High Vista Country Club Partners with Frankie Bones Asheville

Club’s Restaurant and Pub open to the Public on Select Days - Asheville, NC - April 23, 2010 – The board of governors of High Vista Country Club unanimously approved an agreement with Frankie Bones Restaurant & Lounge, a popular American – Italian restaurant and bar with locations in Asheville and Hilton Head, to provide new dining options for club members and the surrounding community. Reservations are encouraged for guests from outside the community and can be made by calling 828-891-1986 ext 105. Upon arrival at the front gate, dialing the restaurant will get you buzzed into the community. As part of the new operating agreement, the Club’s dining areas and pub, the Laurel and Cordell Rooms and Robinson Pub respectively, will be operated by Frankie Bones. The Robinson Pub will be available to the general public every day of the week except Wednesdays. Wednesday night will continue to be a High Vista Country Club “members only” night. High Vista Country Club members will receive a 15 percent discount on all food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases and will continue to enjoy exclusive access to the Cordell Room and Robinson Pub on Wednesday nights. The new partnership took effect at the beginning of this month.


“The board is excited about this new relationship and feel it is a win-win for club members and the surrounding community,” said Roger Lange, president of the club’s board of governors. “Frankie Bones will bring many of their favorite and popular dishes to our club and will enhance the overall dining experience. It also allows us to eliminate many of the operational and labor costs that typically accompany the food and beverage service and provides us with a new source of revenue, one that doesn’t financially burden our members.”

"Our partnership with HVCC has afforded us a great opportunity to continue to develop our presence as a dining, catering and service leader in western North Carolina,” said Alan Wolf, managing partner of Frankie Bones. “Our team enjoys working in such a beautiful setting and they've been very well received by the members and guests at HVCC."

The new partnership will be overseen by Community Resource Systems, the professional management company that was recently employed by the board to manage club activities.

About High Vista Country Club:

Located in a gated golf community just south of Asheville, High Vista Country Club is a semi-private country club featuring an 18-hole golf course, pro shop, Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, banquet facilities, a casual pub, a full-service restaurant and a clubhouse boasting a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mills Knob, Caney Mountain and the valleys below. For more information, visit http://www.highvistagolf.com/.

About Frankie Bones:

Founded in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Frankie Bones Restaurant and Lounge boasts an award-winning menu and a casual dining atmosphere with big city flair. The restaurant specializes in hand-cut steaks and chops, fresh seafood, pasta, crisp wheat flatbreads, salads and appetizers. For more information, visit http://www.fbdining.com/.

Media Contacts:

For any further information or questions please contact the High Vista Country Club General Manager, Rich Mueller at 891-1986, ext 106.

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The Hop (Let's Go!)

“We are trying to build and serve our community…and believe in being flexible and going with the flow.” ~ Ashley Garrison

Greg and Ashley Garrison, The Hop

Greg and Ashley Garrison are two scoops of delight. As owners of The Hop they serve up “cool treats, hot drinks, and fun” to the community they obviously love.

The homemade ice cream is smooth and delicious, based on the original Hop recipe that Asheville folks have enjoyed for over 30 years. With creative passion, they add local bakery ingredients (like carrot cake, caramel bits, or pumpkin spice).

The result? The Hop’s sweet concoctions make the mouth water and heart sing.

And if that's not enough, the Hop features a popular vegan ice cream, rumored to be the best in Asheville, organic Asheville Coffee Roasters coffee, and the new Happy Tails doggie ice cream and socials, because our dogs need pampering, too.

In a bold mood that left some long-time residents nostalgic, the Hop moved a few blocks north in 2007 from the classic (and still standing) renovated service station to the Merrimon Square Shopping Center (640 Merrimon Ave, Ste 103, 828-254-2224). The “new” place is a spacious hangout, surrounded by dining options, and perfect for community gatherings.

With an ongoing commitment to celebrating the community, the Garrisons are especially proud of their upcoming Summer Family Entertainment Series (May-June-July 2010) which includes fun and fabulous fundraising events.

In May alone they’ll be raising money for Animal Compassion Network, Manna Food Bank, and Asheville Youth Soccer Association. Entertainment includes concerts, puppet shows, acting troupes, storytelling, and jugglers (See The Hop Presents for more info).

With a colorful mural, wide open spaces, a special children’s corner, and free Wi-Fi, this kid (and adult)-friendly Hop rocks.

(@mscator continues to celebrate her love for Asheville and life. She welcomes your Twitter follow and posts Asheville sunrise photos daily off her blog http://mosway.blogspot.com/)

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Push Productions Fashion Show in Asheville Coming Soon - Meet Sonia Hendrix

PUSH ASHEVILLE FASHION 2010: An entire year has passed by the city of Asheville since our first fashion show and now the time has come again for the 2010: Summer Edition of Fashion, brought to you by PUSH Productions, a local AVL entertainment production company, already notorious for the production of the 2009 PUSH Asheville Fashion show.

Last year, over 200 people came through the doors of, The Garage at Biltmore, to see what they were promised would be the best fashion show in town. PUSH 2009 presented 36 models, showcased 14 boutiques with three local designers vending, all from the Asheville community! The goal of the show was (still is), proving to students and citizens of Asheville that shopping local is not only affordable, but the only way to find the clothes that are meant to be worn by YOU. PUSH was supported by the Asheville Citizen-Times, Mountain Xpress, G-Social Media, 105.9 the Mountain, 98.1 the River, The Garage at Biltmore, Bouchon French Bistro, Phi Beta Lambda at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and ComaGun Music. Since the conclusion of last year's show, word has certainly spread that PUSH ASHEVILLE FASHION is a smash hit that needed to be repeated. Well, ladies and gentlemen---the time has come!

