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CITY NEWS, INFO & EVENTS MEDIABEAR PROUDLY PRESENTS
DowntownAsheville.com: Connected "Community News from the Grassroots Up" TM  Photo Courtesy of AdvantageWest *WELCOME to Independent News about Downtown Asheville, North Carolina ... a diverse, urban, Southern Appalachian city ... where business bustles ... new ideas germinate ... grassroots' activism grows ... the All-American City and county seat of Buncombe ... "Anyway You Like It" ... located in the Blue Ridge Mountains ... along "America's Favorite Highway," the Blue Ridge Parkway ... a vibrant city dubbed "Paris of the South" ... the heartbeat of Western North Carolina. Click Here> *TODAY'S Weather | Let it rain on this seven-day forecast. Click Here> *LIVE Downtown Video | On Battery Park Ave. Click Here>  *FEATURED Street| Lexington Avenue Click Here> *ASHEVILLE ART Galleries | Dozens to visit. Click Here> *LOCAL Maps | Downtown, Asheville Area and WNC. Click Here> *13 CALENDARS of Events | Always something new to do. Click Here> *CITY OF ASHEVILLE News | Memorial Day ceremony planned for May 26; Budget Cover Art Contest Announced with May 31 entry deadline; Arson Awareness Week May 4 - 10; $400,000 EPA brownfields grant received; water line replacement continues. More city news: Click Here> *ASHEVILLE DAILY PLANET News | Two Economists Predict Downturn to be Mild. Click Here> BREAKING NEWS...
 Photo compliments of Zen Sutherland MOONLIGHT MUSIC TONIGHT *MOONLIGHT Over Downtown May 16 | Downtown After Five series revs up again from 5 to 9 p.m. on North Lexington Avenue. Performers include Firecracker Jazz Band and Mamadou Diabate Ensemble. Click Here> NEW DOWNTOWN ARTS PROGRAM FOR THE PEOPLE *Arts2People to Organize Summertime Pritchard Park Cultural Arts Program | A new arts program for downtown residents, workers and visitors has just been announced and partially funded, Arts2People executive director Kitty Love told DowntownAsheville.com. Donations are needed to help fund the complete program that will run from June through September and will be held in Pritchard Park during lunchtime and on select weekends. Currently, the City of Asheville has pledged $10,000 to the project. Business leaders, developers and others have pledged an additional $15,000. Love said that approximately $10,000 more is needed to fully fund this arts program that will run for four consecutive months of June, July, August and September. "It's a pilot program," said Love. "We need people to donate." To contribute or learn more about the upcoming Pritchard Park Cultural Arts Program, Click Here> COLEMAN GOES PUBLIC *DEVELOPER STEWART COLEMAN Defends ParkSide Condo Project | In the most recent issue (May 15 - 21, 2008) of The Asheville Tribune, which just hit the streets, senior editor Bill Fishburne files his report about the controversial ParkSide condo proposed to be built in Pack Square after public parkland was sold to a group of developers by the Buncombe County commissioners. In The Tribune's exclusive report, Coleman is quoted: "We bought this land from the county with title insurance, based on the county's advertised price. This was not a backdoor deal." To read more about Coleman's position in Fishburne's well-researched article, pick up a current issue of The Tribune. Click Here> ParkSide Condo Thread *BLOGGERS of Scrutiny Hooligans uncover some choice information | About the controversial ParkSide land deal. Click Here> Ride The Bus for 25-cents on Friday, May 16, Only Instead of the standard $1.00 fare, it's only two bits, but for one day only, Fri., May 16, 2008. This discount fare is part of the city's high-profile, highly publicized, annual "Strive Not to Drive" program that encourages citizens to use public transit. For more about the city's ongoing efforts to encourage alternative transportation, Click Here. For bus schedules, Click Here>  FLAT IRON BUILDING * Photo compliments of Erin Kellum *CITIZENS GET HISTORY LESSON - and Little More - at Controlled Downtown Master Plan Public Meeting Approximately 180 people who attended the second Downtown Master Plan Public Meeting held on May 15 sat for an informed history lesson given by three panel members, complete with slides and old photos, but were allowed little time by Downtown Master Plan project manager Sasha Vrtunski for questions and response by the panel members -- and zero time for public comments. Only one city council member attended: Robin Cape. After a most successful first