“Dying is a big thing, and I want the details of it to be as easy as possible on my family as it can be,” Kae Mance, who has stage 4 breast cancer, says.
Wellness roundup: Buncombe County reveals next steps for opioid settlements
According to the Opioid Settlement Strategic Planning Report, goals for fiscal years 2024-26 include reductions in overdose-related visits to area ERs, the jail population incarcerated for substance use-related charges and the number of behavioral health-related EMS dispatches.
Down Town, Part 11: Better alternatives to mental illness treatments
Part 11 of Asheville Watchdog’s “Down Town” series looks at how other cities have confronted mental health issues — with greater success.
Experts tackle misunderstandings about Hep C treatment
In 2016, Maia Hughes decided to begin recovery after 13 years of substance abuse. But it wasn’t only substance use disorder she needed to address. She had also tested positive for hepatitis C, a virus that spreads through blood.
4 unique trips for the hiker who’s tried everything
Consider one of these trips led by local guides for your next adventure in WNC (and eastern Tennessee).
The elusive morels: Their season was exciting, challenging — and way too short
The thrill of the hunt keeps the morel pursuit engaging, frustrating and thrilling, all at once.
MAHEC program expands dentists’ capabilities for low-income patients
MAHEC’s program is geared toward general dentists who are likely to encounter patients with a range of issues that stem from the lack of dental care. Many patients don’t see dentists because they can’t afford it.
Why I volunteer: Show up for the community
Steven Reinhold is a volunteer with Outdoor Gear Builders. The organization works to foster a prosperous outdoor business community by cultivating, connecting and supporting WNC’s outdoor industry.
Why we volunteer: Fighting stigma
Steve and Sascha Frowine have volunteered at WNCAP for five years.
Teens discuss participation in ‘The Hour of HOPE’ podcast
Last June, Umoja debuted HOPE 4 the Future, a summer camp for children and teens. In its initial season, it served 78 youths.
Why I volunteer: Energy and enthusiasm
Robin Lenner has volunteered with Girls on the Run for 10 years. The organization inspires girls of all abilities to strengthen confidence and other important life skills through physical activity.
Why I volunteer: Building relationships with local farmers
Lisa Fields is a volunteer with Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. The nonprofit helps link farmers to markets and supporters and strives to build healthy communities through connections to local food.
Why I volunteer: Aha moments!
Leland Arnsdorff is a volunteer at the WNC Nature Center. The organization works to connect people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region.
Council to hear update on TDA takeover of Sports Commission
A study commissioned for the TDA by the Huddle Up Group, a Phoenix-based sports consulting firm, recommends consolidating the sports commission into the tourism body. The TDA already funds the bulk of the commission’s work, at roughly $230,000 per year. (The city of Asheville and Buncombe County each pitch in about $45,000 annually, while UNC Asheville offers its facilities as in-kind contributions.)
Wellness roundup: Mercy Urgent Care extends hours
Mercy Urgent Care, a nonprofit urgent care network, expanded hours at two locations April 23. The South Asheville clinic, 1833 Hendersonville Road, and the East Asheville clinic, 1272 Tunnel Road, are open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
Q&A: A developer’s perspective on value of conservation
Andy Baker has spent the last 17 years building a home for himself, his family and many others through his development projects in Western North Carolina. Originally from Michigan, Baker graduated from Purdue University with a degree in forestry before pursuing a career in real estate development. Earlier this year, the Southeast Regional Land Conservancy […]
Thinking green: All hands on deck
Joe Franco is a senior at UNC Asheville, majoring in international studies with minors in political science and environmental studies.
Thinking green: Take heed
Anne Craig is an environmental activist.
Gardening with Xpress: Managing tiny but formidable flea beetles
Tiny flea beetles are here to stay, and will affect your garden to some extent. But organic gardening is about finding balance, not controlling nature for our benefit alone.
Thinking green: adaptiveness and resiliency
Roger Helm is an instructor on global climate change at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville.
Q&A: Woman creates Mon-stors to ‘eat’ toys
“I knew that if I wanted my child to use whatever toy storage solution we had, it needed to be fun and like a game. “