Asheville North Carolina

NC Stage - Asheville Comedy 'True West'

2010-02-09T13:48:00.001-05:00

Asheville, NC – North Carolina Stage Company has added five performances to the run of True West, due to strong advance sales. The comedy opens February 17th, and now runs for four weeks, through Saturday March 13.

Tickets went on sale Monday February 8th for the additional performances, which are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30pm and one Saturday matinee at 2:00pm

NC Stage has been watching advance ticket sales for True West, and decided to extend the run of the show this week. The theatre typically sells about 20%-30% of its available seats before opening night; advance sales for True West are already over 50% of capacity.

Asheville actors Charlie Flynn-McIver and Scott Treadway play estranged brothers in Sam Shepard's acclaimed comedy True West. This brilliant and dangerous comedy premiered in 1980 and established Sam Shepard as a master of American theatre. The play also features Lance Ball and Kay Galvin, and is directed by Angie Flynn-McIver, cofounder and Producing Director of NCSC.

Tickets for True West are $16-$26. Tickets for Wednesday March 10th are $20, with half the proceeds benefiting Signal FM 90.5 in Haiti.

North Carolina Stage Company is Asheville's professional non-profit theatre, presenting a year-round season of classic and contemporary plays, plus community-centered programs like the grassroots Catalyst Series and No Shame Theatre. NC Stage's 2009-2010 Season is sponsored by Blueprints for Business, The Colorful Palate Catering, Elizabeth Keel, PLLC, Imaging Technologies, the North Carolina Arts Council, Treadshots Photography. Onstage Playbill Sponsors are Charlotte Street Computers and Wick and Greene Jewelers.

Tickets are available at 828-239-0263 or www.ncstage.org, as well as the Pack Place ticket counter.

Asheville Chamber partners w/ Young Professionals

2010-02-08T17:14:00.003-05:00

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF ASHEVILLE
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the Young Professionals of Asheville (YPA) and the Chamber have entered into a partnership to deliver the finest development opportunities for our community's future leaders. To celebrate this new relationship, the Chamber and YPA will be hosting a celebration for Asheville's young professionals on February 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Visitor Center at the Chamber Building.

"The partnership with the Young Professionals of Asheville is an exciting opportunity for the Chamber to provide leadership and professional development opportunities for Asheville's future leaders," said Rick Lutovsky, President of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. "Many Chambers nationwide find that young professional programs in their communities serve as a training ground for advancing these individuals into the leaders that our small businesses, corporations, and organizations need."

The YPA program is focused on business networking, personal growth, leadership development, and social interaction for individuals in the Asheville area between the ages of 21 and 40. Any young professional in the area is welcome to participate in YPA programs with discounted program rates offered to Chamber members and their employees. "Partnering with the Chamber will allow YPA to reach many more young professionals in our community and create opportunities that we would not be able to accomplish independently," said Grant Gosch, President of YPA, and Director of Business Development at First Light Solar.

The celebration on February 18 will showcase some of the many talents of Asheville's young professionals. The Colorful Palate will be providing hors d'oeuvres, Short Street Cakes will provide dessert, and Craggie Brewing Company will be providing local craft beer for the reception. For more information on the celebration please visit http://www.ypasheville.org/

Large sink hole @ Pomodoros Cafe in East Asheville

2010-02-08T15:21:00.000-05:00

The Power Of Water!
On my way down US70 in East Asheville today I was surprised to find this rather large sink hole in the parking lot adjacent to Pomodoros Cafe. Most likely the result of a failed storm drain system under the asphalt parking lot. The hole is at least 10 feet in diameter and 8 to 10 feet deep. Appears no cars were parked at the location when the cave in occurred. I'm not certain when the sink occurred; has anyone heard of this already?

Be mindful where you park.
AP
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Do we practice what we preach?

2010-02-07T13:18:00.000-05:00

Asheville is the largest purveyor of water in the Western North Carolina region. If you visit the City of Asheville official website you can find a lot of information about the city’s commitment to water conservation and some pretty helpful educational resources. My question is; are they practicing what they’re preaching? From a public perspective it would appear so. As you take a closer look you may begin to wonder about the sincerity of their effort. An example of what I’ve seen recently is indeed ironic. Within the past couple weeks I had visited the Asheville Water Maintenance Dept. While there I visited the bathroom facilities in the male locker room. As soon as I entered the room I heard the familiar sound of “a leak”. After spending 30 plus years in the plumbing trade I have what is called a plumber's ear; I notice audible leaks that most people wouldn't. What I found in this bathroom was antiquated to say the least.

-Every faucet had aerators that blasted out 3 gallons or more per minute
-One of the two toilets was a 3 to 5 gallon per flush water hog that had a leaking flapper therefore it was constantly running (this was the leak I heard)
-The shower-heads had not been upgraded

A toilet with a silent leak can waste as much as 7000 gallons of water per month. An audible leak can waste 25,000 gallons or more per month.

From what I have seen this is indicative of most city managed/owned buildings including schools. The city is preaching to the community about water conservation but has been very slow to upgrade there own facilities? Herein lies the problem from my perspective; It’s the “Do as I say not as I do” and the “It’s not my problem” mentality that are our biggest hurdles.