public meeting held on May 8 conducted by the consulting team of Goody Clancy, which solicited and received tremendous citizen involvement and input, this second public meeting in stark contrast was disappointing in public involvement. For complete article, Click Here> ONLINE PUBLIC SURVEY AVAILABLE  *VOICE YOUR OPINION: Take the Online Survey | Robin Cape, the only city council member to attend both public meetings concerning the Asheville Downtown Master Plan Survey, was also the only city politician to send out an email to the public requesting their attendance at the May 15 meeting. She also encouraged citizens for their input and to participate in an online downtown master plan survey. Cape encourages every involved citizen to take the quick survey. Click Here> DILOA Volunteers Needed "Day in the Life of Asheville" (DILOA) Photo Contest Update: Posting of photos at downtown library will begin and reception plans are being made. Volunteers needed in all areas. It should be a fruitful and fun experience. Click Here> Editor Shake-Up at Citizen-Times? Ashvegas blog says it's so. Ihne is out? For more info, Click Here> THIS WEEK... *DOT JACKSON at Malaprop's on May 16 | Author Dot Jackson will read from her novel, Refuge, tonight beginning at 7 p.m. All are welcomed to this free Malaprop's gathering. Click Here> *OPEN AIR Downtown City Market on May 17 | It's only been open for a couple of weeks. Hours: Sat., 8 a.m - 1 p.m. Try it and tell us what you think at DowntownAsheville.com. Click Here> *MUSIC AT ST. MATHIAS on May 18 | The Hendersonville High School String Orchestra under the direction of Marjorie Kowal will present a concert on Sun., May 18, 2008, 3 p.m. at St. Matthias Church in Asheville. The 24-piece orchestra will play music by Bach, Vivaldi, and Pachelbel, as well as several arrangements of jazz and rock tunes. Several of the pieces will include a piano played by John Crowley. For directions, Click Here>  Photo courtesy of Zen Sutherland Final Week of Biltmore Flower Festival *FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS Through May 18 | For an awesome azalea experience, visit the Biltmore Estate. Click Here>  *CELTIC BAND BUILLE Plays Diana Wortham May 22 | 2008 Mainstage Series concludes Click Here> Local Women's Business Conference Announced *MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS' Women's Business Conference to be Held May 29, 2008 | At A-B Tech, Enka campus. Click Here> *CITY SUMMER JOBS Posted | Teen leaders and lifeguards needed. Click Here>  Self-portrait of Zen Sutherland taken during recent DITLOA photography event. *DAY IN THE LIFE OF ASHEVILLE 2008 Winners' Photos to Be Posted | Prints of the winning photos are in and work to post them at the Downtown library on Haywood Street is ongoing. Window-washers wanted, as well as special thanks to IRIS on Merrimon and Asheville library staffers. Click Here>  Compliments of SignMonster.com *CITY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS for Handicapped Parking Enforcement | City program to train volunteers. Click Here> FEATURED NEWS... *NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME-STOPPERS Organize in Asheville | South French Broad area residents work to battle against crime, reports AOL News. Click Here>  *VIDEO RELEASED WITH MOTHER OF MURDERED SON Includes Announcement of "Justice Advocates for You" (JAY) | Carol Yerkes, mother of Jay Yerkes who was murdered in Asheville, announced the formation of a new, local, victim advocacy group. She organized JAY because of her outrage with a plea bargain made by Buncombe District Attorney Ron Moore that resulted in her son's murderer receiving only 18 months in jail. For MountainXpress's cover story about the trial, Click Here. For Richard Bernier's video of Carol Yerkes's press conference, Click Here>  *RINGLING BROS. Barnum & Bailey Circus May 28 to June 1 | The all-new "Boom A Ring" Gold Tour of animals, acrobats and more at the Civic Center. Special opening night (Fri. only) tickets as low as $11. Click Here> *ASHEVILLE'S Future? | Neighborhood coalition sees local residents as key to shaping the city's future. Click Here>  Photo by Wikipedia Commons HATCHET JOB: COUNTDOWN TO A CUTTING Asheville's 100-year-old magnolia tree faces the hatchet ... "Inside the Park" condominiums raises community ire ... City Council to decide fate of people's park ... *PROPOSED "PARKSIDE" CONDO PROJECT includes Pack Square Park Land | The mighty magnolia in Asheville's central park has stood for 100 years. In a few weeks, Stewart Coleman, one of Asheville's most powerful citizens, and his hatchet men may have the power to chop it down. It's now up to Asheville City Council to sort out the mess created by the Buncombe County Commissioners. Here's the latest lowdown, public poop, and bold blogs concerning the controversial Coleman/Swag Holdings/Black Dog Realty proposal to take down the tree and build a high-rise condo, known as Parkside Condominiums. There's work to be done. Chop, chop. Click Here> THE MEDFORD TRIAL
GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS Local blogger and newsman Cecil Bothwell's up-to-the-minute, gavel-to-gavel coverage continues: "After two hours of deliberation the jury found Bobby Lee Medford and Guy Kenneth Penland guilty on all ten counts with which they were charged." For more news about fines and sentencing, Click Here> "Drink from the decanter of insanity." - Prosecutor in Bobby Medford trial talking to the jury about why the former Buncombe sheriff's plea of innocence should not be heeded. In closing remarks to the Medford trial jury, Asst. U.S. Attorney Corey Ellis said: “To conclude that Mr. Medford and Mr. Penland aren’t guilty of these offenses, one must drink from the decanter of insanity. They prostituted the office of sheriff.” PREVIOUS MEDFORD TRIAL REPORTS... *MEDFORD TRIAL CONTINUES with Verdict Possible May 15 | News reports, blogs, updates - and even a folk song - about former Buncombe sheriff Bobby Medford's arrest and trial remain front page news throughout the Asheville Area. For local blogger and newsman Cecil Bothwell's gavel-to-gavel coverage, Click Here>. For MountainXpress' recent cover story and online updates, Click Here>. For Asheville Citizen-Times' coverage, Click Here>. WLOS-TV 13, which calls it "possibly the biggest corruption trial in Buncombe County history," provides video: Click Here>.This story has all the makings of a made-for-TV saga. Bothwell, who has has been working on a book about Bobby Medford, recently wrote: "Medford admitted to enjoying some gambling now and again, but only at legal casinos outside the county." And so the trial and its observers continue to make and report history in the making.  *ANGRY FOLK SONG About Bobby Medford | Now on YouTube by NotSorryNC, who sings, "I hope Bobby likes prison food ...." Click Here> *ASHEVILLE DISCLAIMER'S Parody Feature | "Introductory remarks that did not make it to the final draft of the Medford defense team's opening statement to the jury: 'I have reasonable doubt that you're not 12 paid actors pretending to be a jury." For more statements that the Disclaimer claims didn't make it at the trial, Click Here> PERSONAL NOTES...
*A NOTE From Laurey | Laurey Masterton of Laurey's Catering paints pictures with words in "North to South, Birds to Bees." Click Here>  DAHLIA * Compliments of Kremp.com *WEAR SUNSCREEN Advice on Life | This YouTube All-Star favorite, which is posted along with others on FreakinAsheville.com, has had millions of views since it was first released, and for good reason with its observations: "Do one thing every day that scares you ... Sing ... Floss ... Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements. Stretch ... Dance ... Do not read beauty magazines; they will only make you feel ugly ... Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life." This one's for you, Dad, with love and tips for the future, on your 92nd Birthday. Click Here>  406 Oaktree Lane in Buncombe County * MLS 397232 * Click Here *REAL ESTATE Listings | Featured homes. Condos. Vacation rentals. B&Bs. Hotels/Motels. For sale. For rent. Click Here> *UNCA Master Calendar | Events for students and the public. Click Here> *MALAPROP'S Events | One of Downtown's favorite places. Click Here> *CIVIC CENTER Schedule of Events | In the heart of Downtown Asheville, big events for big (and sometimes wierd) fun. Click Here>  *FINE FLICKS at the Fine Arts | Popcorn and beer, too. Click Here> *DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE Schedule of Events | Some of Downtown Asheville's best performances await you, including Buille Irish music (May 22). Click Here> *TOURIST CALENDAR of Festivals and Events | Something for everyone. Click Here>  *KEOWEE Chamber Music | 8th Annual Festival begins June 3. Click Here> *48 HOUR FILM PROJECT Comes to Asheville June 20 | Participate and save by registering early. Click Here> *WRITERS' Workshops | At Flood Gallery in Asheville's River District. Click Here> *ART WALKS in Downtown Asheville - June 6, Aug. 1, Oct. 3 | Rain or shine, on select Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m., the art galleries of Downtown Asheville invite you to come early and stay late. Click Here> *HISTORIC DOWNTOWN Architectural Tour Click Here> *GROVE ARCADE Architectural Tour | Simply spectacular. Click Here>  Who's Doin' The Peel? Click Here>
