White named Volunteer of the Year

NEIGHBORHOOD HERO: Asheville City Council member Vijay Kapoor presented Renee’ White’s Volunteer of the Year award. Photo courtesy of the city of Asheville

East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association President Renee’ White has been named the second recipient of the city of Asheville’s Volunteer of the Year award. White received the recognition during the May 22 meeting of Asheville City Council.

“The East End is a historically African American neighborhood that celebrates and clings to its roots in the ever-changing Asheville development boom,” said resident Amanda Broderick in a city press release. “Renee’ leads the (neighborhood) organization with inclusiveness and welcomes all residents, whether they are newcomers or have lived a lifetime in the East End.”

White has organized neighborhood cleanups, a fall festival and yard sale and a Neighborhood Watch program; she has also promoted cleanup of derelict properties in her neighborhood. Her resume includes numerous other civic activities with political and and charitable organizations.

YMCA offers reduced rate to military individuals and families

The YMCA of Western North Carolina announced its new Military Appreciation membership program for active service members, veterans, and families. Along with reduced membership rates, no joining fee is required.

The YMCA of WNC will continue to participate in the Military Outreach Initiative, which provides free Y memberships to deployed military families through the Department of Defense. More information can be found at ymcawnc.org/military-memberships. Applications are available at any YMCA location to get the Military Appreciation program rate. Requirements include a valid military or veteran ID card, a DD214 form showing release from active duty, or a driver’s license indicating a veteran designation.

Asheville Chamber to lead business visit to Raleigh

The Asheville Chamber, in conjunction with six other area chambers, will visit Raleigh Tuesday, June 5, and Wednesday, June 6, to discuss issues with legislators and state agencies vital to our regional business environment.

Events include meeting with the North Carolina House and Senate leadership, meeting with the new director of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, observing a Republican and Democratic political strategists’ debate, as well as an evening reception with the WNC legislative delegation.

Anyone may register to attend. For more information and to register, visit avl.mx/4zt.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Virginia Daffron
Managing editor, lover of mountains, native of WNC. Follow me @virginiadaffron

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.