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Displaced: Grassroots organizers fight for Swannanoa residents
Volume
31
/ Issue 26
Cover Design Credit:
Scott Southwick and Caleb JohnsonCover Photography Credit:
Caleb Johnson
Like many rural places in Western North Carolina, the Swannanoa community is scattered around hollers and dead-end roads. Because of this, people in each neighborhood had unique experiences of Tropical Storm Helene — whether they were near forested slopes off Bee Tree Road or in riverside complexes within the flood plain. But throughout the community, its members came together to assist one another in the aftermath of the storm. And their efforts continue. Featured on this week’s cover, from left, are Dale Halford, Kevin Halford and Beth Trigg.
arts
Smart Bets: Ricochet
Local author Kellyn Carni will read from and discuss her new young adult historical fantasy novel at a Feb. 4 event at Malaprop's Bookstore/Café.Best Medicine: To all you healthy eaters — kale is never the answer!
For Xpress' January comedy feature, host Cayla Clark and her latest cohort of comedians discuss their New Year's resolutions and brainstorm ideas for new health trends in 2025.The Playlist: Give these 13 tracks a listen the next time you go for a run
What do Vampire Weekend, Kevin Morby and Dr. Dog all have in common? They're all on River Whyless drummer Alex McWalters' ideal playlist for running in Western North Carolina.Smart Bets: The Deep End of Hope
A Feb. 1 event at Gerton Fire Station celebrates the release of the Tropical Storm Helene memoir by local trauma chaplain Emma Churchman.Smart Bets: Year of the Wood Snake
The annual Lunar New Year celebration at Highland Brewing Co. features themed drinks, food trucks, music, kids activities and more.
food
A Year in Beer: Beer, pizza and time travel at Asheville’s third brewery
The Year in Beer gang goes back to the future at Asheville Brewing Co.What’s new in food: Cocktail pop-up, Super Bowl brunch and more
Starting with this week’s issue, Xpress is zhuzhing up the “What’s New in Food” news roundup with a makeover. You can still expect the usual digestible bites of Western North…The Oui’d Bar rolls out new concept in social drinking
When their previous business was destroyed by Tropical Storm Helene, two local cannabis entrepreneurs hit the road.
living
Beyond the dais: Walking the streets with Council member Kim Roney
For Xpress' annual Wellness Issue series, we spoke with Council member Kim Roney about the benefits of walking, the joy that squirrels bring and the undeniable catchiness of Chapell Roan's…Beyond the dais: Observing nature with Council member Sage Turner
For Xpress' annual Wellness Issue series, we spoke with Asheville City Council member Sage Turner about yoga, reasons for hope amid the post-Helene recovery and instrumental music that is great…The art of wellness practices, post-Helene
Along with healing through nature, others turn to art and storytelling to rebuild both their own lives and the community’s spirit.Beyond the dais: Hiking with Council member Maggie Ullman
For Xpress' annual Wellness Issue series, we spoke with Council member Maggie Ullman about getting outside to hike the trails, at-home yoga and local musician Marley Carroll.Tips on improving your listening skills
As part of Xpress annual Wellness Issues, we reached out to professionals whose education, livelihood or a combination of the two have trained them to be adept listeners.Beyond the dais: Running the hills of the East End with Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley
For Xpress' annual Wellness Issue series, we spoke with Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley about early morning runs, a hidden nook in downtown Asheville and the power of Beyoncé.Nurse’s compassion honored by AdventHealth
Nurse's compassion earns accolades at AdventHealth Hendersonvlle.Beyond the dais: Spin class with Mayor Esther Manheimer
For Xpress' annual Wellness Issue series, we spoke with Mayor Esther Manheimer about spin class, weight training and the difficulty of getting Chappell Roan songs out of your head.Smart Bets: Stars Servin’ Up Love
Tennis champions and celebrities will come together Feb. 2 in Asheville to host the fundraiser supporting storm recovery efforts.
news
Community members contribute items and stories to Unity of the Blue Ridge’s prayer wall
Each piece in Unity of the Blue Ridge’s new 40-foot long prayer wall has its own history, embedded within altarlike alcoves or larger mosaics of locally sourced, uniquely shaped stones.Grassroots organizers power Swannanoa’s recovery
After Tropical Storm Helene, sisters Beth Trigg and Mary Etheridge-Trigg were doing whatever was necessary to help their neighbors. Eventually, they realized they were the help Swannanoa was waiting for.…Q&A: Reparations vice chair stays focused after Helene
This conversation is the second in a series of interviews with members of Asheville’s Black community involved in establishing reparations for those who have been affected by generations of systemic…Commissioners vote to reduce school funding despite pleas
County commissioners agree to cut the county budget 4% across the board and including the two school districts despite impassioned pleas not to during public comment at their Jan. 21…City staff outlines rebuilding process at CIBO meeting
Several city staff members and elected officials attended the Jan. 17 meeting of the Council of Independent Business Owners (CIBO) to explain the rebuilding process and outline projects to improve…Donors step up to support Give!Local in record numbers
Give!Local raised more than $337,000 — plus more than $112,000 in matching grants — for 52 area nonprofits in 2024. That was a big increase from 2023.
opinion
Letter: Zipper merging can ease backups
"Here is a much-needed reminder on merging."Letter: ‘The Gospel’ revealed a rich history of Asheville
“'The Gospel According to Jerry' has informed, inspired and enlightened me to a rich history of this place from a perspective not often shared."Reflections: A man who kept a promise to his younger self
"He told me that he was relentlessly bullied as a child and swore that if he ever had the chance, he would do everything in his power to make sure…Letter: Reworking school district lines could help with cancellations
"The BCS system is simply far too wide, and as locals, we’re aware that it might be snowy and icy 15 minutes from the heart of Asheville and not at…Letter: Our neighbor in need, the environment
"Do we alter our behavior so the disasters happen less frequently? Do we care about the fragility of our environment that we are a part of?"My Story: Witnessing the fallen giants of the forest after Helene
"In the distance, I could see the demarcation line of destruction above 3,000 feet where wind shear took down most of the big trees. This was a gut punch."Reflections: Sternberg spoke his mind on government and more
"He always wanted what was best for the community, but like me, he felt that local government often overstepped its bounds, and he didn’t mind letting you know how he…Cutting remarks
Letter: Columnist’s humor came shining through
"As the piece noted, Jerry’s 'healthy dose of humor' came shining through, as well as his decades of wide experience."Letter: UNCA, don’t raze the forest
"Over the decades, thousands of residents from Five Points, Montford and beyond have enjoyed this forest as a local green reprieve from our urban stressors."Letter: Call on Dutch engineers for advice
"The engineers could give the Asheville City Council and county Board of Commissioners some excellent advice on how to rebuild Asheville and how to prevent our major rivers from overflowing…Letter: Sternberg’s wholehearted support made a difference
"Jerry believed in the cause of providing assistance to domestic violence survivors in Buncombe County."Letter: We must protect homes from the next disaster
"Using our tax dollars to weaken codes and regulations seems foolish, doesn’t it? If we don’t fix this, Mother Nature and the insurance industry will do it for us!"Trouble brewing