Starting now, the 2010 production of PUSH Asheville Fashion is accepting all business inquires related to participating in the fashion show. To qualify to be in the show, your business MUST be locally owned/operated and in the Asheville area. The staff of PUSH Productions will be personally inviting businesses and local designers to participate, but still are requesting independent designers and store owners to submit applications to be in the show. Please include a personal statement about your business.

This year's 2010 fashion show will be twice the size with two runway shows; 15 local designers and 20 local boutiques, local sustainable jewelery tents, silent auction, burlesque, aerial performances, cocktail party, and dinner. Don’t miss out on this must-have opportunity to have your designer or business name splashed all over Asheville streets, blogs, newspapers, and radio--through a process of heavy promoting and campaigning in anticipation of the show.

Yours in Community Growth,
Sonia Hendrix

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Couples Discover a “Sacred Purpose” in Weekend Workshop

ASHEVILLE, NC – Western North Carolina couples have the opportunity to enhance and revitalize their relationships with nationally known facilitators and life partners Anyaa T. McAndrew and Gary Stamper, Friday, April 30, and Saturday and Sunday, May 1 and 2.

“Did you ever feel there’s ‘something more’ to your relationship?” asks McAndrew, who is best known for her work in the U.S. and abroad with the Shamanic Priestess Process™ and the Shamanic Magdalene Mysteries™.

“If the answer is yes, you and your beloved may be ready to explore your unique patterns as a couple. Each couple has a relationship purpose and work to do together.”

McAndrew and Stamper offer a unique process of mutual discovery.

“We’ll look at why you chose one another, what keeps you together, and what pushes you apart,” says Stamper, an international award-winning designer, national facilitator of the Shamanic Priest Process™, and author of a pending book, How to Live with a Goddess.

“We’ll learn how to be each other’s best friend and healer, allowing your relationship to evolve and grow into the rewarding experience you’ve always wanted, enriching each other’s lives.”


The workshop, “Discovering Your Sacred Purpose as a Couple,” will be Friday, Satuday, and Sunday, April 30, May 1-2, at Isis Cove, a shamanic retreat community near Whittier, a short drive from Asheville. For more information about Anyaa T. McAndrew and her one-of-a-kind workshops, go to www.goddessontheloose.com/. For more information about Gary Stamper and his unique work with men’s groups and relationship workshops, go to http://garystamper.blogspot.com/.


Sherri L. McLendon is a freelance writer in Weaverville, N.C. She may be reached directly at www.sherrimclendon.com/.

President Obama In Asheville - Article Compilation April 2010

Here are a compilation of recent articles about US President Barack Obama and Michelle in Asheville North Carolina:

1. Associated Press - Obama, first lady start NC vacation with BBQ, hike
2. AskAsheville - Obama vacationing in Asheville NC
3. The Swamp - Obama's vacation: Blue Ridge, red state
4. Go Blue Ridge - Obama Family to Vacation in Asheville
5. Ashvegas - On the streets of Ashvegas: Obama signs and Obama art
6. Citizen Times - Hanging and hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway
7. Citizen Times - Video: Obamas land in Asheville
8. PattiyKat YouTube - President & Michelle Obama eat lunch in the Asheville River Arts District
9. Mountain Xpress - Obama’s visit grounds hot air balloons at Earth Day picnic
10. G Social Media - Obama in Town - 4/23 Social Media School Cancelled
11. ABC News - Obamas Weekend Escape
12. Black Political Buzz - Obama's Asheville, N.C. Visit Itinerary Remains Top Secret
13. Wall St Cheat Street - Why Did President Obama Choose to Vacation in Asheville, North Carolina?
14. Huffington Post - Obarbecue! Obamas Grab Ribs In North Carolina
15. Citizen Times - Asheville's breweries are happy to whet Obama's whistle
16. Fox 2 News - Obama Meeting Sunday with Evangelist Billy Graham
17. Citizen Times - Golf holiday in Asheville continues for President Obama
18. News Channel 7 - Obama Gives Golf Ball to Asheville Girl
19. Politico - Obama themes abound in Asheville

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Asheville's Sugar Momma's Cookies Mmmmmm...

Jaime Hadnagy of Sugar Momma's Cookies - hot cookie delivery and wholesale.

It started out in 2005 as a hot cookie delivery business and cookie lounge. The past 4 years have been great. At the beginning of the new year, I decided to change the direction of Sugar Momma's and closed the retail store in order to focus more on wholesale.

Why did you choose WNC or Asheville North Carolina? I came to visit Asheville to see a friend of a friend, and just kept coming back. It really felt like home, now it is. I love the mountains, the unique and close knit community, and the speed of life here in WNC. I love Asheville!!!!

The best part of Sugar Momma's cookies is that we deliver hot delicious homemade cookies anywhere in Asheville.

The following is a list of my beloved wholesale customers. As of the first of the year, Sugar Momma's Cookies has changed gears and closed its retail store to focus mainly on wholesale. Asheville Coffee Roasters, Bella Kitchen, Blue Ridge to go, Clingman Cafe, Coffee Cup cafe, Dolce Vita, Double Decker Bus, Feel Good Foods, Hillside Games, The Holiday Inn Biltmore East, Izzy's Coffee Den, Malaprops, Mountain Perks, NC Stage Company, Two Spoons, Waking Life Espresso, Ultimate Ice Cream, Rosebud Video Store.

Has any other businesses in Asheville assisted you greatly in getting started? I have to give props to the SBTDC and Mountain Bizworks. Also Jim (now the owner of The Hookah Bar and Club 828) was of invaluable assistance in the very beginning.

