Lighten up for Life! A New Competition Begins September 1st!

Join the Firefighters of WNC & Jared Fogle from Subway in a new season of Lighten Up 4 Life

You’re invited: Lighten Up 4 Life Kickoff Wednesday September 1st 10am at Pack Square in Downtown Asheville - Across from the Fire Station


Special guests include:

Jared from Subway, Mayor Terry Bellamy, Eddie Fox & Sharon Green 99.9 KISS FM,
Josh Michael & Kim Mathews STAR 104.3 and many more!

Volunteer and full time firefighters from across Western North Carolina are joining the challenge. These professionals, heroes to our communities, face unique barriers to staying healthy. They work long and often erratic shifts. Their sleep is often interrupted. Those based at stations have to cook for large groups who traditionally enjoy less-than-healthy meals. And when the bell rings, the physical demands placed on firefighters responding to a call are extreme. Their specialized gear and self-contained breathing apparatus can weigh up to 75 pounds.

Because firefighters know the importance of staying in shape and eating healthier, departments across the mountains have decided to join the Lighten Up 4 Life Challenge this fall.

They are asking you to join too, in getting healthy and in setting an example for the children whose lives they protect. ..

Now Let’s Get Started! Here’s How You Can Join the Lighten Up 4 Life Challenge

To join, you must register as part of a team or as an individual if you’re not competing for prizes.

To register for the competition: Click here and complete the registration form.

While registering, you will be asked to submit your name, a team name, the company or organization (If applicable) you are affiliated with and your e-mail address and your phone number. Once you’ve completed this part of the registration each team member will receive an email confirmation to complete your registration. That’s it! You’re on your way to losing weight and feeling great.

The Lighten Up 4 Life Challenge website provides healthy diets, great recipes, cooking videos, free exercise tips, and local walking, running & health events.

There is no limit to the number of teams that can compete from any organization. You may sign up anytime throughout the year.

Everyone is invited to join us; businesses, organizations, neighborhoods, families and area churches.

Volunteers to Plant Wildlife Habitat at Hominy Valley Elementary School

Hominy Valley Elementary School in Candler is now a Certified Wildlife Habitat thanks to the efforts of Landscape Contractor Steve Ambrose, who will coordinate a team of volunteers in turning little-used, high-maintenance lawn areas on the school grounds into sustainable, water-conserving wildlife habitat and filling in the existing beds. For the school's "Day of Caring" on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, bankers will don work gloves and plant trees side-by-side with schoolteachers and kids, starting at 9 am.

The annual PTA-sponsored event will be the fourth in a row for which Ambrose, president of Asheville-based Ambrose Landscapes, has donated tools, labor and expertise in "green" landscape design. The sustainable landscaping he's been installing beautifies the school's campus while cutting its overhead expenses for maintenance, water and energy use -- and it provides homes for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife of Western North Carolina that the school's children and teachers can study and enjoy.

"Mowing is loud and wasteful of a school's precious resources of money and manpower," Ambrose observes. "Besides, how much wildlife do you enjoy on a lawn?"

"Our campus is the most beautiful one around," wrote Hominy Valley Principal Dr. Angie Jackson after last year's event. "We constantly receive compliments about how beautiful our entrance is."

The school recently qualified for certification as wildlife-friendly habitat by the National and North Carolina Wildlife Federation (familiar to many eco-conscious homeowners through the "Backyard Wildlife Habitat" program) because it provides the four key elements endangered species need to survive: food, water, cover, and a place to raise their young. And what's good for wildlife conservation is also good for Buncombe County School District's budget: For example, the drought-tolerant butterfly bushes and other flowering shrubs Ambrose and volunteers planted along exposed walls last year now not only provide food for butterflies and hummingbirds, but also cut air-conditioning costs by sheltering the brick walls from direct sun during the summer months.

Other regional businesses are giving generously to Hominy Valley's "Day of Caring" event. Carolina Mulch Plus will donate a dumptruck-full of mulch -- over 20 cubic yards -- and Tennessee Stone is contributing $350, the equivalent of 3,000 lbs of decorative stone and delivery. Five Wells Fargo/Wachovia Bank employees were the first to sign up to provide labor. Vulcan Materials -- which owns a 389-acre stone quarry next to the school that is also a certified wildlife habitat -- has donated assorted stone Ambrose uses to create borders and features.

