When it comes to east Buncombe County issues, I’ve seen John Ager and Ellen Frost show up at the Swannanoa Community Advisory Group meetings I helped organize. This group deals with efforts to learn more about the future of 180 Old Bee Tree Road, otherwise known as the other major Buncombe County Superfund site. It’s the […]

In the recent issue of Mountain Xpress, they detail a timeline of “Asheville’s Food Scene Evolution” that includes many who work with food vendors and in food-related programs (ASAP, BR Food Ventures, Asheville Wine & Food Fest, Asheville City Market etc)  but misses some key players involved in our vibrant and dynamic food scene like: MILKCO, […]

I have practiced law in the criminal courts of Western North Carolina for a quarter of a century and, in that time, have worked with more than a few prosecutors. Perhaps I have gained some useful perspective on the qualities of integrity, experience, humility and common sense which make a good prosecutor. I am writing […]

Early voting has started, and this election I will be voting for Matthew Martin for Buncombe County’s District Court Judge. It is no secret that budgets across the state have been slashed, and that includes the budgets for our courts. In this budget cycle alone, the judicial branch had to absorb a $3.4 million cut. […]

That was wonderful coverage of “Humans of Asheville” [Oct. 8, Xpress]! I enjoyed the article. Coincidentally, I started a Facebook page called People of Asheville and WNC in April before I heard of “Humans of Asheville.” I’ve posted a photo and story every day since I started the page April 9. There are stories about […]

I wanted to write in say the biggest of all thank yous to the community of Asheville and the Creekside Taphouse. You might ask why I am forever in debt to both of these? Well, you see, it all started about four months ago when I was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the blood. It’s so […]

I am confused. I am told that I live in the 115th District, and I am represented by Nathan Ramsey, but looking at his record since being sent to Raleigh, I think that I am actually represented by Tim Moffitt. During the short session, both representatives were primary sponsors or cosponsors on almost 30 legislative bills. […]

Unlike some other people I could name, I would like to congratulate State Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, on her “Friend of Forestry” award from the North Carolina Forestry Association, which she recently skipped a candidates’ debate in Marshall to accept. Good for you, Michele! You earned it! Don’t listen to the haters! The emotional ladies […]

This letter is about the equal and consistent enforcement of the panhandling ordinance by the police department. A recent online article from a local newspaper dated July 23, 2014, indicated that there had been an increase in arrests in downtown for panhandling. Asheville police Sgt. Dave Romick was quoted as saying: “Asheville officers assigned to the […]

There’s a terrific, all-volunteer local charity called Children’s Welfare League that promotes the education and welfare of disadvantaged students in the high schools of Asheville and Buncombe County. As a volunteer with CWL, I have worked on several projects with Terry Van Duyn, and she is one of the most diligent, dedicated, passionate, selfless individuals […]

Recently, you had a story about how well Ayurveda works (“Ayurveda Rising: New Program Highlights Local Practice, Art and Training,” Sept. 24, Xpress). It most definitely does. Earlier this year, I ran across information for different vision problems in an inexpensive book of mine, Ancient Healing Secrets (Practical Cures That Work Today) by Dian Dincin Buchman. (Her […]

In your article of Sept. 17  (“Simple Solutions: Cherokee’s Garden Kit Program Spurs Community Wellness”), Chief Michell Hicks discussed how the community garden kits benefit the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians tribal members, stating that the Cherokee “suffer from the excesses of modern living” and “are working to overcome poor eating habits, a lack of […]

For some years, my husband and I have been fortunate to own homes in both Sarasota, Fla.,  where we worked, and a vacation home here in Asheville. After we both retired three years ago, we had to downsize to one home. It was a tough choice, but we both said that Sarasota had lost the one […]

Asheville is a wonderful city. It’s no wonder so many tourists are lured to this beautiful environment. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide us with a plethora of hiking trails, waterfalls and stunning views. We’re surrounded by nature’s gifts. But the exquisite scenery isn’t the only reason Asheville is unique. We have a vibrant music scene, […]

I love our beer. I love our water. Sometimes, I’m the “dd” (designated driver) and would love to enjoy a cold local Asheville beer (nonalcoholic) instead of grabbing a European option. It would be wonderful to have an Asheville brewery make one or all the local brewers chip in to make one together that is available […]

Thanks to the Voter Guide by the Blue Ridge Republican Women’s Club. Being that there is no straight party voting this election, this publication makes it very easy to see who not to vote for. Take this publication with you to the polls and DO NOT VOTE for anyone in this guide. Vote Democrat, and […]

Who will be the best representative for North Carolina’s  10th Congressional District? Someone like Patrick McHenry, who has taken thousands from the fracking and fossil fuel industries and the banking sectors, or Tate MacQueen, who continues to fight against pollution at the CTS site in Asheville? Polls show that most Americans support strengthening Social Security and […]

My husband and I are many times a house divided in our political opinions. However, we certainly agree on Sen. Terry Van Duyn! Politicians come and go, and some seem to be motivated for the interest of only a select few. As we have come to know Terry Van Duyn over the years, we realize […]

While taking hours over the weekend to register 10 voters, I heard on the news that Americans for Prosperity sent out a mailer to hundreds of North Carolinians targeting African-American communities and other Democratic-leaning neighborhoods with false information about voter registration. Among the misinformation in the mailer: two different deadlines for mailing registration applications; instructions […]

Move to Amend of Buncombe County will sponsor a presentation by David Cobb of the National Move to Amend organization on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. at Jubilee! on Wall Street. Move to Amend is a national grassroots coalition that works toward overcoming corporate power by calling for a constitutional amendment ending corporate personhood […]