go eat or watch a movie. There are two locations: One at 675 Merrimon Ave, and the 2nd is located at 77 Coxe Ave. The Merrimon location is the only one with a theatre. They have movies for $3/person, which is not bad compared to the $8 movie prices at regular theaters. Read more...

Downtown Master Plan - An Overview

The Final Draft of the Downtown Master Plan is a creation of consensus and compromise. Dedicated people from every cranny of our community devoted 5,000 hours of their time to hammer this thing out. Public input sessions were frequent and very well attended. So no matter where you land in assessing the DTMP, you can respect the process that went into creating it. Read more...

Parkway Opens at Craggy Gardens May 15th

Parkway Opens One-Lane Traffic on May 15, 2009, Through Craggy Gardens Area. Blue Ridge Parkway officials are pleased to announce the opening of the Craggy Gardens Area to alternating one-lane traffic beginning on May 15, 2009. The Parkway detour between US 70 at Milepost 382.5 and NC Route 226 at Milepost 330.9/Gillespie Gap will be discontinued. However, retaining wall reconstruction will continue until the estimated completion in mid-June when this section of Parkway will be fully opened for two-lane visitor traffic. Read more...

RiverLink and NOC Whitewater Film Fest

RiverLink and the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) Outpost on the Nolichucky River are hosting a white water film festival to showcase the adventure whitewater films from professional kayakers and filmmakers at Rapid Transit Video. Additional clips about the Nolichucky River and global water quality issues will also be shown. Read more...

RiverLink Volunteer Info Session May 13

Come learn how you can make a difference in making the French Broad River watershed a healthier place to live, work and play at our next Volunteer Information Session on Wednesday May 13th at 10am and 5pm at our offices. Take this opportunity to learn what we do at RiverLink and how you can help us. Read more...

Asheville City Chickens Meetup

Now that Asheville's Animal Control Ordinance has been changed to be more permissive of urban chickens, it's time to shift Asheville City Chickens from a grassroots political group to a group of engaged urban chickeners interested in raising chickens in a city setting and dedicated to helping others in their endeavors. In order to facilitate that, Cathy has set up a MeetUp.com account to allow us to arrange get togethers among those interested in urban chickens in the Asheville area. Read more...

Asheville's Downtown Master Plan

Tomorrow the Goody Clancy team, who paid $170,000 to collect, synthesize, and present the work of the Advisory Team, will present it's Final Draft Downtown Master Plan (DTMP) to City Council. The plan is a result of 5,000 hours of volunteers' time and an enormous amount of input from every corner of downtown. Two weeks from tomorrow, on May 26, City Council will hold a public hearing on the Plan. Between now and then there's going to be a lot of wrangling over this vision for Asheville. Read more...

Parkside: Appeals Court To Hear Case May 19

Here's a great chance for the multiple civic organizations who opposed the Parkside boondoggle to come together one more time. According to the Asheville Citizen-Times, 'The state Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear arguments May 19 in a lawsuit over Buncombe County's 2006 sale of property just west of City Hall to developer Stewart Coleman...' Read more...

Tied with Portland! Asheville is Eastern 'Beer City, USA!'

'Over 16,000 people from 46 countries cast votes between March 18 and May 7 for their favorite Beer City USA. In the end Portland, Oregon and Asheville, North Carolina gathered the most votes. It was close right up until the end. Philadelphia came in third with 1,103 votes and cities with over 100 votes were:' Read more...

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credits

What if someone gave you $10,000 in cash for buying house in 2009? In effect, that is what the federal and North Carolina governments are doing with their First-Time Home Buyer tax credits this year. Buyers won't literally receive a pile of bills, but they will receive a very large refund check from Uncle Sam once they file their 2009 taxes. Read more...

Media Arts Advantage Fund Open Now

The MAP has been supporting artists, innovation, and the regional economy since 2001. As a member of the Board of the MAP, I can attest to the passion and talent that goes into this Media Arts Advantage Fund. Please help spread the word about this excellent opportunity Read more...

AT&T..The Real Yellow Pages..A.K.A. The Big Ripoff!

Consumer activist Debi Drecksler speaks out against AT&T's Real Yellow Pages monopolostic business practices and its cost to small business owners. Read more...

French Broad River Fins & Gills Classic Fishing Tournament - Get out your Fishing Poles!

Get out your fishing poles and start practicing your casting for the French Broad River Fins & Gills Classic Fishing Tournament on May 9th! Sponsored by Clear Channel Radio of Asheville and Asheville Outdoor Center, this event will benefit RiverLink to further its mission to protect and restore the French Broad River and its watershed as a place to live, work and play! Read more...

