Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
More of what’s going around this week:
-It’s been a year since the owners of Waking Life, a popular West Asheville coffee shop faced a storm of controversy following the publication of website that revealed they had created a podcast, blog and Twitter account detailing their relationships – sexual and otherwise – with local women, often in degrading and demeaning terms. Jared Rutledge and Jacob Owens faced protests, petitions and a social media firestorm following the revelations. The controversy forced the two to close and sell their shop, and it sparked widespread community conversation about the topic of misogyny. Former coffee shop employees are now involved in two new well-regarded shops.
-After a couple of years of debate, a set of new regulations for street performers is headed to Asheville City Council in the form of a one-year pilot program, reports WLOS.
-Asheville is the center of North Carolina’s bluegrass scene, reports the Raleigh News & Observer.
–Sky Zone trampoline park at 1836 Hendersonville road is planning for a November opening.
–Creative Mornings returns Friday at the CCCD. The guest speaker is Zane Adams, an owner of Buchi Kombucha.
-The 9th Annual Miss Gay Latina Asheville pageant is set for 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 at Diana Wortham Theatre. Here’s more:
Miss Gay Latina Asheville began in 2008 as part of the Hispanic Heritage month, which is a celebration of Hispanic culture and the many achievements that have been made by members of the Latin community. This celebration takes place annually during the month of October.
We are extremely pleased that this year Miss Gay Latina Asheville will expand its horizons to celebrate cultural diversity around the globe. The contestants will represent the country of their choice, and are not limited to Latin nations. We are extremely pleased with the success of Miss Gay Latina Asheville, and we strive to enhance the production every year.
The pageant consists of four categories; interview, national costume, talent and evening gown. Each contestant will interview prior to the beginning of the pageant, and will then perform the other categories before the live audience. This year we are pleased that we have contestants from all across the USA.
In addition to the lovely contestants vying for the title, we will have professional dancers from Miami, Florida, as well as local and regional performers. We are also very pleased to present our special guest, Miss Mokha Montrese, a nationally known entertainer from Chicago, Illinois, and former titleholder of several national pageants including Miss National Entertainer of the Year, Miss Continental and Miss Gay USofA.
–Asheville Outlets and TSAChoice will partner to host a Community Day on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Asheville Outlets, according to a press release. More:
Representatives from over 30 area non-profits will be on- site with interactive booths and displays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers will learn more about the organizations and even sign-up to volunteer. “Community Day is one of our favorite events,” said Sharon Morgan, General Manager, Asheville Outlets. “We are excited to be able to spotlight several of the remarkable non-profits in our area. Shoppers will have the opportunity to find out more about how these groups positively impact our community on a daily basis,” Morgan continued. A sampling of participating non-profits includes: ABCCM, Aging Projects, Inc., Area Agency on Aging at Land of Sky Regional Council, Asheville Fire Department, Asheville Humane Society Pet Adoptions, Asheville City Storm Water, BWAR Asheville Chapter Pet Adoptions, CarePartners, Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue, 34 Cub Scouts Pack 26 Avery County, Division of Services for the Blind NC, ELIADA Foster Care, Franklin School of Innovation, Friends of Connect Buncombe, Marine Corps League-Asheville Detachment, The NC Arboretum, Oasis Mountain Buggies – Shriners, Pack 100 Boy Scouts of America and Sand Hill Lions.
