White Christmas comes to Asheville NC in 2010

They called for snow, and then they called it off. Then, it went back and forth until Christmas morning when the snow started falling all around the Western North Carolina region. Downtown Asheville was covered with snow on Christmas morning for the first time in years, and as of now, more than ever before. Records were broke. Here is a short video we made while cruising around town, being very careful as there were over 300 accidents reported.



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

Got Robbed? Asheville Security Systems by Power Home Technologies

Having someone break into your home or business is many times life changing in a not so good way. A new security company in Asheville is getting a lot of business due to local break-ins. Power Home Technologies is located in West AVL but has had a huge increase in business on the northside since several burglaries have been broken into. They even have a display set up at Chameleon Soul Food on Merrimon Ave. Take a bite out of crime!

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

New Asheville Business - Rental Me This - local fun rentals

New Local Business: Rental Me This in Asheville is not your average rental store. So many great things to rent in this store for parties, fundraisers, outdoor activities and more. They are located right next to Cash Converters on Merrimon Ave.



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

Asheville - Tis the Season for Burglaries

Crime pays, but just for the moment. Several businesses in the North Asheville area have been broken into and robbed recently, and according to sources, this person has been apprehended. Listen to Rise N Shine, Circle in the Square and The Hop Ice Cream Cafe talk about the burglaries. Also a shout out to the Asheville Police Department from a local business owner!



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

Asheville Social Networking Live at Hole N Da Wall on 12/16

Join a bunch of us at the Hole N Da Wall in Asheville on Thursday Dec 16, 2010 for a great networking, cocktail, lounge and dance event. We had a great time last week and I met several new people. If you think that you do not know anyone, think again. There are many local AVL people that will be happy to meet you in person and gladly welcome you. Thanks to Jimmy Quetron and friends for setting up this time!

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

Asheville PWB “Hard Hats in Heels” Receives Donation

Last week, Asheville Professional Women in Building, a council of the Asheville Home Builders Association, received a $600 donation from Push Asheville Fashion, a locally founded venture geared towards promoting local boutiques and clothing designers through fashion shows and social media.

     

The PWB, a local builder’s council whose slogan in the community is known as “Hard Hats in Heels,” is dedicated to supporting women within their industry by actively encouraging professional development, supporting active involvement in the political and legislative processes involved in construction, and providing scholarships to local students through community support.  

    

The donation from Push Asheville Fashion was raised from proceeds earned at a July fashion show produced earlier in the year by coordinator, Sonia Hendrix, featuring local clothing items from 18 boutiques and 12 local designers.  As requested by Push Asheville Fashion, the donation has been earmarked by the PWB for their student educational scholarship fund.

    

For the second consecutive year, the community driven organization, founded in 2008, will award a scholarship to a qualified North Carolina student seeking an education in a building or construction related field.

    

Chapter President Amanda Ballew, @AVLCustomCloset on Twitter, was excited to present the donation during the council’s Holiday Member Luncheon, stating, “We are so excited to receive this donation for our scholarship fund. It took us two years to earn our first scholarship [awarded last year], so it’s a huge impact on what we’ll be able to contribute.” Ballew went on to say, “it is definitely going to impact the actual number of scholarships that we’re able to give.”

    

Students interested in applying for the scholarship can find application details on the Asheville Home Builder’s Association webpage, www.ashevillehba.com/committes.php and view the PWB section or call the AHBA at (828) 299-7001.

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

Mystery Cult at the Get Down, Sunday 12-12-10

It's not often that the word "beautiful" enters my mind when it comes to music. It's usually reserved for something like Leonard Cohen or Nico Stai, but it's the first thing I thought when I heard some of the things from Mystery Cult's upcoming album. (Oh yeah, it's coming... stay tuned for more news on that.) This weekend, rather than staying inside and cursing the frozen weather, you should get over to the Get Down and get a taste of Mystery Cults eclectic, ethereal sound. Check out their facebook page for a preview of what you'll be hearing and to keep up with what's new with the band.

Mystery Cult plays at 9 pm this Sunday, December 12, at the Get Down, located on Haywood Road in West Asheville. For more information on the Get Down, click here.

april is a freelance writer from asheville. read more of her work here, or follow her on facebook.




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

Asheville Massage Therapy by Essential Body Works

Essential Body Works is a licensed Massage Therapy practice new to the Asheville area. The owner, Cathy Courtenay-Smith, specializes in Deep Tissue Massage, Prenatal/Postnatal Massage and injury rehabilitation. Her session is a perfect blend of focused, specific touch and deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Having studied Dance as an undergrad at the University of Buffalo she quickly realized that it was her love and curiosity of the human body that inspired her. This passion led her to the health and wellness industry and ultimately to Massage Therapy. She continued her studies in Berkeley, California at the School for Body-Mind Centering and at the San Francisco School of Massage. She went on to open up her own practice in 2000 in Oakland and enjoyed ten years of working regularly with her clients there.

