Xpress readers offered up a raft of thought-provoking letters to the editor, commentaries and comments about local affairs in 2021.
Pavement or paradise? Asheville’s future is yours to decide
“The name of the proposal is the ‘open space amendment,’ and the goal is to dramatically slash, and in some cases, eliminate, the open space that developers are now required to provide with larger construction projects.”
Xpress seeks student writing & art for 2022 Kids Issue
It’s time for local K-12 students to get creative! The theme for Xpress’ 2022 Kids Issue is “Simply Beautiful.” Deadline to submit art and writing for possible publication is Friday, Jan. 28.
Hey, Grandpa: The Gospel According to Jerry
“They’re just trying to teach us the truth about America and our local history.”
Why we help: Passionate about offering affordable therapy
“I struggled in my own journey to find affordable therapy, so it is my passion now to offer services as we do at All Souls at a rate that people can afford.”
Why we help: Inspiring radio listeners to build connections
“When programming is directed by community members, you get to hear about new music, ideas and news that you don’t hear in the mainstream, and that’s invaluable.”
Why we help: Fueled by inspiration and possibility
“I am not just excited but honored to be part of this extraordinary journey to advocate for and protect the French Broad River and to champion responsible economic development and vitality.”
Why we help: Increasing access to health care, language services
“I’m inspired to do this work by my own experience. I do what I do to help people get the access to services that I didn’t have as an immigrant child with an undocumented family.”
Why we help: Offering the support families need
“When facing challenges of dementia, it is so important to have access to a health care provider who understands what is happening, who is available for questions when there are changes and who can help families understand what to expect as the disease progresses.”
Why we help: Motivated by those working to improve water quality
“I continue to be motivated by the hundreds of volunteers and watershed professionals who have been working to improve water quality in these mountains.”
Why we help: A passion to help animals in need
“I’m motivated every day by the incredible happiness that Brother Wolf brings into the lives of the animals we serve and the families whose lives are made whole by the companionship they find through adopting an animal.”
Why we help: Protecting (and restoring) healthy plant communities
“The greatest hurdles in this work have been educating the public in how our plants, pollinators and terrestrial wildlife are being harmed by nonnative invasive plants, and in convincing retailers to stop selling such species.”
Why we help: Transforming lives through power of literacy
“One of the most significant hurdles Literacy Together continues to face is having enough volunteer tutors. We hold ongoing volunteer tutor orientations and trainings all year.”
Why we help: Inspired by clients at emergency youth shelter
“Running into folks who were at Trinity Place when they were children — and who now are healthy, empowered adults — is inspiring.”
Why we help: Providing sanctuary to wolfdogs
“Whether it’s becoming a wolfdog’s first human friend or preparing them for a life with a loving family, it’s the little victories that keep us going.”
Why we help: Focused on well-being, entrepreneurship and empowerment
“Warrior Mom’s mission: to eradicate emotional paralysis among single mothers who live in poverty.”
Why we help: Conserving and restoring Appalachian forests
“Trees and forests are impacted over decades, so our biggest hurdle is to avoid the slow-rolling devastation to the region’s forests by collaborating with communities and supporting forestland owners.”
Why we help: Inclusive public art to uplift everyone
“With every new inclusive public mural comes less separation and more inspiration to create true community.”
Why we help: Helping women find access to resources
“It is important that women feel empowered and prepared to face any challenge.”
Why we help: Meeting the basic need of clean diapers for children
“Families need diapers to keep their children clean and healthy, and when they cannot afford enough, often have to delay changes or use other items like paper towels or plastic bags.”
Why we help: Throwing a lifeline to orphaned and injured wildlife
“Seeing orphaned and injured animals recover and go free again makes all the challenges worthwhile.”