Asheville has a long history of being at the forefront of water efficiency in the region. I was first enlightened to this in a conversation with former Asheville Mayor Leni Sitnick. A couple years ago during a conversation she very proudly reminisced on some of the groundbreaking (at the time) efforts and ingenuity the City had demonstrated in the 70’s and 80’s. Recently Asheville has provided water conservation kits to its residents at no charge. Certainly on the outside Asheville seems to be “leading” the way to water efficiency.

-Have you ever seen a water leak on the street but didn’t bother to report it?
-Do you shave in the shower?
-How often do you pour the leftover pot of coffee down the drain?
-Do leave the lights on in a room when no one is there?
-Do you capture the water from the faucet or shower while you wait for the water to get hot, then use it to water plants or fill the pet bowl or flush the toilet?
-How many pairs of shoes do you own?
-Do you buy locally grown foods at your local farmers market?
-Do you buy bottled water?

It is very easy to talk about how to improve water and energy efficiency but most of us find it much more difficulty to take the action necessary to do it. Truth is the most effective means to help preserves this precious natural resource is available to everyone and best of all, it’s free. Changing our habits is the first step to creating sustainable change. If we don’t commit to changing ourselves we are not going to fix the problem.

I’d like to hear about your water conservation efforts or help you learn how to make simple changes that can make a difference.
Reply to: AquaPro

AP

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

Asheville Yoga: What's the Buzz?

2010-02-03T18:38:00.006-05:00

BIKRAM YOGA ASHEVILLE
Adi Westerman and Janet Horn are bringing the health benefits of yoga to the hot sweaty masses in Asheville.

They Don’t Mess Around
It’s hot. No really, really, seriously hot. I am wearing as little clothing as possible in a public place, standing about 3 feet away from another scantily clad individual with a nervous look on his face. We’re sweaty, we’re thirsty and we are secretly planning our escape. And this is yoga?

Not Your Mama’s Yoga Class
Bikram Yoga, also known as Hot Yoga, has developed quite a buzz in the global yoga community these days. Now folks here in Asheville are experiencing it for themselves. This particular branch of Hatha Yoga, or the physical form of yoga, founded by its namesake Bikram Choudhury, is performed in a room heated to around 105 degrees. A highly disciplined practice, students practice the same 26 yoga poses, 2 breathing exercises and 2 sets of each in every class.

By now you have most likely heard about the health benefits of yoga practice but perhaps not so sure about the intimidating 105 degrees? Bikram Yoga Asheville owner, Janet Horn says, “Just try it. While it’s not for everyone, the heat has many benefits." The sky high temperatures of a Bikram Yoga class not only helps to acclimate your body to heat (helpful when coping with hot flashes) and allows you to move safely and deeper into the body (great when dealing with injury) it also can be quite empowering and add quality to your life, increased self esteem leading to healthier lifestyle and eating habits according to Janet. Other reported benefits include relief from symptoms of asthma, chronic pain, high blood pressure and rosacea of the skin.

What’s Resolution Got To Do With It?
February 1st, the folks at Bikram Yoga Asheville kicked off their 60 Day Challenge where practitioners will complete 60 yoga classes in 60 days. Whew!

Want to know more? Check out this article recently featured in O, The Oprah Magazine about one woman’s 60 Day Total Life Makeover which included a Bikram 60 Day Challenge. And here is a follow up article.

More Resources
-Bikram Yoga Asheville’s website with class schedule and information for beginners.
-Here is what you can expect at your first Hot Yoga Class.
-More yoga classes in Asheville.

But don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself and I’ll see you in class!

Lindsay Fields

Lindsay Fields is currently teaching yoga at Anytime Fitness in West Asheville and South Asheville Yoga Studio. For more information on yoga and Lindsay including her current class schedule, please visit lindsayfields.com.

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

PR Pros connect for "A Sweet Success"

2010-02-02T11:40:00.004-05:00

To get one's just desserts, public relations experts know that in 2010, the sweetness lies in connecting, not competing for success.

The Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina continues to embrace cutting edge practice and provide exceptional networking opportunities for industry executives throughout the region. As members respond to sweeping changes in information delivery and monetization, an emphasis on sharing knowledge and building trust has emerged.

This month, PRAWNC joins chocolatier Jael Rattigan of French Broad Chocolate Lounge in an after-hours event that reders traditional grip-and-grin networking passe' on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12; the event is open to members and guests who RSVP by February 4.

Of course, Rattigan - whose impeccable palette and handcrafted chocolates are legend - has particularly handchosen artisanal chocolates for the gathering. Guests will sample pots de creme, salted honey caramel, and coconut macaroon with a chocolate grenache kiss. Complementary locally roasted French press coffee will accompany the treats.

Guests may also order signature liquid truffle hot sipping chocolates, local draught beer, small production wines, organic loose-leaf teas, and gift chocolates at the counter.

