Pres. Obama buys $69,000 ‘getaway’ in Clyde
Whose story? Democratizing America’s collective historical memory
America continues to have a difficult time facing its past, especially when this requires taking an in-depth look at slavery. Slavery does not comport with our claims about our founding ideals. Thus, when memorializing the past, Americans are more comfortable with images that don’t glaringly highlight the country’s hypocrisy.
Asheville under glass: Get your docs (not ducks) lined up
Where is that Obamacare medical warehouse we all were promised? You know, the one that will store our medical data such as the list of meds we take, when we had our last tetanus shot, operation dates, etc. I, for one, will embrace a Big Brother information-gathering site if it makes things easier. Here’s how […]
Parents are key: Eliada Homes strengthens engagement with families
In all of Eliada’s programs one can find a strong emphasis on family involvement. According to Eliada’s President & CEO Mark Upright, “Eliada strives to serve the ‘whole’ child, and that means serving the entire family and engaging the communities our families are embedded in.”
2014 Child Watch Tour explores transportation challenges for families
Guest columnist Jodi Ford explains the challenges of public transportation for children and families, as discussed in the 2014 Child Watch Tour . This article is featured as part of a partnership between the Xpress and Children First/ Communities In Schools of Buncombe County.
Un-fare: Ride-free day showcases Asheville’s transit system
May 19 was Transit Rider Appreciation Day and Asheville’s buses were free, so I rode as many routes as I could, viewing the city through the windows. It was foggy as I waited for the S3 inbound on Hendersonville Road. I was beginning to think I’d missed it when the driver spotted me in the fog […]
National Forests in North Carolina: I thought I knew it all
By Rachel Ingram, Volunteer Intern, U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina I thought I knew it all. Only 22 years old, I had done more than my fair share of backpacking, kayaking, hiking and fishing. So when I, as a junior in the Mass Communications department at UNC Asheville, saw the posting on […]
Asheville Under Glass: Leap and the net will appear
In James Cameron’s “Avatar,” the Na’vis of Pandora inhabit an Earth-like moon of the Alpha Centauri star system. They are a pure and superior breed of humanoids who harbor deep respect for the land (you know — like Ashevilleans.) These 10-foot beings have incredible athletic prowess as they leap astride dragons and ride them through […]
The gospel according to Jerry: Paint job or snow job?
Art is in the eye of the beholder. Still, I’m shocked that so many people seem to think graffiti is an art form and that these young people are merely “expressing” themselves.
Asheville Under Glass: Bear problems
I always forget the appropriate admonition. I’m talking about what one is supposed to do if you find yourself suddenly in the path of a bear. I suspect that I’ll be the one who forgets what to do and piss some bear off — royally.
How to be a green computer user
From the Get It! Guide: People hope to eat and shop consciously by being aware of the origins and production of the goods they buy and use. But many people don’t know that we can do the same thing when we use our computers.
How to ‘greenerize’ your home
Get It! Guide: WNC Green Building Council offers easy and inexpensive ways to save energy.
How to launch a local business: A Mountain BizWorks success story
From the Get It! Guide: Kudzai Mabunda realized a demand for assisted living that allowed the elderly or disabled to remain in a home environment. Utilizing a loan from Mountain BizWorks, she was able to create two new facilities.
Protecting Hickory Nut Gorge: CMLC helps keep WNC beautiful
Quietly, day after day, the dedicated staff at CMLC works to protect special open space lands for the public to enjoy. In 2013, the nonprofit had its biggest year ever, conserving about 4,000 acres, including Bearwallow Mountain (pictured above).
Home, sweet home: It’s Fair Housing Month in the Asheville area
Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council Program Director Lucia Daugherty and Fair Housing Outreach Coordinator Cassidy Moore talk about the issues and how you can get help.
Asheville Under Glass: Silverlocks
When the lights go up following an afternoon movie in cinemas across Asheville, one notes a sea of white, silver and pewter atop the heads of moviegoers. That view makes me ever-so-comfortable. But my comfort didn’t come naturally. I wrestled with it for years — whether or not to continue bleaching my hair the blonde […]
Are you smarter than an elementary student?
Fundraising event to benefit local children’s nonprofit, Children First/Communities In Schools.
Asheville under glass: Why we’re not ‘Naples folks’ (but we are Ashevilleans)
In a series of blog posts, guest writer Colleen Kelly Mellor shares her senior view of a region often touted as one of America’s “Best Retirement Towns.” In her latest post, she sheds some light as to why this retirement town was the best fit.
Unstated power: behind the City Attorney’s role
For the first time in 16 years, Asheville has a new city attorney: this past week City Council appointed Robin Currin, a Raleigh attorney with particular expertise in land use and zoning law, to the job. The role is one of the most powerful positions in city government, especially in an era of frequent court battles.
Jasmine’s story: A journey from homeless to housing
Guest columnist Jodi Ford looks at how safe, affordable housing is a challenge to find for families in Asheville – and how foundational a place to call home is for family success. This article is featured as part of a partnership between the Xpress and Children First/ Communities In Schools of Buncombe County.
Local production: The other side of the coin
From the Get It! Guide: The idea of local economy has become a growing global movement to build a saner and more sustainable world. Increasingly, people are waking up to the simple truth that “local” matters — the best way to help out their economy is by keeping it as local as possible.