We have a menu of 12 varieties of awesome cookies that cam be delivered hot anywhere in Asheville with 24 hours notice.

Sugar Momma's Cookies
Asheville's Hot Cookie Delivery
Business Address: 101 Fairview Rd. Suite L Asheville NC 28803
Business Website: http://www.sugarmommascookies.com/
Business Email: sugarjaime@gmail.com
Business Phone #: 828-251-7277

***Oh, AskAsheville is in love with Sugar Momma; and her cookies of course!

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MISSING! 2 Asheville Cabbage Patch Dolls

People around Asheville... There were two Cabbage Patch Dolls that were wrongfully sent to the Good Will on Smokey Park Highway in West Asheville last week. They were sold for a few dollars, but they belonged to a friend who inherited them from her grandmother and they are the only items she has left as a keepsake in memory of grandma.

We, AskAsheville, are offering a $100 reward for the safe return of these 2 Cabbage Patch Dolls. If you have any information, please contact us. Thank you. AskAsheville@gmail.com.

Phosphorescent Yoga - How Perfectly Asheville

Phun, Phocused, Phlowing, Phestive, Phantastic, Phulfilling, and Phabulous!

Just some of the words I would use to describe my experience at Phosphorescent Yoga.

True, I am a lover of yoga. And I do not discriminate. I love it all. But this was a first for me. A two hour, night-time yoga class performed under the glow of a blacklight and the pulsing rhythm of an ear-to-ear-smile inducing music playlist.

“Phosphorescent Yoga - A Blacklight Yoga Experience” kicked off on April 3rd, 2010 at West Asheville Yoga lead by local yoga teacher Anna Ferguson.

At the beginning of class, Anna described her intentions for the series, her inspiration and modeled for us her flashy, white lace, fingerless “Madonna” gloves. "Asheville needs this,” I remember her saying.

And I thought, “Hey, I need some Madonna gloves, too.” *wink wink*

Seriously, this was so much fun. For two hours I was transported to a world of music and spaciousness, the sound of my breathe and beads of sweat dancing in time with the flowing yoga postures -- not to mention the pretty outfits and glowing smiles that left me sparkling from the inside out for hours, if not days, afterward.

Musical selection standouts: "Karma Coma" by Massive Attack and "Bad Romance" ... yep, Lady Gaga and yoga together at last.

Thank you, Anna and West Asheville Yoga!

NEXT CLASS SOON!

Saturday May 1st 8:30-10:30pm
West Asheville Yoga Studio
602 Haywood Road
(828)350-1167
Register Online

For more information visit WestAshevilleYoga.com or Anna’s website UshasYoga.com. Phosphorescent Yoga is appropriate for those with some vinyasa/flow yoga experience. Be sure to wear white so you glow in the dark! The room will be warmed to 80 degrees. COST IS SLIDING SCALE $18-$22.


Okay, all of you Asheville yogis (and I know there’s a ton of you), I will see you there!!

Love,
Lindsay


Author Lindsay Fields is a yoga teacher, blogger, and certified (or is it certifiable?) mother of two. Lindsay is currently teaching Hot Yoga at Anytime Fitness and Weaverville Yoga. You can find out more about Lindsay by visiting LindsayFields.com.



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Lomi Lomi Class in Asheville, May 22nd and 23rd, Register NOW

Lynn Harris is holding a 2 day Introduction to Lomi Lomi - Hawaiian Massage here in Asheville. This is a wonderful technique for massage therapists to use because it saves their hands and thumbs from the fatigue of traditional massage.

Lomi Lomi massage is universally a good choice for several reasons. First, it is a very creative, fluid, and loving dance on the part of the practitioner. The joy that arises from the dance of Lomi will be communicated directly into the body of the client. Throughout the Lomi Lomi massage experience, the client is enveloped in spiraling forearm strokes that feel like ocean waves awakening the entire body. These fluid forearm strokes, resembling the motion of waves penetrate into the body and help release blocked or stuck areas of the body, as well as inspiring the person to accept a more fluid, healthy state of being. After receiving a Lomi Lomi session, most people state that it feels like there were more than one person massaging them. This unique feeling helps clients stay out of their heads – they naturally begin to breathe, to let go of stress, and allow the mind to relax. They are left feeling energized, light hearted, in touch with their expanded self, and physically at ease. Just as in other massage modalities, Lomi Lomi increases circulation, relieves muscle spasms, and increases the rate of nutrients brought to the muscles by the blood.

This educational experience includes lecture, meditation, special breathing techniques for self-revitalization, handouts, demonstration, practice, and discussion. By the end of this training, you will be able to give a full body massage on the back and legs, as well as incorporate this modality into your own bodywork practice. This course is a must for massage therapists looking for ways to save their hands from the possible fatigue of traditional massage.

Lynn Harris, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Neuromuscular Therapist, and Certified Zero Balancer has advanced training in craniosacral therapy, and Hawaiian massage. With over 20 years of experience and over 2,000 hours of training, Lynn has integrated these techniques into her own creative style.

To learn more about this workshop or about Lynn visit her website at http://www.lynnharrismassage.com/ or call her at (828) 258-0599.

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Celebrate Earth Day with PRAWNC and Toast to Spring

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day with Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina, and raise a glass in “A Toast to Spring” at its after-hours event at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar on Thursday, April 22, from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

PRAWNC members and their guests will enjoy the earthly delights of exceptional books, networking, three wines, and a selection of meats and cheeses.

Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts “A Toast to Spring” at from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar on Thursday, April 22, also known as Earth Day. The cost is $15 for members and guests and includes drinks and hors d’oevres. Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar is located at 1 Battle Square, Asheville. For more information or to RSVP, visit http://www.prawnc.org/, or email finance@prawnc.org.
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Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina, or PRAWNC, is the region’s premier professional organization for public relations, marketing, advertising and communications professionals since 1983. Learn more about PRAWNC at http://www.prawnc.org/.


Sherri L. McLendon is a writer in Weaverville, N.C. She may be reached directly at www.sherrimclendon.com/.

Sacred Women’s Circle offers Wholeness

ASHEVILLE, NC – Nationally known facilitator of feminist spirituality processes, Anyaa T. McAndrew, MA, LPC, NCC, offers a Sacred Women’s Circle Tuesday, April 27, from 7-9 p.m., at Women’s Health and Wellness Center.

“The circle empowers women to work with their wounded inner cores, completing the process of healing, in order to move into the multidimensional reality that is our spiritual birthright,” says McAndrew, who is best known for her work in the U.S. and abroad with the Shamanic Priestess Process™ and the Shamanic Magdalene Mysteries™.

“The ‘Great Shift of the Ages’ is upon us, and women are being called to lead the way,” she says.

The term, Great Shift, refers to the much-discussed turning of the Mayan Calendar most commonly referred to as “2012.” Others believe the actual shift occurs much sooner, in 2011. Whether one places credence on the anticipated shift or not, there’s little doubt that times of great change in society and culture are at hand, McAndrew says. And women of all faiths and spiritual paths are beginning to look at collective fear, worry, and anger, and say “There’s got to be a better way.”

The way of the future, says McAndrew, lies in co-creative process in which all women are equals who commit to hold space for growth and healing. Women at this circle are asked to bring a journal, an altar object or picture symbolizing a theme in their present lives, and something to sit on. The circle includes a guided meditation followed by opportunity to share, speak, release or commit.

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The Women’s Health and Wellness Center is located at 24 Arlington Street, 28801. The circle is open to all women, but those who can afford to contribute are asked for $10-20 to support the two hour event – or to offer an energetic trade of fresh, live foods. For more information about Anyaa T. McAndrew and her one-of-a-kind workshops, go to www.goddessontheloose.com/.

Sherri L. McLendon is a freelance writer from Weaverville, N.C. Contact her directly at www.sherrimclendon.com/.

Obama vacationing in Asheville NC

Just sitting here thinking about President Obama coming to Asheville North Carolina next weekend. Why AVL? When he was here in Asheville during his campaign run, he mentioned that if there was a prettier state than North Carolina, he has yet to see it.

The Asheville area is a great place to live and enjoy the quality of life that it and the surrounding WNC Counties offer. Some people come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of life in the inner city. We have the downtown area which is growing very nicely with arts, music, and food; but we also have incredible nature activities just minutes away. Hiking, camping, rafting, bicycling, rock climbing, and fishing is readily available.

So here some places we recommend and/or have spoken to that give President Obama an open invitation to host his family.

1. Barley's Pizza and Taproom - Everyone likes pizza and beer and this is a great place for Obama to have some Pizza with the fam. Ask for Jimi and let him know what you need. Complimentary at http://www.barleystaproom.com/

2. Bruisin Ales would also like to extend a warm welcome and offer President Obama a complimentary Asheville VIP beer tasting. http://www.bruisin-ales.com/

3. Mother and Son Bistro and Bakery offers the Obama family a complimentary 3 course meal with a beautiful dessert platter. http://www.motherandsonbistro.com/

4. We think that Obama and Michelle would love the Asheville City Market, so we want to make mention of this. http://bit.ly/ctSqv4

5. The Grove Arcade would be another option for the Presidential Fam to check out. Lots of shops and restaurants inside this historical building, which used to be the old Asheville Federal Building. http://bit.ly/93PYS2

6. Then of course since they will already be in the building, we are having the Free Asheville Social Media school by GSocialMedia on Friday 4/23 from 5pm - 7:30pm at Elaine's Piano in the Grove Park Inn, and we invite President Obama to drop in and join our talk for a few minutes. Our focus is on video marketing, YouTube, etc. More info here: http://bit.ly/dzjNWs

*There are plenty of things to do in Asheville. These are just some fun ideas and offers that maybe the Obama family will receive.

Oh, they can also see http://askasheville.com/ for lots of pictures, videos, blogs, and businesses in Asheville NC.

Thanks.

Asheville Real Estate Market Report for March 2010

In the video below you will hear that the market is "superficially" good.  What I mean by that is that the federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers is working as intended.  it is bringing those buyers to the table in a big way.  It will be interesting to see how th market looks in a couple of months when the credit is gone.





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YES! Farmers and Tailgate Markets in Asheville NC

The 2010 farmers and tailgate markets are opening up soon in Asheville, NC. We have 12 local markets filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade bread, local cheeses, wildflowers, herbs and so much more. This is an exciting time as the beautiful weather in the AVL area has come and folks (locals and tourists) are going to be out in droves visiting these wonderful markets. If you are in the Asheville or WNC area, get ready for some of the finest food and products that our local markets have to offer.



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Ushas Yoga by Anna Ferguson in Asheville NC

My name is Anna Ferguson, and I am a yoga teacher, writer, mural artist and photographer. I have been living in Asheville for over 5 years now. Ushas Yoga is my business: I do private therapeutic yoga sessions (from 1 to 5 people), teach yoga classes and workshops. I also write articles on yoga, do mural art and photography.

I am the owner and sole employee! I started teaching in Asheville and surrounding areas in 2007. I opened my private studio, Ushas Yoga, in January of 2010. I have been writing, painting and taking photos for 18 years! I love living and working in Asheville for the people, the community. The scenery doesn’t hurt either!

