Solarize WNC builds momentum, holds public forum series

From The Canary Coalition: Public Forum Series Continues in Canton, Thursday, May 28, 7 PM The first solar contract has been signed, with two more pending.  Thirty-six people have enrolled in the Solarize WNC program. Eight comprehensive energy audits have been completed.  The Solarize WNC campaign is up and running and gathering steam. About 130 people […]

Nonprofits seek creative funding in Buncombe County

On April 14, representatives from 43 nonprofits requested funding from Buncombe County, as part of the county’s community development grant program. But these organizations make up only 9.6 percent of the total nonprofits in the county. Others rely on privately funded grants and donations, as well as individual donations — both small and large. Each organization must constantly work to grab and hold the public’s attention. And in a city like Asheville, it seems there’s never a shortage of worthy causes.

Firefly Gathering teaches ‘earth skills’ in mountains of Barnardsville, ticket price increases May 15

The largest primitive skills event in the southeast, Firefly Gathering will be held June 25-28 in the mountains of Barnardsville. Participants will camp and learn skills during the day like wilderness survival, contemporary homesteading, traditional and primitive crafts, herbalism and more. Early ticket pricing ends May 15 — so, if you’re interested, visit fireflygathering.org soon for tickets […]

Buncombe Commission­ers approve new art, culture and history projects, parkway preservati­on

At the Tuesday, May 5, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting, three projects supporting the arts were approved 7-0 — including the go-ahead to plan a new monument outside the Buncombe County Courthouse. A resolution to protect the viewshed of the Blue Ridge Parkway passed 7-0, and a letter asking the Western North Carolina Regional Air Quality Agency to align with EPA standards was approved 4-3.

Buncombe Commission­ers to discuss parkway preservati­on, historical art project, air quality concerns

The Tuesday, May 5 Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting might be one for the books, as the board will discuss a new art, culture and history project that may result in the addition of a new landmark on the horizon. The board will discuss this, as well as a few environmental interests.

Boon or bane: Buncombe residents speak out against manufactur­ed housing

A steady stream of Buncombe County residents queued up April 7 to voice opposition to loosening restrictions on mobile homes. The concern stemmed from local media reports that the county may consider allowing manufactured housing in all residential districts, prompting discussion on whether mobile homes are actually affordable.

‘Mama Mia!’ in Marshall celebrates Mothers Day with music and arts festival, May 9

From Downtown Marshall Association and Madison County Arts Council: Grab your Mama and come on down to Downtown Marshall on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00am-5:00pm! Bring her to Mama Mia!, a street festival and collaboration between the Downtown Marshall Association and the Madison County Arts Council. “We are peppering the town with demonstrating artists, music and the […]

Mills River Farmers Market opens May 2, adds live music and kite-flying to events

From Mills River Farmers Market: Market Opening Day   The Mills River Farmers Market will open on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 8 AM.  The Market will be held at the G&B Energy Plaza located at 5046 Boylston Highway in Mills River, NC. The Mills River Farmers Market offers fresh and local produce, eggs, breads […]

Transforma­tive journey: Appalachia­n Trail thru-hiker reconsider­s his life path

On February 18, Xpress published “Tales from the Trail,” detailing the experiences of Appalachian Trail thru-hiker Gary Sizer. In the story, we met Henry Wasserman, who was seeking a transformative experience on the A.T. On March 19 Wasserman began his months-long trek north, trudging mile after mile through red Georgia clay.

RiverLink hosts children’s Earth Day festival, summer camp

On April 25, RiverLink will celebrate Earth Week with a children’s festival filled with food, games and giveaways at the RiverLink Performance Park, 144 Riverside Drive. For more kids’ activities as the days grow warmer, RiverLink will be hosting a summer camp for kids going into third through eighth grade, focusing on environmental education and river recreation.

Buncombe County approves $6.8 million land purchase for economic developmen­t investment

At the April 7 Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board split down party lines for the approval of a $6.8 million land purchase, pursuing an economic development project with an unnamed company. The purchase was approved 4 to 3, but a resolution to establish a policy for recording closed session meetings was shot down 3 to 4.