“WNC theaters were finally getting close to pre-COVID attendance, and Helene set us all the way back,” says Rose Pillmore, board member of Asheville Theater Alliance
New Stories
Unstoppable: Creative expression post-Helene
“Our staff stepped up in incredible ways, making home visits to artists and delivering essential supplies where needed,” says Debbie Harris, co-executive director of Open Hearts Art Center.
Smart Bets: Marshall Handmade Market
With Marshall High Studios being renovated following flooding from Tropical Storm Helene, the beloved holiday arts market moves to a new venue.
Green roundup: Storm delays Woodfin’s Riverside Park improvements
Despite minimal damage from Tropical Storm Helene, improvements to Woodfin’s Riverside Park and a manufactured whitewater Taylor’s Wave are delayed while waiting for water levels to fall.
Waterway protectors reflect on Helene, look to the future
Erica Shanks was in Milwaukee, Wis., for a water and climate conference Sept. 26, but all she could think about was the weather back home. She needed to get home.
County commissioners approve expanded emergency housing
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved $1.5 million for rental assistance and expanded emergency housing within the county in response to Tropical Storm Helene.
Local entrepreneurs invite business owners to brainstorming sessions
Resilience Roundtable: WNC Business Pivot Chats is a new online monthly discussion initiated by local entrepreneurs Alyssa Phillips Downey and Nicole McConville.
Unstoppable: A special place
“We are dedicated to providing key resources so that Pisgah remains the beloved place that it is for WNC residents and all who pass through these mountains,” says Marielle DeJong, donor engagement officer at The Pisgah Conservancy.
Smart Bets: Vintage Market Days
This year’s Mistletoe Market will feature three days of holiday shopping with a portion of ticket sales benefiting storm recovery efforts.
Smart Bets: ReClaim the R.A.D.
Opening Nov. 23, the fundraising show and sale features works of art created on pieces of flood debris.
Nonprofit groups address fundraising, volunteer challenges in wake of Helene
Many local nonprofits are facing challenges as money and volunteer hours pour into groups with a more direct role in storm recovery efforts. These groups are trying to address the issue in creative ways, including reaching out to donors and volunteers outside WNC for help.
Asheville mayor, Buncombe officials among delegation headed to D.C. to appeal for more Helene assistance
The delegation of regional officials traveling to Washington is believed to be unprecedented, but “we have literally never seen a disaster like Hurricane Helene,” Amanda Edwards, chair-elect of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, told The Watchdog.
Unstoppable: Efforts to end homelessness
“In the aftermath of Helene, Homeward Bound of WNC shifted to immediately address the safety of all our staff and the clients we serve through our homeless and housing services programs,” says Jessie Figueroa, the communications specialist of Homeward Bound of WNC
Smart Bets: Off Book: The Improvised Musical
Musical comedy duo Jess McKenna and Zach Reino will turn their popular podcast into a live, improvised musical production at The Orange Peel.
Unstoppable: Advocating for food security
“With the storm’s impact, we anticipate a significant rise in food insecurity as more families and individuals turn to us and other community resources in the coming months,” says Micah Chrisman, director of marketing and communications of MANNA FoodBank.
What’s new in food: Foothills Meats prepares to open Skillet in landmark Black Mountain building
Skillet will open in late November with an affordable comfort food menu from former Cultura and Funkatorium chef Eric Morris. Also in this week’s food news: a farewell part for Bottle Riot, a Thanksgiving dinner fundraiser for Eblen Charities, Sippin’ Santa at the Tiki Easy Bar, holiday pies and much more.