Pisgah Legal Services is doubling the size of its full-time domestic-violence legal team. Lynne Davis, Martin Jarrard, Gabriella Volkomer and Lily Peifer are joining the Mountain Violence Prevention Project, an initiative that helps victims of domestic violence and their families. More than 60 volunteer attorneys assist with the program, which helped 2,667 domestic-violence victims, including children, last year alone.
As new staff attorneys, Davis and Jarrard will provide legal advice and representation to domestic-violence victims to help them secure court protective orders to increase their safety from abuse and resolve other legal issues — including child custody and child support, divorce, settlement of marital property, housing and associated consumer-protection issues. Both Davis and Jarrard are members of the North Carolina State Bar and have experience in assisting domestic-violence victims. Jarrard also holds a master’s in social work.
Volkomer is an attorney licensed to practice law in Mexico and holds a master’s degree in justice administration from the University of Louisville. She joins Pisgah Legal Services as a bilingual court advocate, and will assist domestic-violence victims to secure court protection from abuse and pursue the prosecution of their abusers. Peifer will interview new clients and provide safety planning to all domestic-violence victims requesting legal assistance from Pisgah Legal Services.
Pisgah Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to low-income people in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania counties. For more information, visit www.pisgahlegal.org. Low-income victims of domestic violence can call toll free at 800-489-6144.
A little Face Time
The Asheville Board of Realtors will host its “Face Time with Western North Carolina Elected Officials” on Thursday, Aug. 12. The reception will bring together county government leaders from five counties — including members of the Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners — to meet and network with the area’s business community. The event will be held at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. It’s open to the public, although registration is required by Aug. 4. It’s free for Chamber members and 10 bucks for nonmembers. For more information, contact Jessica Kryzenske at 258-6118.
Make mine a double mocha
Asheville natives Teresa Johnson and her daughter Maegan Johnston have opened the newest coffee shop in downtown Asheville — and for us caffeine addicts at Xpress, it’s conveniently located just down the block. The Wall Street Coffee House and Emporium features pastries, cookies, cake, brownies and of a whole selection of yummy coffee and tea drinks. But it’s a little different from your typical coffee shop in that it’s not just high-tech hippie or hipster chic: They offer free Wi-Fi, but they also have puzzles, games, and other features more suitable for customers with younger children. Johnson also refinishes furniture (which she sells in the shop), and there’s artwork and jewelry on display by noted glass worker Aaron Hill.
The Wall Street Coffee House and Emporium is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 62 Wall St. You can reach them at 989-2129.
We’d like to make a toast
The Ridgefield Toastmasters has installed new officers for the 2010-2011 year. Sara Phillips will serve as the group’s new president; Matt Tavener, vice president for education; Dan Norris, vice president for membership; Susan Jackson, vice president for public relations; Suzanne Chebat, secretary; Wil Higdon, treasurer; and Kevin Franks, sergeant at arms. Toastmasters is a nonprofit, member-led organization that helps its members develop leadership skills and improve their communication techniques, such as giving speeches and presentations.
Ridgefield Toastmasters meets every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. in the Dixon-Hughes conference room at 500 Ridgefield Court in Asheville (that’s just past the Biltmore Square Mall off Brevard Road). Guests are welcome — and don’t worry if you’re a visitor: There’s no charge and no obligation to participate. For more information, visit www.ridgefieldtoastmasters.com or call Susan Jackson at 779-4539.
New stores moving into Biltmore Park
Biltmore Park is welcoming six new commercial tenants to its 42-acre, mixed-use planned community in south Asheville, company representatives told Xpress.
The Wine Loft, Lavender Fields, Lenscrafters, Neo Burrito, Shades of Green and Ideal Image have all signed leases and are in various stages of obtaining permits and readying their retail spaces for business.
The Wine Loft is an upscale wine bar; Lavender Fields is a home boutique; Neo Burrito — already a well-known Asheville eatery — is opening its second location come fall; Shades of Green specializes in environmentally conscious women’s clothing; and Ideal Image is a local laser hair-removal service.
The new stores join The Natural Home, Woof Gang Bakery, DINO-Kinetics and Markis Studios, which all recently opened in Biltmore Park.
Direct your business news to Michael Muller (251-1333, ext. 154) or to business@mountainx.com.
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