Paradise Lost: Outdoor recreation hit by closures
Volume
26
/ Issue 40
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Getty Images
After Asheville and Buncombe County closed their parks because of COVID-19, outdoor enthusiasts still had access to the national forests and the Blue Ridge Parkway. But as of mid-April, directives have constricted those choices as well — prompting frustration among some hikers and business owners.
arts
Videographer Ben Phantom combines music with modern dance
“Right now, I'm focused on putting out singles with music videos that tell stories,” says Asheville guitarist/singer/songwriter Ben Phantom, formerly known as Ben Phan.Xpress Poetry Contest winner announced
James Brooks' "For Ernst Laursen" was chosen as the top work about a famous or noteworthy person/personality in Western North Carolina.Jon Stickley Trio proceeds with album release despite COVID-19 obstacles
The eclectic, Asheville-based instrumental band’s first record in three years combines elements of electronic music, ska and bluegrass.food
Asheville independent restaurants struggle to stay in business
Initially seen as a lifesaver, the Paycheck Protection Program has instead become a lead weight around the necks of many independent restaurants.Dining Out for Life fundraiser tweaks model in response to restaurant closures
For 18 years, the Western North Carolina Aids Project has counted on the generosity of local, independent restaurants to fuel its annual fundraiser. With those restaurants struggling to stay afloat,…Carolina Beer Guy: Breweries help community during pandemic
Numerous Asheville-area breweries are finding ways to support local residents affected by COVID-19.news
Asheville Archives: Residents resist the city’s 1919 influenza safety measures
In January 1919, Buncombe County reported 141 new cases of the influenza over a 72-hour period. In response, Dr. Carl V. Reynolds, the city health officer, announced a new ban…National closures curb outdoor recreation in WNC
“My whole world seems to be closing,” says Danny Bernstein, an Asheville-based outdoors writer who regularly leads hikes for the Carolina Mountain Club and Friends of the Smokies. “Staying 6…For expectant parents, COVID-19 brings changes, uncertainty
For women expecting to deliver babies this spring and summer, the coronavirus pandemic has radically reshaped much of the experience of pregnancy and birth. From online prenatal visits to limitations…The Rev. L.C. Ray adjusts to online sermons during COVID-19
With 49 years experience as a pastor, the Rev. L.C. Ray adjusts to life as an online preacher during COVID-19.Local archivists urge residents to help document COVID-19
Recognizing the historic significance of COVID-19, local archivists discuss ways to record the moment for future generations. They also offer guidance for those looking to better organize their family documents…Local hairstylist discusses life without her salon
Prior to COVID-19, hair stylist and salon owner Laura Anderson viewed her industry as recession-proof. These days, with her business temporarily closed, she is finding ways to adjust to life…Biz in brief: Buncombe TDA grants, Salute to Small Business Week
Local businesses are bringing creativity to bear on pandemic-related closures and plans for business revitalization following the end of restrictions. They could get some help: Sen. Chuck Edwards of Hendersonville…Living through COVID-19 at the Battery Park Senior Apartments
For the last two decades, Barbara Gravelle has called the Battery Park Apartments in downtown Asheville her home. Like many right now, she is anxious about the current COVID-19 pandemic.Buncombe County begins trimming 2021 budget
The spending reductions presented on April 21 by Budget Director Jennifer Barnette totaled about $1.5 million — less than 7% of an estimated $22 million gap between revenues and expenditures…opinion
Letter: No fan of ‘pregnancy services’ ad
"I know times are tough and you reached out to your readers for a donation, but I’ll pay you extra to not put ads for their “pregnancy services” in the paper."Letter: Rebuilding our primary care and public health infrastructure
"As a family physician in solo-independent practice, I have unfortunately seen the effects of this crisis on the health of my patients and the health of my practice."Letter: Cigarette ad draws fire
"Did I really open up the [April 15] issue of the Xpress to find a two-page centerfold advertisement for cigarettes?"Letter: How is provisional voting handled in Buncombe?
"He was being told that he had already voted, and he was saying that he had not."Letter: The political cost of trail closures
"The latest trail closings seem a bit excessive. Perhaps those who don’t get out much envision hikers and bikers swarming into group hugs or the like?"Letter: Bill left during heart procedure spikes blood pressure
"When I came back to my room, on my nightstand was my patient financial responsibility statement. This is a fancy word for my bill!"Letter: Fix city’s economy or say goodbye to Asheville’s ‘character’
"It’s hard to adapt to catastrophe when your city’s income inequality is so bad it resembles a Charles Dickens novel, and narcissistic politicians perpetuate it in order to further their…Letter: Would you fight for equal pay for women?
"If you knew it will take another 40 years for men and women to reach parity in wages, would you be outraged enough to fight for equal pay?"Growth spurt
COVIDtown Crier: April 29, 2020
A rundown of how Mayor Manheimer has been using her broad emergency powers, plus the introduction of an advice column.Staph meeting