DIY projects for using fall’s bounty of peppers and chiles to spice up your pantry. Also, advice on growing Brussels sprouts in WNC and saving squash seeds.
More WNC schools are taking advantage of free meal programs for students
Hungry kids can’t learn. That’s one thing Heather Smith has learned in nearly a decade as a teacher.
“I truly believe that they have a hard time focusing if they’re worried about when their next meal is coming or if they don’t have energy,” says Smith, an eighth-grade math teacher at Waynesville Middle School.
Asheville playground upgrades address accessibility, inclusivity
Among a handful of city recreation sites updated with 2016 bond money, Murphy-Oakley Park’s playground relaunched in late June with an adaptive design and equipment that’s accessible to residents of all abilities.
A local seventh grader’s journey to the Pokémon World Championships
Less than two years ago, Robert Rosal’s relationship with Pokémon resembled that of most 10-year-olds. Then he signed up for the after-school Pokémon Club at Rainbow Community School, where he’s a rising seventh grader, and everything changed.
Mission CEO Chad Patrick out in ‘restructuring’ effort, replaced by HCA North Carolina president Greg Lowe
The move comes just months after the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services found Mission Hospital to be in immediate jeopardy, the most serious sanction a hospital can receive.
Animal bites should be treated ‘like a car accident,’ says health department
Experts share the procedure for getting post-exposure prophylaxis after an animal bite, indicators that an animal might have rabies and what to know about bats in your house.
A behind-the-scenes look at Xpress’ weekly distribution
“[Distributing papers] is like putting gumballs in a jar,” Cindy Kunst explains. “Everyone has a different jar. My job is to spread the gumballs out over all the jars.”
From CPP: Nurses strike vote passes at Mission Hospital with 97% in favor
This vote has the potential to give the union much more leverage in its negotiations with HCA, the Tennessee-based for-profit hospital chain that acquired the hospital’s parent company, Mission Health, in 2019.
Human donor milk program expands to Sylva
Pasteurized human donor milk can help bridge the gap until a mother’s milk supply comes in and promote longer breastfeeding.
What’s new in food: Fair celebrates Burton Street history and the fall harvest
On Saturday, Sept. 7, the Burton Street Community Association will honor the legacy of E.W. Pearson with free food, activities, music and more at the Buncombe County District Agricultural Fair. Also in this week’s food news: A new late-night hot dog eatery, Asheville Charcuterie Co.’s first brick-and-mortar space and more.
Life lessons from creatives on navigating disappointments
Asheville-area artists hear “no” on a regular basis, yet develop the grit and determination to keep going.
Gardening with Xpress: Fungi, fall carrots and elderberry harvests
Fungi in the garden can be either helpful or harmful. Plus, tips for making the most of this season’s elderberry harvests and advice for planting fall carrot crops.
Green Roundup: ASAP’s Farm Tour spotlights local growers
The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project is gearing up for its annual Farm Tour in September. Also in local green news, a new solar lending program from Sugar Hollow Solar, the West Asheville Garden Stroll spotlights the Horney Heights neighborhood, N.C. Arboretum hosts Monarch Butterfly Day and more.
Communities throughout WNC embrace outdoor recreation projects
From Woodfin to Canton, Hendersonville to Brevard, local communities are embracing outdoor recreation as a way to drive economic growth and provide recreational opportunities for residents.
WNC grapples with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Since January of this year, Buncombe County has received 104 reports of Lyme, says Buncombe County spokesperson Stacey Wood. Of those, 19 have been confirmed cases, five met the definition for suspect or probable cases and 23 are currently under investigation.
Asheville makers ensure dogs get their share of farm-to-table fare
From raw foods to baked treats, some local entrepreneurs’ offerings are seriously going to the dogs.
Hundreds rally at to support nurses in contract battle
The rally was part of a push from the union to pressure HCA, a for-profit that purchased Mission in 2019, for better working conditions. The event was the latest in a long line of actions by local and state officials against the company.
Gardening with Xpress: Tips for quashing squash plant pests
A few strategies for combating squash vine borers, coping with zucchini overload and combining cover crops with no-till gardening.
New independent monitor finds HCA in potential noncompliance with Mission asset purchase agreement
The 32-page report from Boston-based Affiliated Monitors Inc. detailed three areas where in 2023 HCA potentially did not honor commitments it made five years ago as part of the Asset Purchase Agreement.
Lack of swimming lesson options leaves Asheville parents frustrated
Many Asheville parents say they have trouble finding swimming lessons for their children, especially in the winter months.
Meet the animals in Asheville’s local businesses
Dogs, cats and fish double as coworkers at many establishments. It is Asheville after all — one of the most dog-friendly places around.