That’s a Wrap: Community members reflect on 2023
Volume
30
/ Issue 21
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
iStock, staff and community members
What do local officials, activists, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, artists, chefs, students and residents consider the most consequential events and issues that came up in 2023? Xpress spoke with dozens of community members to find out.
arts
Year in Review: WNC poets and writers share their 2023 must-reads
To celebrate WNC's 2023 literary accomplishments, Xpress reached out to writers Mildred Barya, Clint Bowman, Michael Hettich, Meagen Lucas and Brit Washburn. All five participants had new publications come out this year.Year in Review: Arts professionals share ups and downs of 2023
Local musicians, actors, arts organization leaders and even wrestlers share insights on the year that was.Around town: Cherokee potter will share knowledge with UNCA students
A Cherokee potter will teach art students at UNCA. Plus, Jim Lauderdale headlines a benefit concert for the Junior Appalachian Music Kids of Henderson County, the Museum of the Cherokee People looks…food
Year in Review: Chefs toast to the past, look to the future
Katie Button, J Chong, Steven Goff and Suzy Phillips share their takes on top dishes and favorite restaurants.What’s new in food: Dining options for New Year’s Eve
If you’re looking for a food-filled New Year’s Eve, there are plenty of events to choose from.living
Year in review: Health care gets mixed marks in 2023
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.news
Year in Review: News about the local news, 2023
In 2023, several local outlets surged their news operations, bringing new resources, programs and reporters into the mix.Year In Review: Plastic bags and public parks among top environmental priorities
It’s no secret that locals and visitors alike fall in love with Western North Carolina largely because of its natural amenities. For some organizations, preserving the region’s environment is of…Year in Review: Public safety remains a hot-button topic
Community members offer thoughts on crime, panhandling and more in 2023.Year in Review: An ‘Around the region’ special
From Canton to Hendersonville and Woodfin to Brevard, it was a newsworthy year in cities and towns throughout Western North Carolina.Year in Review: Locals reflect on bike lanes, water issues and more
Xpress asked developers, government officials, activists and others to weigh in on how local infrastructure and related issues shaped 2023.Year in Review: WNC’s collective spirit carries us forward
Xpress reached out to dozens of local residents to discuss what keeps them hopeful heading into 2024.Year in Review: Education, equity and rising costs define quality of life in 2023
Pay for educators, equity for underrepresented populations and housing affordability, as well as nationwide inflation, underpinned efforts to improve the quality of life for Asheville-area residents in 2023, as expressed…Council approves two affordable housing developments
Asheville City Council approved zoning requests for two housing developments at its Dec. 12 meeting, including a 279-unit apartment complex on Lake Julian in Arden and a 281-unit development on…Asheville school board delays vote on Parents’ Bill of Rights policies
Board Chair George Sieburg said board members wanted to explore how to show support to teachers and students in the policies beyond what has been provided by the N.C. School…opinion
Letter: Choose how your next 525,600 minutes will unfold
"We choose how the next 525,600 minutes will unfold by setting clear, conscious intentions."Letter: How to improve next year’s holiday parade
"I noticed while watching this year’s holiday parade that our group was not really known at all to the commentators, and they struggled to talk about who we are."Letter: Rain came at right time for wildfires
The recent wildfires in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee have all caused tremendous damage to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Smoky Mountains areas. And on Nov. 8, N.C. Gov.…Year in Review: Readers offered views on downtown, infrastructure, plastic bans and more
Xpress readers engaged with a wide range of local issues in 2023 — from concerns about downtown Asheville to infrastructure priorities, a possible single-use plastic bag ban, education issues and…Letter: Treatment can help menopausal sleep disruptions
"Over 80% of women report sleep difficulties during their menopause transition, but only 12% or less are offered hormone replacement therapy, or HRT."Burn notice
Letter: Edwards outs himself with census bill
"Reactionary Edwards has decided who should count and who shouldn’t."Letter: Commissioners’ silence sent a strong message
"Like all of us, these young people want to see true democracy, wherein there are systems and places for active engagement. Unfortunately, the commissioners’ meeting was not an example of…Kramped quarters