Volunteers are welcome to contact PTA member Denise Richards at (828) 230-4147. The event will last "as long as the supplies and people last," notes Ambrose. Hominy Valley Elementary School is at 450 Enka Lake Rd., Candler.

• For more information, contact Steve Ambrose at steve@ambroselandscapes.com, (828) 768-1861, or (828) 674-0075. 
• For a lively gallery of school pictures from the last three "Day of Caring" events, see Ambrose Landscapes' Web site at http://www.ambroselandscapes.com/projects/hominy_valley/.

Meet the New CEO & President for Mission Health System & Mission Hospital

Speaking of Gardening Symposium Coming to North Carolina Arboretum

The Garden Symposium for Horticultural Professionals and Enthusiasts
The North Carolina Arboretum
August 27 & 28, 2010

OVERVIEW
Bringing the full spectrum of the horticultural experience to Asheville, this year’s Speaking of Gardening is proud to host speakers from both England and the United States presenting lectures on creative design and cutting edge plants. Program topics will explore the gardens of Great Dixter, Longwood Gardens, and the Biltmore Estate through the eyes of the very individuals that help coordinate the amazing displays. Other lectures will include insights from private gardens and the very latest in new plant introductions from Spring Meadow Nursery. There will be book signings, a plant giveaway and tours of the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center, NC State University featuring the latest in new plant developments.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Fergus Garrett ― Head Gardener, Great Dixter, Sussex, England
Great Dixter, home and garden of the late Christopher Lloyd, is an astounding achievement of exciting and ever-changing garden displays. Fergus Garrett worked side by side with Mr. Lloyd for many years, and continues to maintain the garden with brilliant success. Fergus will reveal the secrets and “wily tricks” of keeping their celebrated borders lively in every season, and describe plants- from the hard-working anchor plants to the temporary plants that are "an essential ingredient in the adventurous gardener's armoury."

SPEAKERS
Carol Reese ― Garden Writer, Photographer and Lecturer, Knoxville, TN
As Ornamental Horticulturist for the University of Tennessee, and Q & A columnist for Horticulture Magazine, Carol’s practical experience combines well with her enthusiasm and humor for memorable and compelling presentations. Carol will discuss landscapes which have that “special something” - a unique bit of structure, a wildly different way of using water, a surprising take on color; a way to create a bit of paradise.

Parker Andes ― Director of Horticulture, Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC
Learn about two newly renovated landscapes at Biltmore: the Approach Road and the Italian Pools. The Approach Road, originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, is a complete garden experience drawing the eye to specific points as the road bends and curves. The Italian Pools are now planted with a wide range of water loving plants. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of renovation while maintaining historical integrity amidst the constant flow of modern-day visitors.

Rodney Eason ― Display Division Leader, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Longwood remains a preeminent public garden in North America and Rodney Eason’s team keeps their display gardens on par with any in the world. Rodney will share how coordinating these unique displays on over 1,050 acres in 20 indoor and 20 outdoor garden areas year round is a massive juggling act, one that requires both creative design and an amazing diversity of plants.

Tim Wood ― Product Development & Marketing Manager, Spring Meadow Nursery, Grand Haven, MI
Spring Meadow is responsible for many new introductions of ornamental shrubs in the garden centers each season. Marketed under the Proven Winner® logo, Wood’s work at Spring Meadow ensures a steady supply of new plants highlighted in his presentation.

For additional information, visit the Arboretum’s website, www.ncarboretum.org.
Click on the “Education” link, then click on “Speaking of Gardening” in the left column.

Small Business & Community Appreciation Nights with the Asheville Tourists

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

VS. Hickory Crawdads

@ 7:05 pm

Or

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

VS. Hickory Crawdads

@ 7:05 pm at

McCormick Field

(Tickets can be split for both dates)

If you’ve wanted to support your local professional baseball team but haven’t felt you have been able to afford a higher-priced investment, then you’ll love our new Asheville Tourists Small Business and Community Partners program! It’s the perfect vehicle for you to back the Tourists community and get a return on your investment. Now you can become an integral part of the Tourists support network at a price that any small business owner can afford. Your tickets can be used as giveaways to customers, clients, or employees and their families to enjoy a night at the ballpark.

