Civics 101: 19 ways to influence your government
Volume
30
/ Issue 24
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
iStock
Want to make a difference in 2024? One way, say local leaders, government officials and community members, is by volunteering on city and county boards and commissions. There are plenty of options. And we’ve listed all 19 in this week’s issue.
arts
Four of a Kind: Designer Wendy Newman talks art deco and upcycling
Wendy Newman shares upcoming projects and shows she's excited to participate in and attend.Four of a Kind: Denise Markbreit on printmaking
Denise Markbreit shares details on "Urban Horizons," an upcoming exhibit at Asheville Print Studio + Gallery.Poet Brandon Amico on capitalism, time and why you should ignore everything your high school teacher taught you about poetry
"I think there’s a sense from those newer to the form that poetry is something to be 'solved'— that there’s a hidden meaning to a poem that requires the reader…Four of a Kind: Melanie Norris on the local visual arts scene
Painter Melanie Norris shares her top picks for upcoming local arts events and releases.Four of a Kind: Christie Calaycay discusses jewelry-making
Christie Calaycay discusses her latest creative projects as well as upcoming arts shows that she's excited to attend.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…food
What’s new in food: Asheville home baker launches online shop
Local baker Erik Fabian has launched a new online shop for his company, Sourhouse. Dedicated to helping aspiring bakers make the perfect loaf of sourdough bread, Sourhouse offers free community…living
Dogwood requests independent monitor proposals for HCA
Dogwood Health Trust announced Jan. 2 it is seeking a request for proposals to provide independent monitor, or IM, services to oversee HCA Healthcare. HCA purchased the nonprofit Mission Hospital for $1.5…news
Civics 101: How to get involved in local government
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to learn more about local government and how you can help steer the ship, both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County…Superintendents reflect on 2023 and the year ahead
Xpress sits down with both district leaders to break down 2023’s challenges as well as their visions for the year ahead for local public schools.Warren Wilson College revamps its academic offerings
Warren Wilson Provost Jay Roberts calls the college’s shuffle of academic offerings, announced in October, a “rebalancing.” Alongside layoffs, frozen positions and increased fundraising, the changes will address financial woes…Buncombe considers a pay raise for elections director
The Buncombe County Board of Elections thinks Director of Elections Corinne Duncan deserves a pay raise, but county staff isn’t so sure. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners said they…opinion
Letter: Why this independent is voting for Wells
"Terri is a consensus builder. She brings voters from all sides of the aisle together."Letter: Enforce noise ordinance for loud vehicles
"It would be wonderful if the Asheville Police Department could start enforcing the new noise ordinance by stopping loud vehicles in Asheville."Letter: Reelect Wells, a proven leader
"She advocates for environmental stewardship, public education and rural broadband."Fighting back: A Jew in Asheville
"Non-Jewish friends and even people I hardly knew were saying things like 'I didn’t know Jews would fight' and 'You guys really kicked those guys’ ass.'”Bombs away
Letter: How not to alleviate the local housing crisis
"The Board of Commissioners’ actions raise the question: Is this how they are going to deal with the affordable housing crisis?"Letter: Our positive experience at Mission ER
"I appreciate the people giving their best despite being in difficult work environments."Sign of the times