Diana Wortham Theatre announces new Intersections Series for 2012-13

The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville, North Carolina introduces Intersections, a brand new series held in The Forum at Diana Wortham Theatre. The inaugural 2012-2013 Intersections series is designed to initiate in-depth and intimate ways for the community to connect with one another and with the arts through supplemental performance-oriented courses for students, clubs, master classes, and pre-performance discussions.

Intersections Courses for Students and Children: The Intersections’ special supplemental courses for students and children are designed to enrich children’s experience with the arts and promote academic achievement. The fee for these 11-week courses includes a free ticket and a backstage tour for the student and a parent to one show in the 2012-2013 Matinee Series for Students and Families. Current courses include:  “Build A Play” – suitable for grades 6-8; “Creative Drama” – suitable for ages 3-5; and “Creative Movement” – suitable for ages 3-5. Registration is open now; call Associate Director Rae Geoffrey at 828.210.9837 or e-mail rae@dwtheatre.com to register. More information at www.dwtheatre.com/intersections.

The Sing Together Series is designed for family and friends to celebrate the joy of music and singing. This series is for anyone of any age or skill level who loves to sing. No experience is required. Led by local educator and recording musician, Beth Magill, Sing Together offers themed gatherings throughout the season such as Campfire Songs, Lullabies, Winter Songs, and Kiss Me I’m Irish. The Sing Together Series runs from October 2012 through March 2013. $8 adults/$5 children 12 and under; children 2 and under are free. For more information contact Rae Geoffrey at rae@dwtheatre.com or 828-210-9837.

Intersections Clubs are designed to engage adults in relaxed and fun social activities that intersect with the arts. The Book Club is an opportunity for book lovers to gather for casual discussions. The first meeting of the Intersections Book Club is October 9, 2012 at 6:30pm to discuss The Giver. The Diner’s Club is an occasion for patrons to get to know one another before a Mainstage Series performance with a group dinner at a local restaurant. The On Broadway Club is an opportunity for patrons to travel as a group on a bus tour to the Peace Center for performances in the Center’s Broadway productions series. And the Craft Club, presented in partnership with Handmade in America, meets monthly to create a work of art under the direction of a local artist. Check Diana Wortham Theatre’s website regularly for updated information regarding these social opportunities.

Pre-performance discussions are once again offered in association with the Mainstage Dance and Theatre performances. Ticket holders of these performances are invited to enhance their theatre experience by attending this free pre-performance discussion, lead by a professional from the community or an associate with the creative staff of the performing artist. Pre-show discussions are held at 7:00 p.m. prior to the performance and include: The American Place Theatre’s Literature to Life^® stage presentation of The Giver by Lois Lowry on October 23, 2012; Aquila Theatre in Cyrano de Bergerac on February 1, 2013, and in The Taming of the Shrew on February 2, 2013; Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana on February 21 & 22, 2013; and River North Dance Chicago on March 8 & 9, 2013.

Local FASTSIGNS teammember recognized with national award

Tom Dieterly, visual communications expert at FASTSIGNS^® of Asheville, was recognized with the Gold Sales Award at the 2012 FASTSIGNS Outside Sales Summit, recently held in Dallas.  

 

"Thanks to my strong customer base and knowledgeable production staff that have helped me attain this award,” Dieterly said.

The Gold Sales Award is presented to outside sales consultants who achieved a sales total between $600,000 and $899,000 from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. Out of the more than 450 FASTSIGNS centers in the United States and Canada, only eight outside sales consultants received the Gold Sales Award.

“The caliber of the outside sales consultants that we have in the FASTSIGNS system is absolutely outstanding, as demonstrated by the recognitions that we award at the Outside Sales Summit,” said Mark Jameson, senior vice president of franchise support and development at FASTSIGNS International. “Their dedication continues to make FASTSIGNS a great brand.”

BnBFinder names top 10 inns for laid-back leaf peeping

What’s red, orange and gold all over? The fall foliage, of course. Setting out for a weekend getaway to soak in the brilliant colors is quintessentially fall. And, while hiking or biking can be fun, sometimes the best way to view the foliage is to stay seated.

