Many nonprofit groups throughout Western North Carolina find that focusing their efforts on specific communities is the most effective way to get results.
Author: Justin McGuire
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Community colleges collaborate on program to teach new workers job skills
Under Project Collaborate, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, local community colleges are trying to train local workers in high-demand fields.
McCormick Field at 100: 10 memorable moments at the historic stadium
Asheville’s McCormick Field officially opened 100 years ago this week. To commemorate the anniversary, Xpress takes a look back at 10 of the more memorable moments in the history of the venerable ballpark: Everything from Franklin Roosevelt and NASCAR races to Kevin Costner, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Nelly.
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo recruits puppets for Grey Eagle show
On Saturday, March 23, at noon, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo will partner with the Street Creature Puppet Collective at The Grey Eagle, where the groups will perform a family-friendly hip-hop storytelling show.
Uncovering The Orange Peel’s Black music roots
The Orange Peel has earned a reputation as one of the premier concert venues in the Southeast over the past two decades. But the musical roots of the building at 101 Biltmore Ave. stretch back to long before the current club opened in 2002.
Recreation programs provide exercise, social bonds for WNC seniors
Throughout Western North Carolina, local governments, senior centers and recreation leagues are creating opportunities for the area’s aging population to exercise, make social connections, compete and keep their minds sharp. And experts say all of that is crucial for people entering their golden years.
Warren Wilson athlete discusses challenges of playing basketball with one arm
Baileigh Sinaman-Daniel was born without a right arm. But that hasn’t stopped her from earning a spot on Warren Wilson’s women’s basketball team.
Around the region: Weaverville, other towns plan for EV future
Small municipalities throughout Western North Carolina see electric vehicles as the future of transportation in their communities, but the specific approach varies from town to town.
Western North Carolina college athletes navigate new world of endorsements
In 2021, the world of college athletics changed forever when the NCAA began allowing players to benefit off their name, image and likeness. Today, some UNC Asheville and Western Carolina University athletes are exploring the world of paid endorsements by promoting products and services on social media, making personal appearances and more.
Around town: Citizen Vinyl introduces twice-monthly jazz series
Citizen Swing brings live jazz to Citizen Vinyl twice a month. Plus, Asheville inspires award-winning author, Canton’s library earns national designation and Wedge Brewing Co.’s Grove Arcade location hosts a Cabin Fever Party.
Around town: One-man show finds laughs in the absurdity of people-pleasing
A local improv veteran will present a one-man show at Asheville Masonic Theater. Plus, an Asheville author releases a poetry collection, a local group honors MLK and The Orange Peel highlights local bands.
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.
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 back to the 1990s and Arts AVL announces local grants.
Groups look to raise awareness of Kwanzaa in Western North Carolina
While Kwanzaa has been celebrated in WNC for decades, it has never been as popular as in some other places. Some local activists are looking to change that.
Around the region: Hendersonville, Woodfin, Brevard envision the future via comprehensive plans
When Hendersonville officials began developing the city’s new comprehensive plan, they set their sights far into the future. “We toyed around with the idea of a 100-year plan and trying to get people to really think long term,” says Matthew Manley, the city’s strategic projects manager. “This is a long-term vision, and the decisions that […]
Xpress seeks student writing and art for 2024 Kids Issues
It’s time for local kids and teens to share their writing and art for Xpress’ 2024 Kids Issues.
The mission of AVL Hoppers goes beyond volleyball courts
When three Asheville women started AVL Hoppers last year, they wanted the organization to have an impact beyond the volleyball courts. So each season, the group’s championship teams receive a prize in the form of a donation to a local nonprofit of their choice. In all, the Hoppers have helped distribute more than $2,000 to worthy causes.
Celesa Willett of United Way of Haywood County discusses Canton mill closing, other challenges
With just two full-time employees, United Way of Haywood County has met some big community needs in recent years. In 2021, the Waynesville-based nonprofit received more than $1 million in donations to help those affected by devastating flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Fred. United Way funneled money to groups like WNC Communities for […]
WNC nondrinkers reflect on life in Beer City USA
For many nondrinkers, finding a social life in a region centered around breweries can be difficult. Here are some of the ways people do it.
WNC ride-share drivers discuss benefits, drawbacks of life on the road
WNC residents who work for ride-share services like Uber and Lyft say it’s possible to make money in tourist-oriented Asheville, but it takes some time to learn the ropes. We take a look at the benefits of perils of making a living driving other people around.
Women in outdoor recreation industry driven by passion, desire for change
Anna Levesque, Lindsey Barr and Ruby Compton are leaders in Western North Carolina’s outdoor recreation industry. They want to make kayaking, hiking and other outdoor activities more inclusive. Despite improvements in recent years, they say challenges — and outdated attitudes — still exist.