Ingeniously, the real "bon bon" of the evening isn't semi-sweet, it's semi-structured. Unique networking activities ensure that all comers walk away with real connections to others who celebrate and appreciate all things public relations, says Rachel Miller, vice president of PRAWNC.

"After all, isn't success sweeter when it's mutual and covered in chocolate?" Find out more.

The Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts "Sweet Success" at The French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Asheville, Thursday, Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m., the cost is $12 for members and guests and includes chocolates and French Press coffee. The French Broad Chocolate Lounge is located at 10 South Lexington Ave. For more information or to RSVP by Feb. 4, contact Rachel Miller at rachel@mountainbizworks.org

Sherri L. McLendon is a freelance writer, blogger, and communications consultant online at http://www.sherrimclendon.com. Email her directly at sherri@sherrimclendon.com, or read her media blog at http://sherrimclendon.blogspot.com.

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

Carolina Pediatric Therapy Opens New Office

2010-02-01T13:20:00.006-05:00

The staff of Carolina Pediatric Therapy Associates are settling into their new offices in South Asheville. The new space features more rooms for employees to conduct physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions, as well as a large gym-style room in which clients can receive services. The big room features such tools as a ball pit and swings, making therapy fun for young clients. A quiet, serene waiting room lets parents relax in comfort while their children are back with the therapist.

In addition to providing therapy in the new expanded office space, Carolina Peds continues to provide in-home therapy services as well.

The new office is located just off Hendersonville Rd. near the intersection with Long Shoals Rd., less than 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. For more information, call (828) 670-8056 or visit their website at www.carolinapeds.com.

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

Local activists focus energies on mountaintop removal, clean energy

2010-01-30T19:11:00.006-05:00

Western North Carolina’s activists and clean energy advocates are all fired up about mountaintop removal, a practice they describe as an environmental and social justice issue.

“Thank god we don’t have coal underneath our beautiful mountains in Western North Carolina,” says Fern Greenleaf, 22, a senior transfer student from Gloucester, Mass., who majors in environmental studies and creative writing at Warren Wilson College. “That doesn’t mean we’re not contributing to the problem of burning coal.”

Historically, Western North Carolinians have heated their homes using coal. The late 19th and early 20th century bungalows and cottages throughout the Asheville area, frequently retain old coal heating apparatus like the bin, above, in their basements. Now, many homes are fitted for electric heat, which is also generated by coal fired plants. As energy usage and rates soar due to this winter's record colds, interest in affordable energy alternatives runs high as demands for coal increase.
Coal burned to generate power in Western North Carolina is mined in Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia, through a strip mining process called "ridge removal." During the process, mountain tops are dynamited, the soil scraped away, the coal removed, and the debris pushed into valleys.

Three weeks ago, Warren Wilson hosted singer/activist Kathy Mattea for a presentation and performance highlighting the effects of mountaintop removal and Mattea's role in the process.
At best, mountaintop removal is an ugly process. Mining companies consider it necessary for the expeditious, affordable removal of coal. Activists consider it tantamount to rape. Appalachian families have lost lives, homes, and heritage to the practice.
Meanwhile, individuals like Greenleaf, who interned last summer with the United Mountain Defense in Knoxville, Tenn., is representative of a group of students and activists in Western North Carolina who are fighting to stop mountaintop removal. However, “in my mind, the coal companies have not truly heard the people of Appalachia,” she says. “By destroying the environment, they are destroying lives.”
Luna Scarano, 21, a junior philosophy major at WWC, agrees that mountaintop removal must be stopped. Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., she first learned about the practice when an informational road show visited her university. Already an activist, her interest spiked when she realized that Appalachian coal was being sent up north to generate power.
When she transferred to Warren Wilson, the advocacy group, ilovemountains.org, arranged for Scarano and others to tour Larry Gibson’s endangered ancestral home at Kayford Mountain, W.V., and the flattened landscapes surrounding it.
“It was just overwhelming, and it spurred an interest in trying to stop it,” said Scarano, who works with Greenleaf and other activists to target facilities using coal – or doing so when built.
Scarano plans to take part in the non-profit activist group Mountain Justice summer program, taking action, doing community outreach, and increasing her involvement in campaigns and issues. She sees fighting mountaintop removal and promoting clean alternatives as “an all encompassing campaign” including adjusting consumption, boycotting funding suppliers, and reconsidering energy plants.
“They’re all connected in a web of power and evil,” she says. A statement which sounds extreme, but so does the unwavering interests of corporations like Progress Energy, Massey Energy, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, and others.
For Greenleaf, a meaningful dialogue would include legislative caps and real questioning of the current system allowing mining companies to continue mountaintop removal with what she sees as little accountability for undesirable outcomes, like toxic contamination threatening health and destroying the environment. And, it would include an effort “to see what we can do to build sustainable economies in the area.”
“We need to recognize our own use of coal is going to come to an end. Will we have breathable air, and a livable climate, before we stop using it a lot?” She suggests this transition must hurt the people of Appalachia as little as possible, including those people who depend on coal mining for their livelihood.
For more information on Asheville activism and advocacy regarding the issue of mountaintop removal, go to www.ilovemountains.org, http://www.mountainjusticesummer.org/, and in collaboration with related issues, http://www.risingtidenorthamerica.org/wordpress/category/coal/.
Sherri L. McLendon is a freelance writer from Weaverville, N.C. She can be reached online at sherri@sherrimclendon.com. Readers can view her webpage at http://www.sherrimclendon.com/, or check out her media blog at www.sherrimclendon@blogspot.com