At some BnBFinder inns (www.BnBFinder.com) you can enjoy the autumn’s finest hues without leaving the comforts of the inn’s porch, or in some cases, the privacy of your room’s deck (or Jacuzzi tub). So, let others traverse mountainous trails or drive through winding roads to find the perfect leaf-peeping spot. You can sit back, relax and take in the foliage from the best seat in the house:

Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn & Spa (www.BnBFinder.com/LucillesMountainTop)--Sautee Nacoochee, GA: Sitting atop a mountain does have its advantages. This 10-room inn boasts 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Admire the canopy of color from a rocker on the wide deck before taking in a game of badminton or croquet on the lawn with the foliage as your scenic background.

Wildberry Lodge (www.BnBFinder.com/WildberryLodge)--Leicester, NC: This rustic log cabin lodge is situated on 45 acres in the Great Smokey Mountains and a short drive to downtown Asheville. You can step out onto their sundeck or flagstone patio to admire the foliage or soak up the views from the private porch off the Blackberry Suite.

Lookout Point Lakeside Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/LookoutPoint)--Hot Springs, AR: Indulge in deep relaxation at this retreat situated in the Ouachita Mountains overlooking placid Lake Hamilton. Enjoy your morning coffee and the foliage view from your private deck before taking a walk along the labyrinth waterfront trail.

ECCE Bed & Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/ECCE)--Barryville, NY: You can thank the inn’s location on a bluff 300 feet above the Upper Delaware River for the spectacular panoramic views of the Pennsylvania and New York mountain ranges. Savor your morning meal on one of their porches overlooking the river valley while admiring the burgundies, tangerines and golds.

The Swag Country Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/TheSwag)--Waynesville, NC: Finding the foliage won’t be a problem at The Swag Country Inn. With a vantage point to four of North Carolina’s highest mountain ranges, you can sit back on the front porch and admire the sweeping views before savoring a romantic, gourmet picnic by the meadow.  

Bear Mountain Lodge Bed & Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/BearMountain)--Bethlehem, NH: Attention outdoor enthusiasts: This 9-room rustic retreat on 26-wooded acres of New Hampshire’s White Mountains was made just for you. Head out for a day of ziplining, hiking or white water rafting before relaxing on the inn’s wraparound deck surrounded by foliage-covered hills.

Berry Springs Lodge (www.BnBFinder.com/BerrySprings)--Sevierville, TN: Spark the romantic flame at this secluded inn nestled in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. Snuggle up on the inn’s rustic deck as you take in the brilliant reds and golds by the light of the setting sun, and then escape the evening chill as you warm up next to the camp fire.  

Cloverdale (www.BnBFinder.com/Cloverdale)--St. Andrews, MB: Experience rustic elegance at this 3-room handmade log home located in a peaceful country setting outside of Winnipeg. Unwind on the inn’s charming front porch with a warm cup of coffee while admiring the autumn foliage and the local wildlife.

Run of the River Inn and Refuge (www.BnBFinder.com/RunoftheRiver)--Leavenworth, WA: This 7-room inn rests on a high water channel of the Icicle River and is partially surrounded by the Washington Department of Wildlife bird refuge. You can choose to view the fall colors from a seat on your suite’s private deck and the inn’s porch or take a hike using their complimentary outdoor gear.

Cameron’s Crag Bed & Breakfast (http://www.bnbfinder.com/CameronsCrag)--Hollister, MO: Sitting atop a bluff overlooking Lake Taneycomo and the Branson skyline, this inn offers an exceptional vantage point to view the bright oranges and radiant reds of the changing foliage. Take a soothing soak in your suite’s hot tub located on your private wrap-around deck.

To view the full list of fall getaway specials and packages, visit:

http://www.BnBFinder.com/Fall

For more information on these inns, inns located in your coverage area, or to request high-resolution images, contact Rich Rodriguez at (212) 480-0414 x16 or email press@bnbfinder.com.  