This past summer Cathy relocated to Asheville with her husband, Scott and her two beautiful daughters, Aida and Olivia. They were in search of a slower-paced, more family friendly environment, which they have happily found in their wonderful neighborhood in West Asheville. Cathy was sad to leave her many clients in Oakland but is equally excited to start a new practice here in Asheville.

Cathy is currently offering a $45 introductory one- hour massage through to the end of December. She will also honor this price for Gift Certificates for the holidays. To get in touch with Cathy you can email her at cathycourtenaysmith@gmail.com or call 828.318.3005

This is an experience not to be missed!

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

I went to church in Asheville today

I noticed on Twittter the other day that someone had posted "the real deal" concerning a church in Asheville. Just a few days later I was invited to that same church by a friend. I showed up an hour early to see what was going on. When I walked toward the door, there were some people outside talking, drinking hot chocolate, smoking a cigarette and trying to stay warm in this cold weather. I walked into the basement and there was a lunch buffet set up and a bunch of hungry people in line. There were several people sitting around eating, and many workers tending to the needs of others. I sat down with my back to the people and listened for a minute. I heard people talking about life, faith, food, and hope.

I had a glass of sweet tea and asked a lady how to get to the sanctuary. She smiled, said "follow me" and we went into the next room. This room was a dining hall where many people were being fed. We raced through that room and into the next. Several rooms full of clothing and lots of people trying stuff on. She took me to a small stairwell in the back corner of the room and said "just go right up here and you are there." This was the secret back corridor to the church. I waited for a man to come down the stairs as only one person can pass at a time. I then headed up to the next level.

I walked into a simple but beautiful sanctuary filled with people of all colors, shapes and sizes. Some looked well off, while others seemed as if they did not have a home or any family outside this church. Either way, they were there to eat, meet, and increase their faith as a collective body. Lots of people were wearing Happy Birthday hats so I believe this is their 1 year anniversary. A man named Brian stands up, introduces himself and the church and then has the congregation introduce others in the group and maybe give some thanks. Lots of smiles and warmth going around the room.

Some other parts of the service included:

People walk up to the alter, light a candle and say a prayer. A simple outward sign of their prayers going up to God.

Prayer requests - some people pray to themselves, others make noise, and the kids loved this part as they could bring instruments etc. They gave a shoutout for Penny, the church dog. Some praise for Chef Ron who cooks at the Church. Prayers for the homeless in Asheville and everywhere, and even a praise for The Dripolator coffee shop.

Everyone held hands and said the Lords Prayer "our Father, who art in heaven.."

Offering time - people walked up to the table/alter.

Message was on Matthew 11:2-11 Doubt and Renewal

I sat alone, a little boy sat next me and then a man sat next to him. A lady I had never met before then squeezed in and sat down between me and the boy. The church had a hot chocolate and cookies fellowship time where we got a partner, went up, served each other with theses items (she asked me to be her partner, she poured hot chocolate for me and I did the same for her) and we were supposed to talk about where you are in your faith or share something about yourself. We (Jessica and me) chatted for a few, took the picture above with the church dog "Penny" featured in it, and on the way out Pastor Brian introduced himself and thanked me for coming to the service. I told him a friend of mine, David Bourne, had invited me.

I am not a "holy roller" and I have had my share of extreme religious encounters in my time; but this church was different in practicality and personality. Faith without works is dead. At least that is what the Bible says. This is a working congregation! Glad I took an hour to stop by The Haywood Street Congregation for their Wednesday mid-day service.

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

Breakdancing Santa Flashmob in Asheville NC

Tis the Season! Santa comes to Asheville North Carolina without his reindeer and with some awesome new dance moves.

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

Subscribe to Ask Asheville's YouTube Channel - Easy as 1, 2, 3

YouTube has just launched a new subscription widget to help users grow their subscriptions. Here is the widget for AskAsheville's YouTube Channel. Take a minute and subscribe to our videos!



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

The Asheville Holiday Tweet Drive on December 17th at The Hop

On December 17, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm, we are having a special event at The Hop in North Asheville. This holiday season let us Asheville Twitter and online folks come together to eat ice cream and support a worthy cause. This will help some WNC children and families have a happier holiday. TweetUp to benefit Toys For Tots of WNC. wnctoysfortots.org. Everyone is invited. Suggested toy donation valued at around $10 (must be new and packaged, please donate what you can). There will be one of Asheville's US Marines there with TFT info and a fishbowl for monetary donations.