Free Asheville Social Media School #socialmedia

2010-01-30T15:57:00.001-05:00

Asheville's G Social Media (GSocialMedia.com) is going to be networking with many people and businesses in the Asheville NC area to bring you a free monthly Social Media workshop and class designed to teach you the basics, essentials, and advanced learning needed to initiate or improve your social media efforts for yourself and/or your business.

We invite you to come to Asheville and learn, ask all of the questions you have, and understand why social media is so important for the future of our society and your business. You will also learn some key information about websites, their place and importance, and how all websites are not created equal.

The events will be at different locations around Asheville each month to show you an example of true networking, reaching out, and meeting new people. You WILL learn how to CONNECT! We have about 12 businesses already interested in hosting our workshop meetings, and readily welcome more invitations from other local Asheville and WNC businesses.

Social Media allows all of us to control our own destiny if used properly. Knowing how to set up a Facebook fan page and Twitter account is something you will learn, but that is just the beginning of the road we "must" travel. You will learn about twitter, facebook, blogs, networking, feeds, socializing, people skills, business interaction, friendliness, strategy, and so much more. This is not just needed for marketing; but for life in general! Having someone tell you they "have it covered" is not enough. Asheville... you need to make sure you are doing all you can and in a very economical way. I have a plan! We have been doing social media and networking for companies in different ways for about 15 years now in the Western North Carolina area and beyond. Let us show you how, and help you learn everything you need to know and more about Social Media.

The first event in Asheville will be on February 25, 2010 from 5pm - 7pm at a location to be determined. You can view and rsvp to the event on Facebook. (***Location has been set! The Downtown Market on 45 South French Broad Ave, right down the street from the Federal Building)

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

Innovative Chiropractor

2010-01-26T16:03:00.001-05:00

Atlas Family Chiropractic is excited to announce that they are offering state-of-the-art chiropractic therapies in their new Asheville, NC office located in the Pioneer Building at 190 Broadway Avenue, Suite 202.

Dr. David Nygaard, MS, MBA, DC, Board Certified Atlas Orthogonist, Palmer College Graduate and owner of Atlas Family Chiropractic is a recognized expert in the advanced specialty of Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic.

Atlas Family Chiropractic is not your run of the mill chiropractic care facility. They specialize in spinal decompression and Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic. Both therapies require intense training, advanced equipment and expertise.

Liisa Sullivan is the president of Write Away, Inc. (www.writeawayplus.com), a content writing firm that specializes in writing for the travel, food, hospitality, real estate and medical fields.

ClimbMax Climbing Center

2010-01-26T15:59:00.001-05:00

Discover the ClimbMax Climbing Center

At the ClimbMax Climbing Center in downtown Asheville, children can practice rock-climbing skills in a safe, supervised environment. The Climbing Center is set-up with indoor walls that replicate actual rock climbs. Children may participate in bouldering or unroped climbing, no higher than 12 feet. Visitors may also choose to partake in ‘Staff Belays,’ where trained and certified professionals assist with roping, knotting and harnessing participants. The ClimbMax Climbing Center is an interactive environment that children will remember long after their Asheville visit.

www.climbmaxnc.com
43 Wall Street
Asheville, NC 28801-2709
(828) 252-9996

Liisa Sullivan, is the president of Write Away, Inc. (www.writeawayplus.com), a content writing firm that focuses on travel, food, hospitality, real estate and medical writing.

Asheville Reps for Highland Brewing's 15th Anniversary Party

2010-01-23T08:44:00.000-05:00

What a great time all of us had last night at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville North Carolina. Highland, along with Barley's Pizza, was celebrating 15 years in business in the WNC area. While Asheville is a beer city, they are part of the beer heritage in the community, having the first microbrewery in Asheville NC. Exciting times then, now, and so much more to come in the near future. Here are some clips of local people sending some shout-outs of support for Highland. In this video: See Julie from Bruisin Ales, Kevin from Asheville Independent Restaurants and the Grove Park Inn, Richard Lutovsky - President and CEO of the Asheville Chamber, Now You See Them - popular local Asheville musicians, Dan from Skyland Distributing, Jimi from Barley's Pizza and Taproom, Bill from PaleoSun Web Design, and Drea - a Broker with Candy Whitt & Associates. Fun fun for everyone. Beer beer was everywhere. Thank you Highland Brewing for being a pioneer craft beer company in Asheville and for making this 15th Anniversary Party night a landmark community event.

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

HAIRCUTS FOR HAITI -- The compassion of Asheville Hair Salons

2010-01-21T09:44:00.007-05:00

We live in a very special city. Asheville has many gifts to offer us and at the top of the list is the caring and compassion of its people. Hair Studios around the city join forces on Monday, Feb 1st to raise funds on behalf of the people of Haiti.