*THE GRAY EAGLE Live | Pickin', singin', playin'. Click Here> *TOP 20 Night Spots | For fun downtown. Click Here> *WRITE to this journalistic, grassroots-oriented, community news website | Tell us your Downtown Asheville story; inspire us this spring with your words and images. (Of course, we'll give you attribution.) Click Here> *PHOTO Tour of Downtown Asheville | Compliments of ExploreAsheville. Click Here> *HAPPIEST Place to Live | It's Asheville, NC, says Eric Weiner in his new travel book, "The Geography of Bliss." Click Here> BIKE Plan Pedals Forward | Reports Asheville Daily Planet. Click Here> *CONCERTS Continue at St. Mathias | Complete 2008 schedule Click Here> *ALIVE in Asheville | One of America's top places to live Click Here> LOCAL INFO... *Weather: Now More> *Driving Conditions & Traffic Updates: Important More> *BeamPost Video Cameras: Live More> *Sexual Offender Registry: Necessary More> *Buncombe County Courthouse: Trials More> *City of Asheville: Official More> *Buncombe County: Government More> *Events: Daily More> *13 Calendars of Events: Worthy More> *List of Local Media: Useful More> *Real Estate Listings: WNC More> *Asheville City Council Members: Changed More>
*Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce: Active More> WORTHY WEBLINKS... *Blog Asheville: Write More> *Western Carolina Business Journal: Subscribe More> *The Greener Home Monthly: Advertise More> LAUGHABLE NEWS... *News of the Weird Click Here> *The Onion Click Here> *Asheville Disclaimer Click Here> *Asheville Citizen-Times Click Here> CURRENT NEWS... *City of Asheville Press Releases More> *Buncombe County's Official News More> *Asheville Global Report asks for your help ($$$) More> *Relocate-America Ranks Asheville as Number One More> *Malaprops Booksignings and other events More> *Cecil Bothwell's Blog provides thoughtful analysis More> *On Energy Activists Mike Hopping sheds some light More> *Liberty and The News to be reissued by Princeton More> *M.A.I.N. news and views More> *MountainXpress opinion page More> *WPVM Radio archived programs now online More> SHOPPING ASHEVILLE... *Wall Street: Another featured street More> *Malaprop's: Ashevilles' favorite bookstore/cafe More> *Antique Tobacco Barn: A barnful of bargains More> *Sweeten Creek Antiques: At the sign of the rooster More> DINING ASHEVILLE... *AIR Association: Independent restaurants downtown More> LAST WEEK'S NOTEWORTHY NEWS... *VIEW UP-TO-THE-MINUTE Buncombe Results of May 6 NC Primaries | The current Buncombe County vote totals of the May 6 NC Democratic and Republican primaries. Click Here> *DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL Delegate Count | At Wikipedia Click Here> *BUNCOMBE COUNTY COMMISSIONER Primary Race Results | In the November 2008 general election, Republicans Joe Dunn, John Carroll, Don Yelton and Ron McKee will face Democrats Holly Jones, Ray Bailey, Carol Peterson and Bill Stanley for four available Buncombe commissioner slots. Click Here> HISTORY OF ASHEVILLE... *Ah, the Paris of the South... Asheville, NC, is the official seat of Buncombe County and the unofficial capital of Western North Carolina (WNC). There is more to Asheville, North Carolina, than the Biltmore House, Biltmore Village, and the Grove Park Inn. The new gem in the southern crown is Downtown Asheville. It is a designated All-American City (1997). Above all, Asheville is known for its sense of community, eclecticism and free spirits. Click Here> MORE WORTHY WEBSITES... *ArtAsheville.com The Artists and Galleries of Asheville *ArtsAsheville.com All About the Arts in Asheville *AshevilleOnStage.com Spotlight on the Performing Arts *CraftsAsheville.com The Artisans of Asheville *LisaRing.com Sparkling watercolorist and photographer *RapidRiverMagazine.com Arts and Culture Monthly *TheGreenerHome.com Sustainable Living Resource *VadimBoraStudio.com One of Asheville's finest *WesternNorthCarolina.com Real Estate Guide *WNCTraveler.com Wonderful Destinations in Western North Carolina *YevasUniverse.com Travel beyond Asheville QUICK QUIZ... |
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