Favorite things about Asheville and WNC: The people, the yoga and the land. There is a special something about these mountains that makes me feel instantly at home. I am inspired by people I meet everyday. Everyone has something to teach me.

The best part of your Asheville or WNC business is: Everything! I love helping people find freedom from pain in the body, mind and spirit with yogic practices. I also love creating murals from baby nurseries to themed pieces. Writing, graphic design and photography are also awesome creative outlets for me.

I work with Asheville Yoga Center on a weekly basis as a teacher and also as a photographer/writer. I also work with West Asheville Yoga, teaching different series and workshops. Lastly, I also network with Lindsay Fields (Hot Yoga) on different social networking sites and events.

What services do you offer?

Private Therapeutic Yoga sessions. Perfect for someone just starting out with yoga or someone who is dealing with illness or injury. Also great for someone not comfortable in class setting or wanting a more personalized experience.

Mural Art. Murals done on any surface with any theme. Designed and completed with creativity to the max!

Photography. Specializing in yoga photography. If you need some head shots, or artistic shots of poses for flyers or your web site, I’m your girl.

Writing. Insightful, creative and complete articles on a host of wellness issues.

Oh, I love making people laugh!
Ushas Yoga: A Dawning of Awareness in yoga, art and life.
12 1/2 Wall Street, Suite P. Asheville NC 28801 (Right next to Early Girl)
Website: http://ushasyoga.com/
Business Email: Anna.Ferguson@gmail.com
Business Phone #: 828-273-6617


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Asheville: Marco’s Pizzeria Team To ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’

April 24 event raising awareness and support for Our Voice

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The men of Marco’s Pizzeria are joining men across the community to take a stand against sexual violence.


A team of 10 staff from the Asheville restaurant will slip into sensible pumps, sassy stilettos and high-heeled boots for “Walk a Mike in Her Shoes” being held April 24. The event begins at 9 a.m. in Pritchard Park in downtown.

Organized by Our Voice, a crisis intervention agency that serves victims of sexual violence in Buncombe County, the Asheville walk is one of nearly 150 walks happening across the nation as a part of the 2010 International Men's March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence.

“We are excited and honored to be a part of this event and supporting Our Voice in the important work they do,” said Marco Lacagnina, co-owner of Marco’s Pizzeria and leader of the 10-man team that includes his sons, Brian and Dominic. “We’re really having a lot of fun with this, and at the same time raising awareness for such a serious issue.”

The Marco’s team is urging their customers and the community to join the campaign. Donations can be made to Our Voice in support of the Marco’s team at both restaurant locations, 946 Merrimon Ave. and 1854 Hendersonville Road. The restaurant is also selling special “Team Marco’s” T-shirts, proceeds of which will be donated to Our Voice.

Donations also can be made online at www.firstgiving.com/marcospizzeria.

For more information on the Asheville walk and Our Voice, visit http://walkamileasheville.org/ and www.ourvoicenc.org/

Marco’s Pizzeria is a family-owned restaurant with two locations serving classic New York-style pizza made from the freshest ingredients. Established in Asheville in 1994, Marco’s carries on the family pizza-making tradition started in 1933 in Harlem, N.Y. Call (828) 285-0709 or (828) 277-0004 or visit http://marcos-pizzeria.com/index.shtml


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Best Asheville Dinner of the Year... So Far!

The other evening, we went to Mother and Son Bistro and Bakery on the Northside of Asheville in the Woodfin Township. The 4 course meal and wine was simply incredible. Chef Ryan came out and explained each course in detail. We were loving it!

The first course was Rosemary Pasta, Lemon Pepper Shrimp, and Garlic Olive Oil.

The second course was Butternut Squash Ravioli, Sage Butter, Parmesan, with Bittersweet Chocolate.

The third course was Strip Steak, Java Crust, and it was Black Mocha Stout Glazed with Highland Brewing's Beer!

The fourth course was a Strawberry Macaroon Pistachio Cookie. The wine topped the night off just right. Thank you Mother and Son!!


Visit them on Urbanspoon

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Asheville's Crossfire vs ACC All-Stars in Basketball

16th Annual Crossfire vs ACC All-Stars basketball game on Saturday April 24, 2010. Tip-off – 6:00 pm and Doors Open- 5:00 pm at A.C. Reynolds High School

Tickets can be purchased for $10 at these locations:
Crossfire Office – 828-255-9111, Leicester Carpet Sales: Asheville – 828-254-8937, Hendersonville- 828-233-0500, Arsenal Athletics: Asheville Mall- 828-298-3303, Biltmore Baptist- Bookstore- 828-650-6500

Crossfire Players: Randy Shepherd, Jamie Johnson, Clark Camp (Southern Wesleyan) Chuck Peterson (Brevard College) Tim Lewis (Montreat) Zach Chandler (Newberry) Charles Clark (Johnson C. Smith) Jake Robinson (WCU All-Southern Conference) Kyle Ohman (Liberty Big South All-Conference) and other former college standouts.

ACC-All Stars: UNC- Marcus Ginyard, Deon Thompson, Marc Campbell
Duke- Brian Zoubek, Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas
Wake Forest- Ishmael Smith, David Weaver, L.D Williams, Chas McFarland
Clemson- David Potter

All All-Stars have verbally agreed to participate barring injury, NBA Try-outs, or awards ceremonies. ***There is also a half-time dunk contest and 3 point shootout!!

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Asheville Music Venue - The Garage at Biltmore

AskAshevile recently got the opportunity to work with Christopher and Jan from the Garage at Biltmore in Asheville and had a great experience. The music venue was great with lots of musical talent and variety on the schedule. We watched them work behind the scenes and throughout the evening making sure all the customers had everything they needed to make the time there enjoyable and successful. Thank you for being a part of the AVL community.