An Asheville-wide Cut-a-thon has been organized and each hair salon will donate on that day to charitable organizations assisting the humanitarian effort in Haiti.

To date there are six salons who will be participating. These salons are:

Wildflower Studio is donating to Doctors Without Borders emergency fund. Call 505.9490 for an appointment.

Salon Dragonfly is donating to http://www.howcantheyhear.org/, an Asheville family living in Haiti and assisting in humanitarian efforts. Call 253.3977 for an appointment.

L'Eau De Vie is donating to Hearts with Hands, a local humanitarian effort. Call 258.9741 for an appointment.

Water Lily Salon is also donating to Hearts with Hands as well as to Doctors Without Borders, Call 505.3288 for an appointment.

Evolutions Salon has also join the effort. Call 274.7662 for an appointment.

Adorn Salon and Boutique is contributing with their manicures and massages! Call 225.8828 for an appointment.

Please contact the salons directly to book your appointment. As word spreads through town, more salons will surely join in.

DO NOT FORGET -- MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS EVENT FEB 1, 2010

Supporting this grassroots effort of the hair salons the following people have donated their time and energy:

Stu at Cheesy Graphics, Susanne at Pollinate Consulting, Mountain Xpress as well as Asheville Radio Group

___________________________
Lizette Pirtle is a Franchise and Business Consultant. She and her husband, Bob, own International Expansion Experts. Lizette's passion is helping small businesses grow and succeed. You can contact her at 864-248-6408.

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

“Green” Hair in Asheville?

2010-01-21T09:26:00.007-05:00

Yes, there are people here in Asheville with green hair; after all, we live in an eccentric, colorful, wonderful city. But, I’m not referring to this type of green hair; instead I’m talking about the eco-friendly kind: a hair studio without harsh chemicals or noise pollution. I’m talking about the unique Wildflower Studio, Salon and Natural Healing owned by Amanda Seta Lawton.

Amanda has been a hair stylist for twelve years. She came to Asheville in 2004 to study Herbalism. And, it so happened, as it does to so many, that she fell in lovewith Asheville, the compassion of its people, and the beauty of its surroundings. So, she decided to continue her hair styling career here, in beautiful Asheville. She worked for several traditional salons in town, and after continuously being surrounded by chemicals and loud noise, she decided to open a new concept in hair care in Asheville, a place more aligned with her beliefs and temperament – a personalized, small, peaceful, chemical-free environment to cater to like-minded eco-conscious people.

The Wildflower Hair Studio is a special place. There’re only two stylists, Amanda and Celene; and the only noise you hear is light jazz playing in the background. The salon is located in one of the charming houses converted to businesses on Merrimon Ave. The studio is small and intimate helping you relax and enjoy your experience. Instead of a chemical filled space, you are surrounded by jars of herbs and the aroma of essential oils based products. Instead of chatty hairstylists you experience the calming, healing energy of Amanda. This is not a sparkly, bright fluorescent lights salon; in its place you find a down to earth warm and airy space where you are bathed by natural light and where you get superb service and highly skilled stylists.

Amanda plans to expand in the future but she won’t compromise her essence. It is this commitment to her values and to creating a healing environment for her clients that gives the Wildflower St udio, Salon and Natural Healing its competitive advantage and makes it a great business.

Check out her website at http://www.wildflowerstudioasheville.com/ or give Amanda or Celene a call at 828-505-9490. Mention AskAsheville.com and you will get a $10 discount for new clients.

Wildflower Studio is located at 348 Merrimon Avenue, suite 7, Asheville, NC 28801

_______________________________

Lizette Pirtle is a Franchise and Business Consultant. She and her husband, Bob, own International Expansion Experts located in Asheville and with clients all over the US and abroad. Lizette's passion is helping small businesses grow and succeed. You can contact her at 864-248-6408.

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

Asheville Chamber President & CEO is retiring

2010-01-20T11:43:00.000-05:00

Richard J. Lutovsky, President & CEO of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, notified the Chamber Board and staff of his intentions to retire this September. The announcement at this time gives the Board nine months to conduct a search and name a successor.

“I am proud of the accomplishments that have taken place at the Chamber and community during my ten-year tenure. We have been at the forefront of advancements in the areas of tourism, workforce and economic development, services to our members, wellness and healthcare. Our staff is outstanding and recognized as such by the national chamber community. They and our Board have delivered for our members and the Asheville area,” Lutovsky said.

“Rick and his team have built one of the most outstanding chambers in the southeast,” stated Michael Willett, Chamber Chairman and Regional President of BB&T. “Of his many successes, he must be recognized for overseeing the funding and construction of our state-of-the-art chamber building and visitor center. We are pleased that he and his wife, Janna, will be staying in Asheville after retirement.”

“My wife is a recent cancer survivor, and I have committed to spending more time with her, doing what we enjoy. Traveling will be part of that,” Lutovsky said.

