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Commentary

IN THE CLOUDS: A lush carpet of moss covers the ground beneath this stand of pure Fraser fir growing at an elevation of around 6,300 feet near Mount Mitchell. Photo by Tal Galton

The cloud forest in our backyard

Posted on April 20, 2018April 16, 2018 by Tal Galton

“If you drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, hike in Pisgah National Forest or on the Appalachian Trail, visit Mount Mitchell or the high elevations of the Smokies, you will find yourself in this forest, and you should know how singular it is.”

356 views+CommentaryOpinion
Jerry Sternberg

The battle is joined: The Gospel According to Jerry

Posted on April 13, 2018April 13, 2018 by Jerry Sternberg

“There is still time for bureaucratic bungling to derail these developments. I urge the leaders of our little kingdom not to stifle this impetus and dam the amazing flow of the River District by imposing needless barriers in the name of enforcing the mantra of St. Wilma Dykeman.”

1.9 K views+CommentaryOpinion
PAST AND PRESENT: Angela Shelton, left, and her grandfather, Evoyd Chapman, are descendants of families who have lived in Spillcorn and the Laurel Valley for generations. Photo by Milton Ready

Beyond stereotype­s: portrait of the rural mountain community of Spillcorn

Posted on April 9, 2018April 8, 2018 by Xpress Contributor

“White, rural communities like Spillcorn are ignored at the risk of misunderstanding their agency and influence in America today.”

5.9 K views13CommentaryOpinion
COMING TO A RICH COVE NEAR YOU: Dicentra cucullaria (aka Dutchman's breeches) is one of the spring ephemeral wildflowers that blossom this time of year in WNC. Photo by Tal Galton

Little miracles: Look now for spring ephemeral wildflower­s

Posted on April 2, 2018April 2, 2018 by Tal Galton

“In April, a lush carpet of green emerges from the forest floor, and an astonishing array of flowers opens to the bright sunshine.”

1.6 K views+CommentaryOpinionSustainability
Jordan Foltz

Tending the teenage fire: Rites of passage can help boys enter world of adults

Posted on March 25, 2018March 25, 2018 by Jordan Foltz

“For millennia, in societies around the world, elders and adults have known how to spot the signs of a teenager ready for initiation. But today in America, even though boys haven’t stopped reaching the age when their inner fire wells up, we are failing to meet them where they’re at with a rite of passage.”

3.4 K views2CommentaryOpinion
Jerry Sternberg

The great threat: The Gospel According to Jerry

Posted on March 16, 2018March 16, 2018 by Jerry Sternberg

“The newcomers worshipped at the feet of the Right Rev. Wilma Dykeman, a local deity whose writings took on the prominence and influence of the Holy Grail.”

1.9 K views+CommentaryOpinion
Billy Graham speaks with President George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s. “I thank God for bringing Billy Graham into the lives of my family,” Bush once said. “He gave us great strength and through him we better know God’s Son, Jesus Christ.” Photo courtesy of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Billy Graham: An old soldier fades away

Posted on February 26, 2018February 26, 2018 by Xpress Contributor

“Graham gave his blessing to every conflict under every president from Truman to the second Bush, and most of the presidents, pleased to enjoy public assurance of God’s approval, made him welcome in the White House.”

2.1 K views16CommentaryOpinion
Marc N. Williams

The surprising health benefits of WNC’s fermented foods

Posted on February 11, 2018February 11, 2018 by Xpress Contributor

“Here’s to celebrating this important and diverse technique of food production in hopes that its products continue to proliferate locally for the health and well-being of everyone.”

2.8 K views+CommentaryOpinion
Dr. Laura Fleck

Physicians must recognize that they need care, too

Posted on February 3, 2018February 3, 2018 by Xpress Contributor

“We must first transform our culture to embrace the human side of medical providers, with all their vulnerabilities, and remember that physicians’ lives hold value and meaning separate from the role they play as care providers.”

1.8 K views2CommentaryOpinion
LEAN ON ME: Nathan Brown, left, with his "Little Brother," Dorian Palmer.

A mentoring choice that made all the difference

Posted on January 15, 2018January 15, 2018 by Jordan Foltz

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC’s motto is ‘Start Something Big’ because of the astronomical potential that can be unlocked in young people when they have a mentor who believes in them.”

2.2 K views+CommentaryOpinion
Abigail Hickman

Canines may be losing ground in Dog City

Posted on January 8, 2018January 8, 2018 by Abigail Hickman

“I backed myself up and saw it, a sign on the door reading: ‘Therapy Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs and Pets, not allowed inside per Federal/NC State Law. Thank you for your cooperation.’ Uh-oh.”

4.9 K views10CommentaryHumorOpinion
A SWEET TIME: Children First/CIS student support specialist at Eblen Intermediate, Dani Wilber, bottom left,  takes a selfie with some of her summer campers and summer camp volunteer Carol Dangerfield, middle right.