Jan Rogers and Christopher Hart at The Garage at Biltmore

I was working at French Broad (booking the music) and growing Tribe Management when the space (literally a garage) became available. I envisioned a music venue and we turned it into one in May of 2007

We love it here. Our favorite things about the area are the Mountains, breweries, people, rivers, music. What’s not to like? It’s eclectic and artsy, yet still attracts conservative affluence. A true melting pot. From our point of view, the best part of Asheville is the diversity. Many small businesses can still thrive here.

We regularly network with several other businesses in the area, but mostly: French Broad Brewery, Craggie Brewery, Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. Because we serve their beers.

Our Venue features: live entertainment, social connectivity, and micro-brew beer. We’re an alternative place for music. We pride ourselves in setting trends and developing local music.

Garage at Biltmore
Asheville’s Alternative Vibe
101 Fairview Rd. Asheville, NC 28803 (1 block south of historic Biltmore Village)

***Special Thanks to the Garage at Biltmore for hosting the Asheville Social Media School Class #2 in March of 2010 with G Social Media, Trey Pennington, and Justin Brackett.

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Asheville Architect Wins Online Green House Competition

ASHEVILLE – After more than a month of online voting and a final juried critique, Asheville architect Daryl S. Rantis and associate Robert Stenhouse placed first in an online green home design competition open to participants from around the world.


Their design, A Modern Craftsman for the New South, earned the winning nod from jurists Thursday as the top pick of 12 finalists, which included three other entries from North Carolina architects and designers.

“We pushed hard to promote online voting,” Rantis said. “It was like American Idol, so we really have Asheville and all our friends and family to thank.”

The winning design was among more than 400 initially submitted to the competition. All contestant work is still available for viewing at FreeGreen.com/whosnext.

After online voting concluded Monday, a jury of architects and engineers selected the final winners for FreeGreen, a Massachusetts-based company which features home plans that are sensitive to the environment.

“We were impressed by the way the designer created a unique and strong visual identity without compromising on affordability or livability,” the website co-founder David Wax stated in jury notes. “This proposal was about creating an attainable vision for consumers. From a performance standpoint, our engineers felt that this proposal could be developed into an extremely efficient home.”

The Rantis/Stenhouse design was created for a new development in the Chicken Hill area of Asheville for Bill MacCurdy of Sun Construction. The designers also partnered with Gary Charles of G Social Media to promote online voting via Facebook and Twitter. Although everyone was optimist the design was worthy of winning, it was one of the few submitted with drawings created by hand, Rantis said.

“The competition was heavily weighted toward very modern, very computerized drawings,” he said. “We tried to provide a dual approach. And the hand drawings are a lost art form. It didn’t hurt us.”

The jury found the design’s practicality appealing, satisfying one of many criteria for the contest.

“The representation was precise, clear, and let the design speak for itself,” Wax said. “This design was able to achieve the curb appeal desired by our focus groups without relying on traditional artifice. The architects on our jury found it to be a stylistic hybrid that carefully negotiated modern simplicity with traditional warmth. The result is a building that felt honest, could be built affordably, and could offer a minimal footprint both physically and environmentally.”

The design team wins a cash prize and will submit more detailed drawings of the house to the website for potential homebuilders.

The FreeGreen contest was begun to give emerging designers a chance to show off their talent and gain recognition for designs that bear a lighter environmental footprint, founders said.

View the Website of Asheville Architect Daryl Rantis. See Daryl in the VIDEO last night at the WNCGBC event on Asheville Closets YouTube Channel.

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Asheville Architect Wins!!

Daryl Rantis, Asheville's Sustainable Architect was just announced as the winner in the Free Green Competition with a design that was recently built on Chicken Hill in AVL. http://bit.ly/avlarchitect

Congratulations Daryl for you great urban planning and community mentality. Asheville Loves You!

See Rantis' website www.RantisArchitects.com

April 23 - Asheville Social Media School

The free social media school in Asheville North Carolina has been in effect for 2 months now. We had the 1st class at the Downtown Market in February and it was an overview of social networking and new media. The 2nd class was at the Garage at Biltmore and it was on Twitter, Facebook, and Foursquare. A lot of local Asheville businesses, marketers, and some who were "just wondering" attended these classes and networked with the crowd.

On April 23rd, the social media school will be happening at Elaine's Piano at the Grove Park Inn from 5 - 7:30 pm and we will be teaching about video marketing (YouTube, Vimeo, etc) and what it means for your business exposure. Having an active video presence is a necessary part of your advertising efforts if you want to keep up with or stay ahead of the competition. If you do not use videos, you could be losing up to 25% of your potential reach.

G Social Media, Asheville Video Productions, PSAV, Bourne Media, and Rev Pictures will be directing the session. Please see www.GSocialMedia.com for more info and to RSVP. Thanks.

Asheville: Let's Help the Animals --- YARD SALE -- this Saturday, April 10th

WHEN: Saturday, April 10th, 2010

TIME: From 8 am to 1 pm

WHERE: Parking lot of Pet Soup Pet Services, 31 Glendale Avenue, off of Swannanoa River Rd.

Brother Wolf, Animal Rescue is having a fundrasing yard sale this Saturday, April 10 from 8 AM to 1 PM in the parking lot of their facilities. There are tons of items to choose from including clothing, baby items, furniture, movies, books and much more.

They will also have a $5/box sale! That is: All you can fit into an Ingles' box for just $5 (boxes will be provided).

All money raised helps Brother Wolf Animal Rescue care for the homeless dogs and cats in their network.

