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Jason Sandford

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

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More of what’s going around:

-With long-time WLOS television news anchorwoman Darcel Grimes absent from the airways recently, folks have been asking me where she is. Grimes is doing well, fighting off an upper respiratory infection complicated by an inflammatory disease that’s she’s had for many years. It’s called sarcoidosis. Grimes says in a Facebook post that she’s staying safe and recovering at home, and plans to be back on the air very soon. Late last year, the 40-year television news personality announced she would be retiring in May.

-Asheville area photographer Mike Belleme took part in a Rolling Stone magazine project that tasked about 10 photographers around the U.S. to document how people are reacting to the coronavrius outbreak in their communities. You can see his photos, and the report, at Rolling Stone here. Follow Belleme on Instagram @mikebelleme.

-Old North Clothing, a seven-year-old men’s clothing shop on the corner of North Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street in downtown Asheville, has closed. Founder Jack Roche reports in a Facebook post that he closed the retail shop on March 31. Roche wrote that he was thankful for his customers and the relationships he built over the years. “I already can’t wait to start again but times are weird right now. I’m seeing what matters and heading down a road to make sure I focus on those things. Please stay safe out there.”

-Santé Wine Bar and Tap Room in downtown Asheville has announced that it is closing. Founder Allan Morse died on March 16, and with the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak, the Grove Arcade wine bar has decided to close. “Unfortunately with these unknown times and unexpected loss, we have chosen to close Santé Wine Bar and Tap Room at this time. Although we are deeply saddened to close the door to one of Allan’s dreams, know that the memories shared over a glass will never be forgotten,” reads a post on the Santé Wine Bar page on Facebook. The wine bar will open from noon to 4 p.m. on April 16 for curbside pickup only for one last hurrah. “With the hope that many people will be able to appreciate this wine, as Allan would want, we will be offering the purchase of cases with six carefully selected bottles.” Call (828) 712-2347 or (828) 450-5477 to reserve bottles.

-Asheville food fan Stu Helm, an Ashevegas food reviewer and Asheville tour leader now stuck at home like so many of us, has turned back to his talents as a graphic artist to produce funny, irreverent adult (and kid) coloring pages. Find them here.

SoundSpace AVL, a music rehearsal space and cafe, the new use for the old Rabbit’s Motel on McDowell Avenue in Asheville, reports in an Instagram post that it is making progress on its renovations. SoundSpace AVL is managed and owned Asheville musicians Claude Coleman Jr., drummer from the group Ween, and Brett Spivey. They write that “within a few weeks, we will have a facility of operational, beautiful and practice rooms for our community. Soon we will begin pre-booking online. So bands & artists can reserve their spots early, and walk right in to work upon open doors. When that will be is a moving target, as it is for the rest of the country on stand-by waiting to return to normalcy. But we will have our Grand Opening, we will serve our community, and it will be amazing.” The second phase, including the soul food kitchen, murals project and landmark status designation, will follow on from there.

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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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