Innovative collaborative project Jeremy Kittel Band performs Friday October 12 at Diana Wortham Theatre

Former violinist for the Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet, world-class fiddler Jeremy Kittel performs with his handpicked band of dynamic young musicians as the Jeremy Kittel Band. This performance will be October 12, 2012, at 8:00 pm, and is part of the Mainstage Music Series at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. 

Tickets: Regular $30; Students $25; Child $15; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid ID) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.

Massage Envy hosts 2nd Annual Healing Hands for Arthritis on September 19

On September 19, $10 from every massage or facial benefits the Arthritis Foundation.

Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, is once again joining forces with the Arthritis Foundation to host Healing Hands for Arthritis, a one‐day national event to build awareness and raise funds to fight arthritis. On September 19, 2012, Massage Envy will donate $10 from every one‐hour massage or facial to the Arthritis Foundation. Last year, this one‐day event raised nearly $500,000 for the Arthritis Foundation.

There are over 100 types of arthritis, a serious and sometimes deadly disease. Today, one in five adults and nearly 300,000 children suffer from the pain of arthritis. By the year 2030, an estimated 67 million or 25 percent of the projected total adult population will have arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, non‐profit health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases.

“There’s no better way to give back than to treat yourself, a friend or family member to a relaxing and rejuvenating massage or facial,” said Jim Fitzsimmons, regional developer for Massage Envy North Carolina. “We strongly encourage the Asheville community to come out on September 19 to help fight a disease that affects 50 million Americans and is actually our nation’s leading cause of disability.”

To make an appointment for the Healing Hands for Arthritis event, contact your nearest Massage Envy. Reservations are now being accepted on a first‐come, first‐serve basis. All proceeds donated during Healing Hands for Arthritis will support the Arthritis Foundation’s nationwide efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis. Additionally, Murad®, Massage Envy Spa’s exclusive skin care partner, will donate 10 percent of all sales from their products sold at Massage Envy Spa locations during the event to the Arthritis Foundation.

“Partnering with the Arthritis Foundation was a natural fit, as we both a share a common understanding about the seriousness of the disease, the potential power of massage therapy to relieve certain symptoms, and what must be done to prevent, cure and control it,” said Fitzsimmons. 

Recent scientific studies have found that massage therapy increases immune function, decreases stress levels and reduces recovery time in many medical conditions including arthritis. With consumers visiting massage therapists at least 140 million times a year, it is evident that more Americans are turning to therapeutic massage to relieve the painful symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia, while improving circulation, joint flexibility, sleep patterns and an overall sense of well‐being.

Habitat for Humanity International and The Home Depot Foundation partner to repair homes with veterans and their families

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity has been selected to participate in Repair Corps, a veterans-support initiative of Habitat for Humanity International and The Home Depot Foundation. The Repair Corps program helps low-income veterans make much-needed repairs to their homes - from roofing, electrical, caulking and weather stripping to installing wheelchair ramps and remodeling bathrooms for accessibility.

Asheville Area Habitat is one of 84 Habitat affiliates selected to participate in this program. Repair Corps is designed under the same model as new homes built with Habitat families where the veteran will repay the 0% interest loan necessary for these repairs. For local program and qualification information visit ashevillehabitat.org.

“We are excited to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s Repair Corps program and we are grateful to The Home Depot Foundation for funding this project,” said Kit Rains, Development Director for Asheville Area Habitat. “It is truly an honor to work in partnership with former service men and women and their families.”

As a participant in the program’s pilot phase, Asheville Area Habitat partnered with local veteran Raymond Cole earlier this year to repair his home of thirty seven years. Work included remodeling the bathroom by widening the doorframe and replacing a decades-old claw-foot tub with a handicap accessible shower. Other repairs included repairing a hole in a ceiling, raising up a problematic portion of the roof, replacing windows and rebuilding stairs. New shingles and gutters were also installed. 

Like the homeownership program, the home repair program relies heavily on community volunteers. To learn about volunteering on a home repair project, visit ashevillehabitat.org.