Donations are greatly appreciated. Please call 458-7778 for more info or visit http://www.bwar.org/
_____

These folks work very hard and are totally committed to the safety and care of homeless dogs and cats. Please help them!!! The animals thank you!

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New AskAsheville Website – Welcome To Asheville North Carolina!

Years ago, AskAsheville launched a website that was a community directory with links to many different companies and organizations in the community. In addition to this, social media efforts were added via a Blogger blog and YouTube video website.

After years of planting seed in the Asheville North Carolina community, AskAsheville.com has now re-launched with a new fresh look and with lots of social media portals attached. Lots of work has been put into these links to make sure it shows you the variety and diversity of the Asheville and Western North Carolina area. You can see the colorful social media icons/links on the bottom of every page on the website.

In addition to this, businesses can now list their company for free in the Asheville Business Pages. There are also several other options where you can upgrade for a little as $150 a year and a have a full page with your logo, link to your website, and up to 4 photos of you and your business. There are other upgrade packages that are available. AskAsheville wanted to create affordable community awareness for anyone. Now this is done! Each Asheville and WNC business that lists their company will have a full page with their own direct web address to that page on the AskAsheville website.

AskAsheville has several exposure options available for businesses to consider. Our Asheville QuickLinks now have a premium platform pption for only $79 a year, our page banners are $79 per month, and our featured businesses which are listed on every page are only $149 per month. Please note that our “Featured Businesses” are limited to 30 companies per year so please let us know if you are interested and we will reserve your spot. All of these business exposure options come with a combo 10% discount as well.

Under our AskAsheville featured businesses, we also have a Social Network that we have created on the Ning platform where anyone that is from Asheville or interested in the area can join for free. Also there is an Asheville Home Builders Network where contractors (commercial, residential, or subcontractors) can make a free profile and network with each other, make connections, meet clients, etc. Many capabilities are available including a forum, blog, photo gallery and more.

Asheville is a wonderful community that is growing oh so beautifully. Some call us the little San Francisco or the mini New York City… but we are Asheville North Carolina! We are excited about now and the future to come. Join together with us and become part of our network. Thank you.


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Asheville Biz Spotlight - Infinity Learning Solutions / DigitalChalk

Infinity Learning Solutions, parent company of DigitalChalk in Biltmore Park, Asheville NC. Co-founders: Russ Stinehour, CEO; Tony McCune, VP Sales & Marketing; Troy Tolle, CTO

Western North Carolina has always been home for me having grown up in Waynesville. After several years of college and traveling consulting outside of WNC, it was time to come back home. It is a great place to live, and I could travel anywhere I wanted to from here just as easily. After experiencing all that Asheville has to offer both corporately and personally, it was an easy decision for us to stay here and start DigitalChalk in the year of 2006.

WNC has long been known for it's incredible surroundings. The corporate lifestyle is relaxed and a breath of fresh air for families of all ages. Combining this with the growing entrepreneurial infrastructure and advanced technology development that Asheville offers is why we started here and have chosen to stay.

Our favorite things about Asheville or WNC is a Family friendly community, individual creativity and diversity, endless recreational opportunities within the mountains of NC. The best part of your Asheville or WNC business is Our DigitalChalk community - the people that we work with and our clients.

AdvantageWest, Biltmore Farms, ERC Broadband - All of these organizations have been helpful to us as growing company. They have all been very willing to connect us with resources and people that have helped grow our business and relationships not just in WNC, but across the state.

We currently offer a single hosted training product called DigitalChalk. With DigitalChalk you can publish multimedia courses online using our "Chalkboard Studio" to quickly train staff or clients. Courses can be delivered on-demand and include videos, documents, test and a completion certificate. We are an ideal online training delivery solution for anyone from individual entrepreneurs to colleges. The DigitalChalk system is specifically designed to serve the small business and professional training industry.

ILS was one of the first companies to launch using Cloud Computing technology. Although Asheville is not known as an internet technology center, DigitalChalk has been a leader in the area of Cloud Computing and has garnered attention and relationships with Amazon and Google to delivery rich internet experiences in the training and education space using Cloud Computing.

Infinity Learning Solutions Inc., Doing Business As DigitalChalk
Teach.Share.Learn.
One Town Square Boulevard, Suite 204, Asheville, NC 28803
Website: http://www.digitalchalk.com/
Business Email: sales@digitalchalk.com
Business Phone #: 877-321-2451


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Asheville's Crossfire Ministries 2010

Crossfire Sports Ministries from Asheville North Carolina


The Bible says in Acts 1:8 “Ye shall receive power when the Holy Ghost has come upon you and ye shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the Earth." In Mark 16:15 Jesus says “And He said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.”

Randy Shepherd & Jamie Johnson
31 College Place E-102, Asheville, NC, 28805
http://www.crossfireministry.com/
Phone #: 828-255-9111
Randy-rlscrossfire@juno.com
Jamie-jjcrossfire@charter.net

2010 Camp Options

June 14-18- Boys and Girls Camp (Half-Day)- $90
6-12 years old, 1:00-4:30 pm- separate groups
First Baptist Church Hendersonville

June 21-25 Boys and Girls Camp (Half-Day)- $90
6-12 years old, 1:00-4:30 pm- separate groups
Asheville Christian Academy (New Campus in Swannanoa)

June 28-July 2 Boys and Girls Camp (Half-Day)- $90
6-12 years old, 1:00-4:30 pm- separate groups
Waynesville Rec. Center (Waynesville NC)

July 5-9 Boys and Girls Camp (Half-day) - $90
6-12 years old, 1:00-4:30 pm – separate groups
Asheville Christian Academy (New Campus in Swannanoa)

