COVID-19 continues to impact church services. But the Rev. L.C. Ray is optimistic things will improve in 2021.
Author: Thomas Calder
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Asheville Archives: Who from our city’s past?
As the year comes to an end, Xpress asked a handful of local historians to reflect on who from Asheville’s past would have been best suited to manage the many challenges and tragedies our community faced in 2020.
Residents reflect on local efforts to address systemic racism in 2020
With 2021 on the horizon, Xpress spoke with several additional community leaders to discuss how residents and local officials responded to this year’s call for racial justice and what actions offer hope moving forward.
Author Denise Kiernan examines the history and benefits of gratitude
In her latest book, “We Gather Together: A Nation Divided, a President in Turmoil, and a Historic Campaign to Embrace Gratitude and Grace,” author Denise Kiernan examines the history of Thanksgiving as well as the psychological and physical benefits that come with showing gratitude.
Asheville Archives: Ghost stories from the city’s past
This week’s Archives examines a pair of paranormal encounters described by local residents in the 1910s.
Local preservationists look to the future
After threats of demolition, the Enka clock tower will be preserved. Local historians and advocates find lessons from it for future preservation efforts.
Local writer finds meaning through brevity
In her debut collection, local author Arlene Duane Hemingway creates stories in 100 words exactly.
Asheville Archives: The life, work and impeccable fashion of W.O. Wolfe
Where the Jackson Building stands today, on the southeast corner of Pack Square, a monuments and tombstones business once stood. The business owner, W.O. Wolfe, died in 1922, but his life and personality were immortalized in his son Thomas’ 1929 novel, Look Homeward, Angel.
Asheville’s jewelry industry undeterred by pandemic
Despite the statewide shutdown earlier this year, local jewelry stores report a profit in sales. But the good times are not universally felt throughout the industry.
Asheville Archives: Air raid warnings sound in WNC, 1942
Starting in the summer of 1942, residents across Western North Carolina participated in a series of emergency blackout drills to prepare for potential air raids from the Axis Power.
Early reviews of Wilma Dykeman’s ‘The French Broad,’ 1955
Throughout 1955, local and national newspapers praised Wilma Dykeman’s debut book, The French Broad. A work of nonfiction, it earned the inaugural Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literature Award in October of that year.
Wilma Dykeman’s childhood home to house visiting writers
After nearly a decade, the Wilma Dykeman Legacy has found a permanent use for the author’s former childhood home. In fall 2021, UNC Asheville intends to launch the site as part of its Writer-in-Residence program. Xpress spoke with some of the key players who helped turn the concept into a reality.
Local nonprofit promotes Western North Carolina to the world, 1923-25
In 1923, business leaders in Asheville and surrounding counties were eager to promote the region to a larger audience of tourists and businesses alike. To achieve this goal, the group formed the nonprofit Western North Carolina Inc. The community was slow to buy in to the group’s mission until the organization brought in a well-known window as its vice president.
Challenges of training service dogs amid a pandemic
For the last seven years, Robin Greene has worked as a volunteer puppy raiser for the nonprofit Southeastern Guide Dogs. After relocating to Western North Carolina in March, she launched the organization’s Asheville chapter. Training a puppy amid a pandemic, she says, is extremely challenging.
Local nonprofits stand firm in the fight for racial justice
Local demonstrations for racial justice may have subsided, but nonprofits in the area say support for the movement remains strong in other crucial ways.
VIDEO PREMIERE: “Love Will Keep Us Here” by Heather Taylor
The Asheville-based singer/songwriter worked with fellow local musician Laura Boswell on her latest video.
Asheville Archives: Initial reactions to the Shelton Laurel Massacre, 1863
On Jan. 19, 1863, Confederate soldiers executed 13 men and boys in Madison County accused of raiding properties in the town of Marshall. The action elicited condemnation both in North Carolina and other regions of a war torn nation.
Local resident creates care bags during COVID-19
Unable to volunteer at local nonprofits because of COVID-19, local resident Madelyn Schmidt launched her own initiative to assist those in need during the pandemic.
WNC history as seen through Native eyes
The Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center celebrates National Native American Heritage Month with a pair of webinars examining the region’s early history as experienced by its indigenous peoples.
Asheville Archives: The 1918 influenza changes social norms
In October 1918, in the midst of a worldwide influenza pandemic, Asheville residents opted to wear medical masks as opposed to Halloween costumes.
Local clairvoyant discusses remote psychic readings
Asheville-based clairvoyant Kelly Palmatier discusses remote psychic readings, channeling the dead and learning new skills during COVID-19.