“There are several initiatives that will take up much of my time over the next nine months. Foremost, are the next Advantage Asheville campaign, Advantage Asheville 2015, and the building of our healthcare plan that the North Carolina Legislature approved last session,” said Lutovsky. “We will also finish our legislative agenda for 2010, conduct the spring Total Resource Campaign and complete other ongoing endeavors. The Board will also have my full support in the transition process.

I have enjoyed every day since arriving in Western North Carolina and appreciate the support of the staff and Board, our great members and volunteers, elected officials and the community. Janna and I look forward to continuing our active involvement, but in a different way,” said Lutovsky.

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

YES! Hip Replacements Clothing in Asheville NC

2010-01-18T19:09:00.001-05:00

Nestled between Izzy’s Coffee Den and Mela Indian Restaurant on Lexington Avenue in Downtown Asheville is a swanky little clothing shop called Hip Replacements. Specializing in the glamour of yesteryear, they don dames and gents with hand picked vintage and eclectic reproductions. Partner in the biz and lover in the bed, Kip Veno adds his rock ‘n roll style and rat rod flair to create a gritty edge that snags your stockings in all the right places.

Both Franzi Charen and Kip moved here from larger, more diverse cities (San Francisco, and NYC respectively) and chose Asheville as their home. “The potential that Asheville has to grow in unique and more diverse ways is delightfully exciting. The opportunity to become involved in the community and create real connections with creative people striving for quality of life is inspiring.” Franzi laughs and opens a beer. “Asheville has surprised both of us; neither of us thought we’d settle down in such a small town.”

Hip Replacements was started by partners Rob Castillo (of 80s Night @ Broadways fame) and Teri Adams over twelve years ago. “That was when you could still smoke in the shop and they’d have kids djing in the corner,” Kip recalls. A few years ago Morgan Griggs purchased the business and ran it with her partner Chris Towe. Kip worked for Morgan for three years before he and Franzi purchased the business in 2008. Hit The Big Crafty or The Admiral at the right time and you can catch all three generations of Hip Replacements guys hanging out together.

The best part of their business? “Being able to be myself everyday,” says Kip. “The people and the stories and truly being part of a creative community,” adds Franzi.

Michel Baudouin, owner of Bouchon, a French restaurant a few doors down has been enthusiastic since the couple took over. Michel and Franzi have had a working relationship ever since Franzi was his daughter’s art teacher at Hanger Hall School for Girls. When Franzi owned Fired Up, the pottery store on Wall St., she created butter bells and wine coolers for his restaurant. Currently, Fuller, Baudouin’s daughter, can be regularly seen on Hip Replacement’s blog and Etsy site as one of their main models.

Asia Mahon, owner of Virtue clothing store, ten steps south of Bouchon, has been a close friend and mentor to the couple. A year ago this February, Franzi and Kip, Asia and her partner of 11 years, John attended the Magic Tradeshow together in Las Vegas. While there, Franzi and Kip were thrilled to be witnesses to their official wedding at the Graceland Chapel hosted by the King himself.

Part of their mission is to give back to the community which afforded them the opportunity to work in a field they love. Among other pursuits, they’ve joined forces with the Latino Advocacy Coalition and hold an annual clothing swap and benefit concert headlined by Kip’s band, the Rubber Cushions. Carolina McCready, co-director of the Coalition has been a dear friend and sounding board of the couple from the start and provides much inspiration, enthusiasm and an occasional glass of wine.

Besides their vintage clothing, Hip Replacements carries designs by Kill City jeans, E.C. Star & Effie’s Heart dresses, Pinup Couture, Judy Blue jeans, Neeves belts and buckles, Peter Grimm fedoras, T.U.K. shoes and more. They pride themselves in giving a stage to over 25 local clothing and jewelry designers and a bi-monthly art opening for local artists featured on their walls.

Chances are you’ll find either Kip or Franzi and often both at the store any given day of the week. If not, you’ll be greeted by Ryan Ashley Anderson, one of their artists who is like family and puts in her time at the store or possibly even Kip’s mom, Hollace Staren. Either way, you will find a friendly atmosphere, a great conversation, discover new music and some new or vintage threads at an incredible price. See you there!

Hip Replacements
“Style is the soundtrack for your life”
72 N. Lexington Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
828.255.7573
http://www.hipreplacementsclothing.com/

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

Thaw Will Arrive

2010-01-18T16:23:00.003-05:00

"When one has faith that the spring thaw will arrive, the winter winds seem to lose some of their punch." ~ Robert L. Veninga

With the weather in the mid-50s for the first time in over a month, we ventured out today on the Harley, our first ride since well before the December Snow Storm. It was nice to be out in the sun as we took a short ride through Candler’s beautiful Hominy Valley.

Sections of the road were wet from melting ice and small mounds of dirty snow still clung to life in the shade. Off to the side, we passed dozens of fallen, bent, and cut trees. Gnarled guilty culprits, of the community’s power outages and energy company headaches.

On our way home, we drove past Enka Lake, still frozen, but beginning to thaw. Finally.

