Le Tour de Leaves: The 10th annual Tour de Leaves offers one of the region’s most scenic fall bicycle rides. Suitable for all experience levels and starting at Harmon Field in Tryon, the event offers a metric century (66 miles), a half-metric (32 miles) and a Family Fun Ride with a four- or eight-mile option. … Read more
Maggio’s Pizza: Stephen Maggio, who has long traveled with his wife Jamie Thomas’ eponymous band, is slowing down—sort of. After years of operating a mobile pizza kitchen at live shows, Maggio recently put down retail roots at 1093 Patton Ave. in Asheville. But just because Maggio’s gone stationary doesn’t mean he’s becoming sedentary: “I’m hoping … Read more
Cheers to Gov. Easley, who recently signed a proclamation declaring November as Nonprofit Awareness Month. In the midst of financial meltdowns, elections, job cuts and rising gas prices, I’m thrilled to see our nonprofit sector being recognized for its contributions to our state. North Carolina nonprofits provide more than 212,000 jobs each year. That’s more … Read more
Sunday we had the joy of seeing Obama in person. It was truly a “yes we can” moment, being able to be part of making history! And for the first time, not just “his”-story, the white European, but all-of-ours story. It was an extraordinary event—peaceful, efficiently run and so very hopeful. And at a time … Read more
For most of my adult life (over 50 years), I have listened to cries from various minority groups against the racism exhibited by white people in matters of politics, education, income and virtually every other aspect of our lives. I assumed some feelings of guilt; while I felt free of such intolerant feelings, I felt … Read more
There’s no warmup for singer/songwriter Andrea Lee, no plying lukewarm numbers before presenting the audience at Green Sage Coffee House & Cafe with the good stuff. She’s ready from the first note, working the crowd with her slow crooning mingled with rising crescendos. Although at a recent show, it was just Lee and her guitar, … Read more
In this economic crisis, the simplest solution is [probably] the best. I’m referring to a study done in Iowa about wind-powered energy. This study indicates that if we employ wind-generated power, our entire power grid will have to be updated. That also happens to be our answer! Updating the nation’s power grid would require additional … Read more
Listen. With all the hoopla about who gets to be our next president, don’t lose sight of where the real power is: Congress! And, our politicians on both sides have failed us miserably. So why do we keep electing the same ones over and over again? Thomas Jefferson did not mean for politics to be … Read more
I would like to take the time to remind everyone to be fair to Elizabeth Dole. All the negative ads the Democratic National Committee is running are mostly false. Elizabeth Dole has always stood strong for North Carolina. Before you vote, please take the time to look at Sen. Dole’s Web site for the facts: … Read more