Professional Level Business Package: $100

• (20) General Admission Tickets
• Business card size ad inserted in our program

All-Star Level Business Package: $200

• (40) General Admission Tickets
• Business card size ad inserted in our program
• Companies name featured on our LED Scoreboard
• Concourse table to interact with fans / pass out info

COMMUNITY SPIRIT – Your tickets may also be donated to a worthy cause such as Eliada Homes, YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Salvation Army or a charitable organization of your choice which would be tax exempt for your company. If you do not have a charitable organization you wish to donate to, the Asheville Tourists will gladly assist in your efforts to find one.

The total value of your Professional Level Package is $300.00 and is presented to you for only $100.00
The total value of your All-Star Level Package is $600.00 and is presented to you for only $200.00

Please call Ryan Koehler at 828-258-0428 ext: 207.

Mingling for the Mutts Coming to Gerber Village

New Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care Facility in South Asheville

New Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care Facility Focuses on Efficiency, Quality Care
Ribbon Cutting Slated for August 3rd

Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care will officially unveil its new, state-of-the-art South Asheville facility in Meridian Place at 1833 Hendersonville Rd. on August 3rd, with an Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

“We’re just so excited because this beautiful new building will allow us to help even more people, at a quicker rate, all with top-notch equipment,” said Sharon Owen, Marketing Director for Sisters of Mercy Services. “Everything was designed with our patients in mind, to treat them most effectively and efficiently, and to make the overall experience as good as it can be. There’s great parking, it’s very easily accessible and the interior is streamlined so that everything runs smoothly. This facility is an investment in the community, just like the Sisters of Mercy have been making for 110 years.”

The new urgent care center will be open to the public seven days a week, with no appointment necessary to see a board-certified physician and receive care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. The building, developed by Rusty Pulliam and designed by architect John Fisher, incorporates many environmentally-friendly features, plus cutting-edge equipment and digital x-ray capabilities. “We designed it in such a way that it will serve the community for many, many years to come,” explained Owen.

The August 3rd ribbon-cutting will be attended by dignitaries from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the public is welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served and neighboring businesses in Meridian Place will join in the celebration.

Sisters of Mercy CEO Tim Johnston said, “We’re very proud of this fantastic new care center, and extremely grateful to all the people who helped make it a reality. We want people to be aware that anyone can walk into any Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care center, with no appointment, and receive quality medical care for a fraction of the time and cost of an E.R. visit.”

The newly-built South Asheville facility is one of five Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care centers in Asheville, Arden, Brevard and Weaverville, and replaces the prior location at 1812 Hendersonville Rd. For more information, please call Sharon Owen at (828) 281-2598.

American Advertising Federation Creates New Logo for Asheville Humane Society

Asheville Humane Society introduces its new logo, providing a contemporary look and a fresh start to accompany the much anticipated opening of the new Animal Care Campus scheduled for early fall.

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) Asheville, a trade association of more than 70 experienced marketing, public relations, and design professionals, developed the Asheville Humane Society’s new logo as their first community outreach project.

“This was a wonderful gift from AAF Asheville. Asheville Humane Society and the animals are forever grateful,” says Katherine McGowan, Interim President/CEO of Asheville Humane Society.

The logo features a call to action – Adopt, Donate, Volunteer – to help eliminate the overwhelming population of homeless pets. The tagline, “Serving Buncombe County since 1984” emphasizes the established role of the organization in the community along with the professionalism practiced by the staff and volunteers who have contributed to the success of the Asheville Humane Society throughout the last 26 years. AAF of Asheville has graciously extended their services and expertise in aiding AHS with the new logo, but also express an interest to continue, throughout the inaugural year, with the campaigning of the new Animal Care Campus.

For more information regarding the new logo and the opening of the Asheville Humane Society’s New Adoption & Education Center please visit www.ashevillehumane.org. The Animal Care Campus, housing the Buncombe County Animal Control and Shelter, Asheville Humane Society’s Adoption and Education Center and AB Tech’s Veterinary Technician Program, will open to the public in early fall.

For additional information, contact Hans Wohlgefahrt, Asheville Humane Society Community Outreach Coordinator, or visit www.ashevillehumane.org.