Devoted: Local group saves senior cats
Volume
30
/ Issue 42
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Courtesy of Laps and Naps
Since its launch in 2020, Laps and Naps has worked to find new homes for senior cats. More recently, the nonprofit purchased 5 1/2 acres to expand its mission.
arts
Why I volunteer: A chance to learn something new
James Cassara, a volunteer at the YMCA of Western North Carolina, discusses the local nonprofit's many services.Asheville filmmaker celebrates local debut in symphony collaboration
Asheville filmmaker Adam Larsen puts his considerable talents to work to illustrate Asheville Symphony Orchestra's upcoming ALT concert at The Mule.Marketer trains sights on local artists
"Artists are not respected," says Louise Glickman, co-founder of Artsville USA. Based in Biltmore Lake, Glickman hopes to change that narrative through her nonprofit's mission and work.Taylor Brown’s latest historical novel explores 1921 trench warfare on American soil
If you're unfamiliar with the story about the Battle of Blair Mountain — the largest labor uprising in American history that resulted in over one million rounds fired as well as…New study explores connections between craft and community health
Artist Luis Alvaro Sahagún Nuño, student Kerstan Nealy and professor Ameena Batada reflect on their experiences with the project.Laura Jones discusses quilting’s legacy in WNC
The president of the nonprofit Western North Carolina Quilters Guild has been quilting since childhood.Around town: ABSFest turns 15
ABSFest celebrates 15 years, Womansong unveils spring concert, Dirty Logic performs benefit concert at Salvage Station and more!food
Why I volunteer: Teamwork is dreamwork
Forest Walters discusses the strong team of volunteers working at 12 Baskets Café.With Bouchon for sale, chef Michel Baudouin reflects on its history, his future
The longtime Asheville restaurateur and co-founder of Asheville Independent Restaurants Association is looking ahead to a slower pace — and a new business venture.AVL Beer Week events highlight sustainability and philanthropy
Asheville Brewers Alliance Executive Director Karis Roberts reflects on her first year spearheading AVL Beer Week and what's in store for the 2024 edition.Why I volunteer: Helping those who need it
Ted Bytes, a volunteer at Meals on Wheels of Asheville & Buncombe County, encourages everyone to jump into the volunteer experience.What’s new in food: Wine & Roses bar opens at Zelda Dearest hotel
A new bar is now open to the public at the downtown boutique hotel. Also in local food news: French Farmhouse Dinners with Susi Seguret, AVL Food Series' Wing Wonderland,…living
Laps and Naps saves senior cats
"We’re helping people as much as we’re helping cats, though it isn’t what we first set out to achieve," says Nancy Gavin, cofounder of Laps and Naps, a local nonprofit…news
Wendy White on the power of love
"I'm talking about roll up your sleeves, get down, get dirty, love, and connection and compassion," says White, describing the Asheville-based nonprofit Let's Choose Love. "And so, it became like…Why I volunteer: The power of purpose
Tom Morgan, board president of Project Dignity of WNC, discusses his role at the nonprofit and its mission within the community.Why I volunteer: ‘You always get more than you give’
Melissa Gerhardt, a volunteer with Arms Around ASD, talks about the personal and social benefits of volunteering one's time at a local nonprofit.Why I volunteer: ‘This is truly where Jesus shows up’
Nancy Tabel, a volunteer at Haywood Street Congregation, discusses the church's efforts to address hunger and homelessness in Western North Carolina.The N.C. Arboretum announces new executive director
After 37 years, George Briggs will step down from his leadership role at The N.C. Arboretum. Drake Fowler will replace him in August. Plus: “Blue Ghost” fireflies return; Kid's Merchandise…Why I volunteer: Committed to educating children
Samantha Maynard is a volunteer at Black Mountain Home for Children, a nonprofit that serves children as young as infants and as old as college age.Why I volunteer: Building dreams and making a difference
Peggy Crowe, a volunteer at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, discusses how the organization's Women Build Advocacy Team changed her life.Despite abundance, hunger soars in WNC
A recent community food assessment shows post-COVID food insecurity and hunger are surging in Macon, Swain and Jackson counties. The data is dire but could offer a roadmap for a…A story of how the TDA decides what to fund
Last month, the BCTDA awarded its first slate of 12 grants from the fund, helping finance projects for organizations from the Swannanoa Valley Art League and Black Wall Street AVL…Nonprofit seeks community thoughts on environmental justice
Kate Epsen, who serves as the chair for the Wilma Dykeman Legacy's news committee on environmental integrity, is currently seeking community input on environmental justice. Photo courtesy of EpsenNonprofit addresses sexual harassment in the food and beverage industry
‘That’s just what it’s like working in a bar,’ some say. Others might push it aside for financial reasons — ‘Don’t you want more tips?’ But local advocates say addressing…Why I volunteer: The children are the future
Frederick Carl DeTroia discusses the joys of working with young children through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina.Business, nonprofit roundup: Bear cub pulled from tree ‘doing well’
Asheville made national headlines last month after a video that showed people pulling two bear cubs from a tree to take photos with the animals went viral.Why I volunteer: Giving back to the Appalachian Trail
Sarah Jones Decker, a volunteer at Carolina Mountain Club, discusses the joys of being outside with like-minded hikers.Honeycrisps bring community baseball to Hendersonville
The Hendersonville Honeycrisps are a summer league baseball team that soon begin their third season playing at historic Berkeley Mills Ballpark.Teachers’ mental health gets new focus
Kate Wargo moved to Asheville in fall 2021 with hopes for a fresh start. Teaching elementary school during the COVID-19 pandemic had left her exhausted, anxious and depressed. “It was…Why I volunteer: Keeping trails in shape
Stefan Israel is a volunteer with Rock Crushers, which maintains hiking trails, particularly in the Gerton-Lake Lure area.Why I volunteer: Creating a safe place for individuals to address their social service needs
David S. Leader, a volunteer at Jewish Family Services of Western North Carolina, discusses the organization's clinical and social support services.County considers raising taxes to balance budget
Less than two weeks before County Manager Avril Pinder must present a balanced budget to commissioners on Tuesday, May 21, the county has a $13.9 million funding gap in its…County reviews preliminary plans for former Asheville Primary School
For the last year, officials with both Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County have debated what to do with the centrally located, ACS-owned facility on the corner of Haywood Road…opinion
Letter: The case for rebuilding the Vance Monument
"Rebuilding the obelisk presents an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about our past, acknowledging the undesirable complexities of historical figures like Vance, while also honoring the positive aspects of…Letter: Thoughts on the TDA and socialism
"Forced to do the best they could, I believe the Tourism Development Authority did the right thing sidestepping a lawsuit that they probably would lose."Letter: Universities must go deeper with AI
"Our universities must go beyond merely teaching the use of artificial intelligence; they should also connect with current industry professionals and teach how to develop, evolve and maintain it."Changing minds: A Jew in Asheville
"I knew he was a member of the Asheville Country Club. So, seizing the moment while we were waiting in the car, I raised the delicate issue of the club’s…Pain in the butt
Letter: Forest Service needs a name change
"Let’s change the name of the 'Forest' Service to the U.S. 'Lumber' Service."Letter: Do we want successful outcomes after prison?
"Reentry from prison shouldn’t be this difficult and degrading, defeating and repressive. If we want successful outcomes to occur, then change must happen."Letter: Why Asheville needs infill housing
"In fact, new research affirms what housing advocates have argued for years: Even where land and construction costs are high, new infill is essential to reducing rent and home prices…Letter: Workers + no housing = ?
"If people cannot afford to live here (or near here), we will not have workers to serve the tourists we are trying to woo."New voters