“Our universities must go beyond merely teaching the use of artificial intelligence; they should also connect with current industry professionals and teach how to develop, evolve and maintain it.”
New Stories
Changing minds: A Jew in Asheville
“I knew he was a member of the Asheville Country Club. So, seizing the moment while we were waiting in the car, I raised the delicate issue of the club’s deliberate exclusion of Jews.”
Why I volunteer: Teamwork is dreamwork
Forest Walters discusses the strong team of volunteers working at 12 Baskets Café.
Wendy White on the power of love
“I’m talking about roll up your sleeves, get down, get dirty, love, and connection and compassion,” says White, describing the Asheville-based nonprofit Let’s Choose Love. “And so, it became like a call to action. I thought, regardless of who we are, if we could let love be our guide in every decision in every interaction, we’d be fine.”
Why I volunteer: The power of purpose
Tom Morgan, board president of Project Dignity of WNC, discusses his role at the nonprofit and its mission within the community.
Letter: Forest Service needs a name change
“Let’s change the name of the ‘Forest’ Service to the U.S. ‘Lumber’ Service.”
Letter: Do we want successful outcomes after prison?
“Reentry from prison shouldn’t be this difficult and degrading, defeating and repressive. If we want successful outcomes to occur, then change must happen.”
Why I volunteer: A chance to learn something new
James Cassara, a volunteer at the YMCA of Western North Carolina, discusses the local nonprofit’s many services.
Letter: Why Asheville needs infill housing
“In fact, new research affirms what housing advocates have argued for years: Even where land and construction costs are high, new infill is essential to reducing rent and home prices across core neighborhoods.”
Letter: Workers + no housing = ?
“If people cannot afford to live here (or near here), we will not have workers to serve the tourists we are trying to woo.”
From CPP: Can collaboration on NC national forests coexist with litigation?
The Forest Service finalized its forest plan for Western North Carolina’s two national forests in Feb. 2023 after a decade-long process that included thousands of public comments and the commitment of dozens of groups of stakeholders.
Why I volunteer: ‘You always get more than you give’
Melissa Gerhardt, a volunteer with Arms Around ASD, talks about the personal and social benefits of volunteering one’s time at a local nonprofit.
From CPP: DHHS makes good on threat to revoke NC mountain wilderness therapy camp’s license
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services revoked Trails Carolina’s license, according to a letter DHHS sent May 17 to camp management, because the residential therapeutic camp violated state regulations.
Why I volunteer: ‘This is truly where Jesus shows up’
Nancy Tabel, a volunteer at Haywood Street Congregation, discusses the church’s efforts to address hunger and homelessness in Western North Carolina.