Newswire

CarePartners CNA-featured in job-shadow video

When CarePartners certified nursing assistant Kelly Robertson goes to work, she doesn't usually bring a film crew. However, in early May, that's exactly what happened — she participated in a three-minute video for VirtualJobShadow.com, a national program founded eight years ago by Fairview residents Kim Celentano and Ilya Gorelik. The program uses behind-the-scenes videos to help middle and high school students explore careers that interest them.

Robertson says she had not always planned on becoming a CNA. Before taking on the new career, she worked as a rehabilitation technician. But when she returned to school, her interests change. She has worked as a CNA with CarePartners for the past two years.

"A lot of people think that being a CNA is like grunge work,” says Robertson. “They say it's not as glamorous as being an ER nurse or an OB nurse. But what I enjoy is that I'm given the opportunity to be hands-on — even if it's only short-term — with people who really need you the most," she says.

"The services we provide are important for the healing process. Everyone loves to be fed, to be clean, to have that personal contact with somebody,” says Robertson. “The things we are able to provide for these people makes them feel better. It gives them a sense of self, helps them get some of their integrity back." (For the full story and to see the video, go to http://avl.mx/i0.) — Caitlin Byrd

Asheville GoTopless rally set for Aug. 26

Organizers have announced that, once again, Asheville will be the site of a "GoTopless" rally . The event takes place on Aug. 26, which is also national Women's Equality Day.

It is legal for women to appear in public bare-chested in North Carolina, and organizers are encouraging women to exercise that right during the planned event, which will likely include a march and speeches. Rally organizers say they’re advocating for allowing women across the country to have the same rights as men when it comes to what parts of their bodies can be exposed in public. Other rally sites include Washington D.C., New York and San Francisco.

A similar event last year drew big crowds and much controversy: Former Asheville City Council member Carl Mumpower and former Buncombe County Republican Party Chair Chad Nesbitt organized a counter "Asheville Rally to Protect Our Children From Abuse." Organizers of that event charged that allowing children to be exposed topless women was akin to child abuse.

Some critics have also charged that the GoTopless rallies are publicity stunts for the Raelians, a group that believes alien scientists created human beings. — Jake Frankel

City officials host public meeting on BID proposal, Tuesday, July 17

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 17, to solicit additional input on certain aspects of the proposed downtown Asheville Business Improvement District. The meeting will be held at the U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall, 5:30- 7:30 p.m.

Information gathered will be provided to the BID interim board and Asheville City Council.

The meeting will give citizens a chance to comment on concerns raised at City Council’s June 12 public hearing. Input will be taken on all aspects of the proposal, but particularly on the proposed BID board of directors structure and ambassador program. The meeting will be a drop-in format at the end of the business day, so that it’s accessible to a variety of stakeholders.

For more information on the Business Improvement District, email Sasha Vrtunski at svrtunski@ashevillenc.gov or call 230-1271. — press release

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