HATCH Design Mentor Manuel Lima Blogs About Asheville

The Design and Technology panel was certainly one of the high points of HATCHfest 2009. I recently found myself talking about the panel with it's moderator, Sean McDonald of Jute Networks. He informed me that Manuel Lima, a HATCH Design Mentor, recently wrote a glowing review of the festival and the city Asheville on his blog. Read more...

Paddlin the Nolichucky Kick-off Event & Overnight Camping Trip

RiverLink's Riverkeeper, with the help of Altamont Environmental, is kicking off the Paddlin' the Nolichucky event on May 23rd from 11 am - 1 pm at Riverside Park in Spruce Pine, NC. This ground breaking trip is a two week monitoring, education, and outreach trip, starting on the North Toe River in Spruce Pine and finishing at the mouth of French Broad River, 140 miles down stream. Read more...

Downtown Master Plan Moves Forward

The Downtown Master Plan is entering its final phase towards adoption. Read more...

French Broad River Camps

Please help us spread the word about this summer opportunity for rising 3rd-8th graders. RiverLink excited to announce the second annual French Broad River Camps that will focus on Environmental Education, River Recreation, and Service Learning with the French Broad River as our classroom! Read more...

Family Support Network of WNC

The Family Support Network (FSN) of WNC is one of 18 other such parent-to-parent programs across North Carolina. Since March of 1998, we have provided services to families of children with special needs. We are employees of Mission Hospitals and staffed by five parents/professionals of children with special needs who can really relate to the families that come to us for support. Read more...

HATCHfest: Now I Get It!

In the weeks leading up to HATCHfest Asheville, which took place around downtown Asheville from April 15th - 19th 2009, I found it difficult to gauge my expectations. I didn't understand the festival, and it wasn't for a lack of effort. I had watched the promotional video several times, spoken to several HATCH organizers including Greg Lucas of Music Allies and Jon Elliston of the Mountain Xpress. I even wrote an article for the site about the festival. Despite my best efforts, I had absolutely no idea what to expect Read more...

Part 2: Friday at HATCHfest

Part 2 of my review of HATCHfest 2009: The following morning I was back in the Innovator's Lounge for the Journalism panel. Moderated by Jon Elliston of the Mountain Xpress, the panel included notable journalists from across the country. The conversation centered on the shifting media world under the pressure of new media and declining advertising revenue. Read more...

Yes To Urban Chickens

Urban agriculture saves practitioners money. Whether it's your bountiful garden, your beehive, or your chickens - choosing to raise one's own food is a simple, effective way to live less expensively and more sustainably. It increases a municipality's food security, and it teaches self-reliance to neighbors. Read more...

Moving Asheville Into a Green Paradigm

On this Earth Day, I'm going to highlight some of the aspects of my City Council campaign that speak directly to addressing global climate change here in Asheville. We can't wait for someone else to solve the problems in our community. We must work together and move our city into a green paradigm that elevates our economy, respects our environment, and lifts up our neighborhoods. Read more...

Director's Notes for 'A Number' at North Carolina Stage Company, April 15 to May 3, 2009

Were you jazzed to see Tyler Hansbrough work his magic for the Tar Heels in the recent NCAA National Championship? Did you take in the game on a big flat-screen TV? What would you have given to have really been there, court-side? Read more...

NC Legislators Move to Derail Municipal Internet Services

If this bill passes, then you can say sayonara to any present or future municipal internet services. Read more...

Asheville vs. Portland for Best Beer City, USA

On March 19th, 2009 Charlie Papazian, a food writer for the Charlotte, NC based Examiner.com, published a poll asking visitors to rate the best beer city in the United States. As of today about 6,300 people have voted. Asheville is currently in 2nd place with 1867 votes, just behind Portland, OR with 1907 votes. Read more...

Asheville Greenworks Invites You To The Orange Peel

Earth Day Asheville, a concert event presented by Clear Channel Radio and Greenlife Grocery, will be a music and dance party for everyone to celebrate our clean and green future in support of Asheville GreenWorks, the local Keep America Beautiful affiliate. The concert, which will raise funds for earth-friendly projects, is scheduled for April 22 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm at the Orange Peel. Read more...

LaZoom Kicks Off 3rd Season with Local Discounts

LaZoom is offering $10 tickets for locals April 15th through the 30th! Join us in celebrating our 3rd season with a new comedy show and live music. Grab a friend and a six pack and hop on the bus! Bus departs at 6pm from the French Broad food Co-op at 90 Biltmore Ave Tuesday-Saturday. Read more...