Give the gift that can change a life: volunteer

Posted on December 31, 2017December 30, 2017 by Jodi Ford

“Research confirms the long-term positive effects that mentoring can have on vulnerable children and recognizes that parents and teachers cannot provide all the help most at-risk children need to reach their full potential.”

2.0 K views1CommentaryOpinion
PART OF THE COMMUNITY: A participant in the Irene Wortham Center Adult Day Activities Program enjoys a moment. Program participants have taken part in volunteer activities and explored museums, parks and other areas of Western North Carolina this year.

Helping people with intellectu­al disabiliti­es take part in the community

Posted on November 26, 2017November 25, 2017 by Xpress Contributor

“The Adult Day Activities Program is very excited for all of these opportunities that they have had to meet new folks and to become a part of the community in which they live.”

1.5 K views+CommentaryOpinion
AN EASIER ROUTE: Thanks to the efforts of the Council on Aging of Buncombe County, a local woman can use this ramp to stay in her home.

Ramp allows bingo lover to live at home

Posted on November 24, 2017November 24, 2017 by Xpress Contributor

“A beautifully built ramp, 80 feet in total, will effectively keep these two ladies living at home for years to come.”

1.5 K views+CommentaryOpinion
HONORING THE PAST: Past and present YWCA Asheville executive directors and board of directors presidents gathered at the YWCA’s 110th anniversary celebration event.

Learning from the rich history of YWCA Asheville

Posted on November 23, 2017November 23, 2017 by Xpress Contributor

“By learning from our rich history and honoring the women who fought for gender, racial and social justice here in Asheville, we are challenged to live up to that legacy every day.”

1.6 K views+CommentaryOpinion
HOME DELIVERY: WNCAP Medical Case Manager Norma Canada-Smith prepares to deliver a carload of donated household items to a newly housed client.

A victory for health care via housing

Posted on November 23, 2017November 23, 2017 by Xpress Contributor

“In the world of HIV treatment, we have a saying: ‘Housing is health care.’ What it means is that it is very difficult to link people living with HIV/AIDS to health care if they do not have stable housing.”

2.1 K views2CommentaryOpinion
PEACE OF MIND: Melody, left, and her father, James, are among the hundreds of families in WNC who are helped through the HEALS program every year. The medical-legal partnership of Mission Health and Pisgah Legal Services addresses critical legal issues that impact the health of low-income patients.

Helping a father prepare for his daughter’s future care

Posted on November 21, 2017November 20, 2017 by Xpress Contributor

“For more than a decade, Mission Health and Pisgah Legal Services have worked together through the HEALS Project, a special medical-legal partnership that addresses critical legal issues that impact the health of low-income patients.”

1.8 K views+CommentaryOpinion
RECLAIMING COMMUNITY CULTURE: Bentley Harper-Pierce helps out in the Southside Community Garden.

Supporting community through Southside Arts & Agricultur­al Center

Posted on November 19, 2017November 20, 2017 by Xpress Contributor

“The purpose of the Southside Arts & Agricultural Center project is to support healing, restoring and reclaiming community culture; support emerging leaders; grow food; and incubate economic development.”

2.0 K views+CommentaryOpinion
HELPING HANDS: Michelle, center, hugs one of the members of Western Carolina University’s IT department, who helped move her into her new home through Homeward Bound’s Sponsored Move-In program.

Moving from homelessne­ss to stability and a better life

Posted on November 18, 2017November 18, 2017 by Xpress Contributor

“Our brightest moment is when we move someone out of homelessness and their life changes for the better. Michelle is a great example of this.”

1.8 K views+CommentaryOpinion
FAST FRIENDS: Asheville Humane Society captured this moment when Brandy, right, first met Oreo and held him in her arms. She also posted a picture of Oreo and said, "I just could not let this 16 year-old senior dog live out his days at the shelter. #adoptasenior #beyondnokill.”

Inspired to take a chance on Oreo

Posted on November 18, 2017November 18, 2017 by Xpress Contributor

“Hope, not heartache, inspired Brandy to take a chance on Oreo, and hope is what motivates us to keep fighting for our most vulnerable pets.”

1.4 K views1CommentaryOpinion
GETTING DOWN TO BASICS: Four members of NAMI Western Carolina, from left, Neil Friedman, Share Friedman, Marianne Olson and Angela Stott, went to Raleigh for training to teach NAMI Basics, which is a six-session class that teaches parents the fundamentals of caring for a child or adolescent with mental health issues.

Teaching parents about caring for kids with mental health issues

Posted on November 16, 2017November 16, 2017 by Xpress Contributor

“People with mental health issues can lead full, meaningful lives. Treatment works. Recovery happens. The purpose of NAMI WC is support, education and advocacy.”

1.8 K views+CommentaryOpinion

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News Bulletins

Commentary

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