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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Ashvegas: The City You Love. The News You Want.More of what’s going around:

-It flurried a bit around Asheville Monday night and into Tuesday, while temperatures some of the coldest weather we’ve seen this winter.

-Ingles Markets reported higher grocery sales for the end of 2015.

-Patton Avenue Pet Company is planning to open a third location at 582 Hendersonville Road.

-Bonfire Barbecue on Patton Avenue continues to work on its expansion.

-Mamacita’s Taco Temple is still working on renovations as it prepares to open on Charlotte Street in the former Two Guys Hoagies location.

-When will Red Ginger Dim Sum and Tapas ever open?

-When will Patton Public House ever open?

-Wick and Greene Jewelers on Patton Avenue in downtown is remodeling both its levels. The upper level will be remodeled into a jewelry workshop.

-The Dirty South Lounge at the back of The Southern is offering a five-course meal prepared by Chef Joe Marple from 6-8 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. The food will be paired with five beers from Highland Brewing. Tickets are $55 and include gratuity.

 

-The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and National Park Service (NPS) has announced their 2016 Centennial Challenge project, according to a press release. More:

The nonprofit Foundation will raise $411,632 to update the fire suppression system at Flat Top Manor at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, milepost 294, near Blowing Rock, N.C. The funds will be supplemented with an award from Congress of $294,487 to address this pressing need on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the country’s most visited National Park unit.

This week, NPS announced nearly $48 million of Centennial Challenge projects to help parks across the country improve visitor services and support outreach to new audiences. The projects, many of which tackle deferred maintenance, come as the NPS kicks off its second century of service in 2016. Congress provided $15 million for the projects, which will be matched by almost $33 million from more than 90 park partners. “We are excited that the Blue Ridge Parkway will be the recipient of these Centennial Challenge dollars for a second year,” said Mark Woods, Superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway. “Through making this donation, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is helping us care for the resources of this park in meaningful ways that will be enjoyed for years to come.”

This year’s Centennial Challenge kicks off a multiyear initiative by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation to rehabilitate Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, which faces serious maintenance issues due to shortfalls in funding from the federal government. The long-range work will be guided by the Developed Area Management Plan, recently completed by the Parkway, and a steering committee of local volunteers. The work will include additional repairs to Flat Top Manor, the Apple Barn, carriage trails, the observation tower, and more.

Since its inception in 1997, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has worked with donors to invest in the preservation of Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. To date, the organization has dedicated more than $1 million in support for this popular destination, including successfully nominating the estate for the National Register of Historic Places.

The 2016 Centennial Challenge program builds on the successes of 2015, when Congress appropriated $10 million. In 2015, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation made the commitment to raise matching funds for five Centennial Projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The nonprofit’s collaboration with the National Park Service through the Centennial Challenge in 2015 and 2016 will have a $1.4 million impact on the Parkway. The Centennial commitment is in addition to the Foundation’s annual financial support of park-identified needs in the areas of historical and cultural preservation, natural resource protection, education and outreach, and visitor amenities.

To support this project and other critical needs on the Parkway, please visit www.brpfoundation.org or call (866) 308-2773.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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