8 Chances to Win Great Outdoor Gear

Buying just one $10 raffle ticket in the Save the French Broad River Raffle gets you 8 chances to win some great outdoor gear while supporting RiverLink to clean up the French Broad River! Sponsored by Asheville Adventure Guide, the raffle will have a monthly drawing from May 2009 through December 2009. Read more...

French Broad River Cleanup and Concert April 25 in Brevard, NC

RiverLink and Duck Pond Pottery of Brevard, NC will host a stream cleanup of the French Broad River where it flows along Greenville Highway (Hwy 276) just a few miles outside of Brevard. We will leave from Hap Simpson Riverfront Park and go out in canoes to remove trash from the river. Following the cleanup, join us for a potluck and evening of local music and art through the Duck Pond at Dusk summer concert series. Read more...

Meet the Brewer: Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head

On Friday, May 15, Bruisin' Ales will hold TWO private tasting sessions with Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head: 5 - 7pm and 7 - 9pm. Only 30 tickets will be sold for each session. Read more...

I'm at the Artecture panel

Just sitting in the architecture panel. Read more...

Just attended a HATCH journalism panel

I just attended a HATCH journalism panel. Lots o' fun. Picture included. Read more...

Home Schooling in Asheville

Home schooling is becoming increasingly popular in North Carolina. In fact, there were roughly 7,000 new home schools in our state this year. The North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education reports that 2,932 students in Buncombe County are home schooled. That's the 3rd largest home-school population in the state... Read more...

Paddlin the Nolichucky

Paddlin the Nolichucky is a two week monitoring, education, and outreach trip, starting on the North Toe River in Spruce Pine, NC and finishing at the mouth of French Broad River, 140 miles down stream. This paddling trip is design to monitor the water quality of the river, but to also educate the public about the challenges facing the river and highlight the river as a world class recreation destination. Read more...

April 16: Beer Wars LIVE!

Bruisin' Ales is pleased to host an Asheville screening of Beer Wars LIVE! This is a simulcast event held nationwide on April 16 at 8pm. $15/pp The showing will take place at Carolina Cinemas 14 on Hendersonville Road in South Asheville. Read more...

Asheville Lightning Track and Field Team

The Asheville Lightning is one of the most respected and largest youth summer track and field teams in North Carolina, and every year has over 100 team members from Asheville and Western North Carolina. Read more...

A Cat Lover Finds a Vet in Asheville, NC

Finding a vet in Asheville wasn't easy when I moved here four years ago. My three tabbies were stressed by our flight from the Rust Belt. They had lost the ten-acre farm that was their hunting ground in Northern Ohio, as well as the tender care of a gruff but well-trained farm vet, who had nurtured each of them from kitten hood into a full-fledged mouse-killing machine. Read more...

Mountain BizWorks

Mountain BizWorks' mission is to provide entrepreneurs with access to business instruction, professional support, and loans, which in turn, help create and sustain successful businesses that help grow the economy of Western North Carolina. Read more...

Autism in Asheville: How to Find Local Support

Many people with autism, regardless of family income, are eligible for state-funded 'services'. 'Services' usually means getting to have some form of support, such as a case-manager, and a one-on-one for the individual with autism, outside of school. The amount of one-on-one time a person receives depends on several factors, including severity of symptoms, compounding health problems, and living situation. Read more...

Riverside Studios Gallery Show

Riverside Studios, an artist's property and gallery located in Asheville's historic river district, recently opened to the public November 7, 2008 for the city's annual River Arts District Studio Stroll. Owned by sculptor James Richbourg, the gallery is open until December 7, 2008 and features a variety of eclectic mediums created by some of Asheville's most exciting and enthusiastic local talent. Read more...

Grand Opening of A Boy and His Dog Fine Art

On Friday, November 14, 2008 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm A Boy and His Dog Fine Art in downtown Asheville celebrates its grand opening with an art show by nationally acclaimed artist Steve Tracy. The gallery is located at 89 Patton Avenue, next to the popular Jack of the Wood pub, and features nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. Owned by David Todd, A Boy and His Dog Fine Art was previously located in Key West, Florida. Todd has owned the gallery for over twelve years and opened multiple galleries in Florida. Read more...

Local Artist, Jonas Gerard featured on ABC's 20/20

When ABC correspondent Bill Weir came to Asheville recently in search of what makes people happy, he knew that author Eric Weiner's book "The Geography of Bliss" had named Asheville the happiest place in America. The ABC 20/20 program that came out of this visit emphasized the connection of community that people experience living in Asheville. Read more...

Portland East

In the beer world of Asheville, NC, there is a considerable buzz about the latest brewery opening or the most current seasonal offering making its way to shelves and taps around what many consider to be the Portland, OR of the Southeast. Portland is far and away the frontrunner in this country for craft beer and its associated culture. Read more...