Enka Lake, Thawing

(@mscator welcomes your Twitter follow and posts Asheville sunrise photos daily off her blog http://mosway.blogspot.com/)

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

Grove Park Inn Beer - Asheville NC

2010-01-18T10:42:00.001-05:00

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA (January 13, 2010) - Beer Lovers Unite! F. Scott Fitzgerald considered The Grove Park Inn "home" during the summers of 1935 and 1936 – seeking refuge and literary inspiration within the historic resorts granite walls. In his honor, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa has collaborated with Asheville's oldest legal brewery, Highland, to create and launch a new beer, "GPI's Great Gatsby Abbey Beer."

To celebrate the new beer, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is offering the GPI Microbrew for Two Package, which includes accommodations, a $100 Grove Park Inn gift card, a six-pack of our new brew, Great Gatsby Abbey, and discounts on golf and spa at the resort as well as a coupon for discounted admission to the Asheville Brews Cruise Brewery Tour, which operates Wednesday-Saturday. So, enjoy a value packed stay at the historic resort, sample Grove Park Inn's new beer and discover why Asheville was recently named East Coast Beer City USA.

The GPI Microbrew for Two package includes:

- Two nights of accommodations- $100 Grove Park Inn Gift Card

- Six-pack of GPI's Great Gatsby Abbey Beer

- $65 per round of golf, for up to two people

- 20% discount on a Spa treatment, excluding nail treatments and Saturday appointments

-Discount coupon for Asheville Brews Cruise Brewery Tour Midweek package price for two starts at: $420*

Weekend package price for two starts at: $520*

Take advantage of the best value pricing with a midweek stay.

For more information, please contact The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa at 800.438.0050 or 828.252.2711; visit www.groveparkinn.com, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ewgrove and Facebook at www.facebook.com/groveparkinn

Asheville's Jesse Barry hits American Idol! Videos by G Social Media

2010-01-11T18:52:00.001-05:00

Jesse Barry of/and Skinny Legs & All at MoDaddys:

Here is Jesse Barry at Tressas in Downtown Asheville:

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

Buy in the Winter!!

2010-01-11T14:52:00.002-05:00

I just posted this on my blog viewashevillehomes.blogspot.com, and I thought that it was really worth passing on. Many people ask me if it is beneficial to try to buy in the winter or should they just wait until the Spring.

Well check out the numbers and let them answer your question. The average list to sell ratio for homes in Buncombe County is 96%. So you should expect that a home listed for $200,000 will sell at or very near $192,000. (Yes, this number held true even for 2009) However in January we are looking at a list to sell ratio of 92%, that's an additional 4% savings, or to put it in real money numbers, an extra $8,000. So that is a very good reason to try to buy during the winter.

By the way, the average dollar difference between list and sell price so far this January - $22,000.

Jason Ingle is the Managing Broker for The Buyer's Agent of Asheville, the area's largest Exclusive Buyer Broker, representing home buyers in the Asheville area since 2000.

Jason Ingle

(828) 242-7616 Direct

Jason@ashevillehomebuyer.com

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

Lake Louise in Weaverville North Carolina

2010-01-10T13:22:00.000-05:00

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

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

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

2009 Real Estate Year in Review

2010-01-08T14:40:00.005-05:00

As a native of Asheville I think I have a somewhat unique view of the real estate market here. I've seen areas of town that were once considered to be less than desirable become the new hot sections to be in. This year I have watched the real estate market here spit and sputter along and I've been watching keenly because I can't have a conversation with anyone before they ask me what I think the market is going to do. The short answer is - "I have no idea." It's the honest answer too. However, by looking at the sales patterns of years past I can make some educated guesses.
from 2000-2005 this market averaged about 200-250 homes sold per month. Beginning in 2006 and through the 2007 market it jumped to over 300, sometimes reaching as high as 400 homes sold. For the past 18 months we have been limping along at 130-170 homes sold per month.
In December that number was 154, and I think January will be lower (140-145). However, you also want to look at the number of new homes coming on to the market. that number has fallen considerably and as it falls more there will inevitably be a return to a healthier market. (For a better look at this go to my blog and access the "Ten Year Graph" to look at the sales and inventory numbers for the past ten years. Then you will begin to appreciate the work that is ahead).

This past year is one that has been hard to gauge but I do believe that 2010 will be a stronger year. However, look for the market to return to 2002-2003 levels and stabilize. The gold rush is over for a while.

Check out the research:
November Market Report
December Market Report

Jason Ingle

Jason is the managing broker for The Buyer's Agent of Asheville and the author of the viewashevillehomes blog. You can reach Jason at (828)242-7616 or jason@ashevillehomebuyer.com if you have questions about the real estate market in Asheville, NC

AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media

Social Media for your Asheville business

2010-01-08T09:13:00.003-05:00

G Social Media has been working with clients in and around Asheville for a few years. Gary Charles helps businesses establish their online interaction and social media presence. It started years ago when a group of Internet enthusiasts were experimenting with SEO, email marketing, and website development. The end result: Connections were made, prospects were gained, and deals were sealed. This was awhile back.. before most companies even had a website. From then on, G Social Media worked as a ghost marketer for a few Asheville businesses that wanted to take the leap of faith online.

