Xpress heard from residents from all walks of life — some in health care, many not — about their thoughts on health and wellness in the region in 2023.
In the spirit: A conversation about spirituality with Lisa Forehand of Carolina Jews for Justice
“Listen to your heart,” says Lisa Forehand. “Do you want to be alone or with others to cultivate a more spiritual life? Are you open to trying new practices that might bring you closer to a higher power?”
A jukebox’s journey to the Asheville Radio Museum
For two years, Stuart Smolkin, curator of the Asheville Radio Museum, has been restoring a 1946 Rock-ola 1422 jukebox. Now the machine is on display inside A-B Tech’s Elm building.
In the spirit: A conversation about spirituality with artist Heather Hanson
“Spirituality is being willing to show up in life with an open, curious mind and heart and grapple with the tough questions,” says Heather Hanson.
In the spirit: A conversation about spirituality with Kyle S. Gillet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“For those seeking a more spiritual life, my advice would be to find a quiet place to pray vocally and ask God to lead them toward truth,” says Kyle S. Gillett.
Mindful death process gets community support
Local experts say as more baby boomers are aging, they are more curious about thoughtful planning for death. They also say the COVID-19 pandemic spurred interest in talking about death because many people did not have control over the circumstances of their deaths, and their loved ones felt helpless in the face of that fact.
In the spirit: A conversation about spirituality with poet Richard Chess
“When we open ourselves to the messiness, the whole thing — the beauty and joy, the ugliness and pain — we may have the greatest chance of experiencing something we may call ‘spiritual,'” says Richard Chess.
LGBTQ+ church leaders share reflections on service
The Rev. Sarah Hulbert says the same God that made her who she is also called her to the priesthood. She is disappointed in those who use the Bible to discriminate against minority communities because of what she says is an improper conflation of politics and Christian teachings.
In the spirit: A conversation about spirituality with poet Luke Hankins
“The spirit may be an actual entity — the ‘soul’ — or it may simply be a way for us to speak about a profound aspect of human nature and experience,” says Luke Hankins.
In the spirit: A conversation about spirituality with Kelly Palmatier, a psychic medium
“There’s a misconception that spirituality is only for those who have reached a certain level of enlightenment or have been chosen,” says Kelly Palmatier. “In truth, spirituality is accessible to anyone, regardless of their background or experiences.”
Local purveyors find new ways to introduce medical mushrooms to customers
Asheville’s wellness culture is touted nationwide for its outdoor lifestyle and fresh mountain air. But less well known are the mycological wellness opportunities — that is, medicinal mushrooms — in our refrigerators and cupboards.
The story behind Asheville’s reputation as a bonsai destination
“The way [my bonsai] are constructed, it’s not based on what I was taught or what the books tell you to do,” says Arthur Joura, bonsai curator at The N.C. Arboretum. “It’s based on what I’ve seen in my own experience and run through the filter of my knowledge of art.
Mental health-support specialist dispatched on some Sheriff’s Office calls
The co-responder unit from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Medical Services will focus on mental health calls, welfare checks and involuntary commitments.
Sleepless in Asheville: Insomniacs share strategies for finding rest
In pursuit of that Holy Grail — natural sleep unaided by pharmaceuticals — some residents have resorted to an array of methods, from horses to herbs, massage to dance.
As state inspects Mission for CMS, hospital makes changes to emergency department
About a dozen investigators have been interviewing hospital physicians, nurses and staff, reviewing hospital communications, patient records and other documents, and analyzing systemic safety procedures to ensure minimum standards of care, according to multiple sources.
Whatever it takes: Open discussions about mental health issues
“Mental health challenges impact all demographics and each of these has their own cultural way of addressing them,” says Robin C. Payne, executive director of NAMI Western Carolina. “As such, we are careful not to assume we know what is best for a community. Instead we try to create opportunities for open discussions and see how we can provide the resources that are needed.”
Whatever it takes: Ways to stop human trafficking in WNC
“One of the biggest misconceptions about human trafficking is that it doesn’t happen here. It absolutely does,” says Amanda Gopal, executive director of The Hundred Movement.
Whatever it takes: Meeting the needs of individuals with autism
“Families can meet others and not feel so alone on their autism journey,” says Caroline Long Tindall, CEO of St. Gerard House. “Young adults are becoming part of their community and giving back — the community is getting to know how valuable individuals with autism are.”
Budgets for victims’ services are slashed
Decreased funding from federal Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, could be devastating to the local nonprofits serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
Whatever it takes: Raising awareness about pollution
“When I started this job, almost 20 years ago, very few people used the French Broad River for recreation, and therefore no one really cared when it was polluted,” says Hartwell Carson, French Broad Riverkeeper with MountainTrue. “Now lots of people use the river everyday and there is a strong desire that we do better and protect the river,
Whatever it takes: Serving the region’s homeless animals
“It’s thanks to the 600-plus volunteers at Brother Wolf that we’re able to forever change so many animals’ lives,” says Leah Craig Chumbley, executive director of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.