Friday December 17th from 7-9pm at The Hop Ice Cream Cafe

640 Merrimon Ave Ste 103, 828-254-2224

hopicecreamcafe@yahoo.com

hopicecreamcafe.blogspot.com

thehopicecreamcafe.com

twitter.com/hopicecream

twitter.com/thehopwest

Toys For Tots can also be donated to the drop boxes at The Hop and The Hop West (721 Haywood Rd) through 12/16. Cans for MANNA Food Bank, mannafoodbank.org, can also be donated to The Hop (not west). Asheville is joining many of America's cities by supporting Tweet Drive 2010.

The Holiday Tweet Drive is a nation-wide toy/clothing drive that will use social media to give back to children who are less fortunate and spread some Holiday cheer along the way. We have some amazing events lined up in cities all across the country that will host each toy drive and allow attendees to enjoy a night of networking and holiday festivities. All of the updates and communication can be found through Twitter and we hope to stay true to the social nature of the “Tweet” Drive. What makes our Tweet-Ups different then the rest is the admission fee. Rather than paying a small entrance fee, we only ask that you donate a NEW toy or NEW article of clothing. After that, please enjoy networking with our other attendees! Each donation will go to a local shelter or charity from each city. We Hope you will join us at your city’s Tweet Drive Tweet Up, and assist us in giving back to children who are less fortunate all around the country.

With that said, Happy Tweeting, Happy Networking, and most importantly, Happy Holidays from all of us involved with the Holiday Tweet Drive."


This information came straight from the Tweet Drive website, which can be found here: www.tweetdrive.org

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

Union Asheville gives away $500 at Midnight tonight!

Asheville, NC, December 2010 – Union is celebrating its 5th anniversary by giving away a $500 shopping spree!  One winner will be chosen randomly from the list of people who like Union’s Facebook page by midnight on 12.05.10.  Anyone who would like to be eligible to win can go to www.unionasheville.com/shoppingspree.htm for further details and links to Union’s Facebook page.  The winner will be notified on 12.06.10 via a personal Facebook message and will be announced by a posting on Union’s Facebook page and at Union’s website, www.unionasheville.com.

About Union
Union is a men’s & women’s clothing & accessories boutique with a selection of internationally recognized brands with a focus on quality & unique style.  Union is locally-owned and operated by husband and wife Orlando and Tiffany Hernandez.  Please visit www.unionasheville.com for the latest news about Union and its brands.

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

The Little Iron Man Ale - benefit in Asheville on Dec 11th

A hands on brewing session with Sierra Nevada brewmaster Terence Sullivan.

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

Asheville area tour company big on #BCS College Football

For 12 years Steve Holland has been extremely successful in providing folks the perfect package tour for the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) of college football. This year it will be held in Phoenix Arizona. The next few games will determine what teams go to the series. For more information, please see BCS Package Tours.



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

Asheville Orthodontist Dr. Jeffrey Roeder - @DrRoeder on Twitter

Dr. Roeder has been a great part of the community for years. When I needed dental work years ago, I started with an orthodontist checking out my teeth and coming up with a plan. In Asheville North Carolina, Roeder Orthodontics was the perfect choice.

Here is a quick video intro from the staff:


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

Freaks & Geeks Tattoo Sideshow

Okay, I confess, I was the last adult in Asheville who didn't have at least one tattoo-at least up until yesterday. I'd been thinking about it for a while, and when the opportunity came up, I jumped on it. I headed out with my friend Julie yesterday morning in search of a place that would take our money and inflict pain on us... it was harder than you'd think, for a place like this. Several shops claimed to be open but were locked up tight, and one guy said he'd come let us in but never did. Maybe they saw us coming and got scared, I dunno. Anyway, driving up Haywood Road in W. Asheville, we spotted Freaks & Geeks Tattoo Sideshow. I was drawn to the name; I loved that show, and Paul Feig is a genius, but I digress.

Julie and I fell in love with the place. The artists, Tiffany and Galen, were friendly, helpful, and absolutely hilarious. I'm kind of a wimp about pain and was a nervous wreck, especially since I'd been told that it felt less like being poked with needles and more like having a razor slicing through your skin slowly, but these people totally put me at ease. They worked with us to make sure we got exactly the designs we wanted, and they came out beautifully. Tiffany did Julie's tattoo and Galen did mine, and we were both happy with the results.

Afterward they went over the aftercare thoroughly and reminded us to call if we had any questions. Freaks & Geeks are fun and friendly and totally irreverent, but at the same time it's clear that they're professionals and take their work seriously. This is a place you could go and hang out and laugh the afternoon away, even if you weren't in the market for a new tattoo. I'm definitely going back for my next one.

Freaks & Geeks Tattoo Sideshow is located at 725 Haywood Rd. in Asheville. They're open noon to 8 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 6 on Sunday and Monday. Contact them at 828-254-4429 or go to their web site, www.freaks-n-geeks.com for more information.

april is a freelance writer in asheville. read more of her work here, or follow her on facebook.



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