Today Gary Charles of G Social Media works with many businesses in Asheville North Carolina, several in other US States, and some on an International level. Making connections online and meeting people where they are in today's world is what "G" loves to do. Using social media platforms that Google supplies, working Facebook, and staying on Twitter are just a few of the things he teaches his clients. There are plenty of social media outlets and businesses need to know which ones are going to increase their reach. After that, implementation and maintenance is put into place according to their schedule.

Social Media for your business is not just something that you quickly add into your mix of online hobbies. Just because signing up for Twitter is "free," it does not mean you will ever be successful without direction. You can look at several businesses in the Asheville area and see that "doing it yourself" is simply not the way to go. One of the barriers that G Social Media sees is that traditional marketers falsely assure their existing clients into believing that they "have the social media covered." The other hinderance is that the traditional media sometimes keeps their clients/advertisers blind to the sm potential because they see social media as competitive & fear losing their ad dollars. Sometimes it is simply because they are not even sm aware themselves. The solution is this: Businesses actually need to embrace social media and then use their platforms to help their advertisers and/or clients. Don't ignore it or hide it from your network. Gary empowers and trains individuals, business owners and marketing departments to be a successful team using social media.

Just like most other things, social media can be easy and profitable once the proper training is in place. G Social Media's mission is to help businesses gain Fans, Friends, and Followers. The individual companies then work their magic and convert these contacts into sales.

You can find more social media information on: www.GSocialMedia.com

Asheville Comedy - Sinbad Coming to Asheville GPI

2010-01-05T10:15:00.002-05:00

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA - It's a weekend of a thousand laughs as John Boy & Billy host two nights of laugh out loud comedy during the 22nd Annual Comedy Classic on March 12, 13 and 14 at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. Don't miss the chance to see headline act Sinbad take the stage at 8 p.m. on Saturday March 13, as well as other fantastic comedians throughout the weekend. Package holders will enjoy a weekend full of unparalleled laughter, including two nights of side-splitting comedy shows, a comedy clinic, a cooking demonstration, live music throughout the resort and much more.

Stand-up comedian, actor and movie star Sinbad will headline the popular Comedy Classic weekend. Sinbad has grown from appearing in comedy clubs to hosting his own HBO specials, appearing in several television series, and starring in the family-friendly films Houseguest, First Kid, and Jingle All the Way. Sinbad will be joined by popular syndicated radio hosts John Boy and Billy, as well as other comedians and musicians for a weekend of non-stop fun.

For more information on Comedy Classic 2010, please contact The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa at 800.438.0050 or 828.252.2711; visit www.groveparkinn.com, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ewgrove and Facebook at www.facebook.com/groveparkinn

Yikes...Brrrrr.

2010-01-04T04:53:00.001-05:00

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG HAS ISSUEDA WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PMTHIS EVENING TO MIDNIGHT EST TUESDAY NIGHT. A WIND CHILL ADVISORYABOVE 3500 FEET HAS ALSO BEEN ISSUED. THIS WIND CHILL ADVISORYABOVE 3500 FEET IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON ESTTUESDAY. A WIND CHILL ADVISORY ABOVE 3500 FEET REMAINS IN EFFECTUNTIL NOON EST TODAY.TEMPERATURES IN THE SINGLE DIGITS NEAR THE BLUE RIDGE AND NEAR THETOPS OF MOUNTAINS AND RIDGES THIS MORNING WILL COMBINE WITH NORTHWESTWINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH TO PRODUCE WIND CHILL VALUES OF MINUS 5 TOMINUS 15. WIND CHILL VALUES ARE FORECAST TO RISE ABOVE MINUS 5 BYNOON.SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS SNOW SHOWERS WILL DEVELOP THIS EVENING ANDREMAIN INTO TUESDAY EVENING. TOTAL SNOW AMOUNTS MAY RANGE FROM 1TO 2 INCHES FROM ROBBINSVILLE TO SYLVA TO WEAVERVILLE. HIGHERELEVATIONS ALONG THE IMMEDIATE TENNESSEE LINE MAY SEE AROUND 3INCHES OF SNOW. THE SNOW WILL EASILY STICK TO COLD UNTREATED ROADSAND WILL CAUSE THEM TO BE VERY SLIPPERY. IN ADDITION...WIND CHILLVALUES OF MINUS 5 TO MINUS 10 WILL OCCUR AGAIN TONIGHT NEAR THEBLUE RIDGE AND NEAR THE TOPS OF MOUNTAINS AND RIDGES AND WILLREMAIN LOW THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...A WIND CHILL ADVISORY MEANS THAT VERY COLD AIR AND STRONG WINDSWILL COMBINE TO GENERATE LOW WIND CHILLS. THIS WILL RESULT INFROST BITE AND LEAD TO HYPOTHERMIA IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN.IF YOU MUST VENTURE OUTDOORS...MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A HAT ANDGLOVES.A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOWWILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOWCOVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILEDRIVING.

AccuWeather.com

Blogged with the Flock Browser