July 19-22 Boys and Girls Full Day Camp- $225
9-17 years-separate groups
Mon-Thurs 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Lunch Provided
Mars Hill College (20 mins from Asheville)

Shuttle service will run from Woodland Hills Baptist Church for day camp

July 18-22 Boys and Girls Overnight Camp- $350
9-17 years old- separate groups and dorms
Sunday 3:00 pm- Thursday 5:00 pm
Mars Hill College (20 mins from Asheville)

(Overnight campers’ meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served in campus cafeteria. Day campers will be served lunch in the campus cafeteria with overnight campers. Camp Bank and concessions will be available at both overnight and full-day camps)

Camp staff includes an outstanding group of Christian Coaches, players, and workers from all over the Southeast. Over 9,000 campers attended in 19 summers!!!!
5 on 5 play-Fundamentals-3 on 3 play-Competition-Drills-Testimonies-Teamwork


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Asheville Home Depot; Buyer Beware

Buyer Beware: Use of this common tool exposes you to chemicals known to cause birth defects!!


After shopping at a local Home Depot recently, I discovered something very troubling. I went to purchase a replacement for a common tool of my trade. Being a frequent shopper at a local Home Depot I new where to find what I was looking for. I acquired the tool I needed and headed for the contractors service desk to check out. As usual said hello to the familiar faces working at that station, paid for my purchase and went on to complete the work for which I had purchase the tool. All in all a very typical shopping experience. No indications from any personnel that there was anything about my purchase that was unusual or of concern to anyone.


I returned home that evening satisfied with the performance of my newly acquired tool. This is relevant because I had made the decision to purchase a brand I new to be of a lesser quality than the what I would typically buy for tools of my trade. My tools are important to me as I use them often. Any tradesman will attest to the value of a quality tool. With economic times being as they are on top of the fact that I was performing charity work on behalf of a customer in need, I went for the cheaper brand. It was difficult to justify the almost $30 price difference when you're not making money from the investment; or so that's what I told myself. What I discovered as I began to relax that evening terrified me!

As any frugal shopper would, I saved the packaging and receipt just in case the tool did not hold up to my expectations. Being happy with it I decided to read the information on the packaging to learn more about the brand; you know it's a guy thing, why bother reading the instructions, I can figure it out for myself! Well that was a big mistake. In reading the packaging I came to a particular statement that I read over and over again, several times trying to rationalize what I was reading. This can't be right, I thought out loud; it has to be a misprint! Surely someone checks these things, and surely our consumer protection agency would never allow this kind of risk; right? The instruction on the packaging gave a clear warning on the risk of chemical poisoning while using this tool. It read exactly this; "This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling." It's exactly the kind of thing we as Americans expect our government agencies to protect us from.

My shock quickly turned to fear. Did my son handle the tool, had I rubbed my eyes, wiped my mouth or face, had I handled any food? I was terrified by the thought of what I may have been exposed to and may exposed others to. This is the kind of thing you hear about happening in other country's but would never expect in the richest county in the world. How could this be possible?!
What came to mind was the saying "following the money will expose the source".
For me step one was to go to the manufacturer. In this case the Brass Craft tool is manufactured by Cobra Inc, out of New Jersey. Being familiar with OSHA safety regulations I new that if it had risk of chemical contamination there had to be a Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by the manufacturer. Having been in my trade for over thirty years I am accustomed to working with dangerous chemicals; and I know how to protect myself. Having this risk from a common hand tool is something I am very unaccustomed to. After a little research and couple calls to Brass Craft I was able to contact Cobra directly. Initially, my inquiry for documentation was tossed from one department to another, finally settling in customer service. The manager in CS told me she would check on availability of the documentation I had requested and get back to me via email as long as I submitted a written request to her, claiming proprietary manufacturing information as a motive to withhold the information because I may be a spy for a competition of theirs. Now there's a red flag if I've ever heard one! She immediately began a defensive pitch about having done extensive testing for lead content of the powder coating finish on the tool. sighting California's prop 65 required as the cause for the labeling even though they claimed no contamination risk. Does anyone else find something wrong with this picture?

As of this posting I have not received the documentation I have requested from Cobra/Brass Craft. I will update this story as soon as I have more to disclose; until then "Buyer Beware"!


AH
ashevillehappens@gmail.com

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Is Google really coming to Asheville NC?

We wake up on the morning of April Fools' Day and get the announcement that Google has chosen to come to Asheville NC, Greenville SC, and Johnson City TN to create a Silicon Mountain. Is this a hoax or is it true? Over Twitter this morning, there was a lot of excitement over the news posted on the new Google Fiber Mountain Blog. Then Google AVL re-posted the news and sent it out over Twitter. At the moment, everyone is waiting on a confirmation to see if this is true or if it is a cruel joke. The Asheville community has been vying for Google's Hi-Speed Broadband and now would be the perfect time to find out that we were chosen, whether it is April 1st or not.

Where did April Fools' day originate from anyway? In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1392), the "Nun's Priest's Tale" is set Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two. This probably meant 32 days after March but readers thought of it as March 32nd, or April 1st as we know it. In other times, New Year's Day was celebrated on March 25 in many European towns. In some areas of France, New Year's was a week-long holiday ending on April 1. So it is possible that April Fools originated because those who celebrated on January 1 made fun of those who celebrated on other dates.

We have those in Asheville who are planning parties to celebrate Google coming to the area, and others who are calling the blog release a trick. Releasing news like this on April Fools' Day can be considered dangerous, or creative. I mean, who lets a day or fable control us?! Nevertheless, antennas are rising and folks want to know the truth. What do you think?

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