The historic merger of three long-standing Western North Carolina environmental groups was unanimously approved Nov. 20 by the boards and members of Environmental and Conservation Organization (ECO), the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance (J-MCA) and the WNC Alliance (WNCA). Julie Mayfield, co-director of WNCA, opened the proceedings by welcoming the members of all the organizations and the elected officials […]
Nonprofits play a massive role in our community by trying to fill gaps of need that are not addressed by the government or the private sector, says Roger E. Hartley, professor and director of the Master of Public Affairs Program at Western Carolina University. Nonprofits also “identify key problems in our community because people who […]
Western North Carolina is blessed with a tremendous variety of charitable nonprofit organizations, each of which contributes to the overall health of our community in various ways. These organizations help find homes for animals, protect the environment, feed and clothe the needy, advocate for vulnerable populations, encourage healthy living and help grow independent businesses. Without […]
Despite rightward-streaming state and federal political currents, Buncombe County stood out on election night as a small sea of Democratic blue. In several important local races, Democratic candidates toppled Republican incumbents or maintained their positions of power. Here’s a look at some of those key local races, with an analysis of what happened and the consequences going forward.
Buncombe County Democrats had a big night, winning several key local races by razor thin margins. (Photo by Pat Barcas)
N.C. Community Garden Partners will hold their statewide conference in Asheville on Saturday, Oct. 25. Speaker Darcel Eddins of Bountiful Cities tells us more about the conference and her presentation.
Laura Halzack likens performing with the Paul Taylor Dance Company to playing for the New York Yankees: It’s the biggest of the big leagues. “There are very few dance jobs like this,” she says. The opportunity to work with Taylor, a modern dance pioneer who, at 84, has choreographed 139 dances, has been amazing, she […]
The Center for Diversity Education at UNC Asheville hosted the day-long conference “Everybody’s Environment” on Friday, Oct. 10. The event invited staff from local environmental and conversation groups, community organizers and the public to discuss strategies for creating a more inclusive environmental movement, with more diverse staff at environmental organizations and stronger ties to the communities they serve.
You may think the end of summer means a well-earned break from the fields and farms. But for community gardeners, both from WNC and across the state, autumn will be a time to share ideas and dream up innovations as they assemble for the N.C. Community Garden Partners conference, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 25, at UNC Asheville.
From a Press Release: Community partners help keep Buncombe seniors safe at home ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Increasing numbers of western North Carolina’s senior citizens will now be safe at home thanks to Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Inc., or COA, and its newest community partners, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch. The initiative, “Seniors […]
What is the draw of the garden, the chicken coop, the pasture? For many it’s a connection that can offer unseen spiritual, mental and emotional yields. Be it through garden therapy, animal therapy or simply a quiet place to meditate, area green spaces offer the chance to heal and rejuvenate.
While teaching women’s-only Dao Flow Yoga class at Asheville Yoga Center, Dr. Saraswati Markus was approached by several women who were seeking natural solutions for their health problems. In response, Markus, a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of Chinese medicine, decided it was time to open her own clinic locally. She opened the Nourishing Life Center […]
Members of the Western North Carolina Alliance showed overwhelming support for a proposed merger with the Environmental and Conservation Organization and the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance on Monday, May 12, in an overwhelming 177-to-2-vote.
Press Release From Western North Carolina Alliance: WNCA is proposing to merge with the Environmental and Conservation Organization (ECO) in Henderson County and the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance (J-MCA) in Cashiers and Highlands and we need our members to vote on it. TO CAST YOUR VOTE ONLINE: Click here. (Note: The online ballot will close at […]
When Xpress asked local nonprofits about the role of collaboration in empowering their respective missions, one thing became crystal clear: We stand stronger and serve better when we work together.
Press release from William Najger: Join us and be part of an amazing experiential experiment with the progressive, cultural creative members of our incredible society. Together we will create our unified mission and vision statement and declare with empowered passion “The Soul Purpose of Asheville”. The time has come to unite all the Green, Sustainable, […]
For a long time, Mountain Xpress has been my kind of paper. The stories are, in my opinion, the ones that should be written and engage our local community in thoughtful discussion on who we are and who we want to be. So many in the Asheville area view Mountain Xpress as our community paper […]
Members of the WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition’s are discussing ways to create and foster a more diverse community and workforce. It started with an April 25, 2013, conference titled “Realizing the Benefits of a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce.” (photo by Cindy Kunst)
Ryan Earls lies on the ground with his legs up in the air to support his partner, Lillian Jacobs. As she attempts to distribute the weight of her body on his feet, she gasps, lets out a few screams, a few laughs, and eventually becomes still. It takes a lot of trust to allow someone else to hold you several feet off the ground. But that’s the goal of Urban Ashram Studio: to build trust and a stronger sense of community.
From a press release: Soul Purpose of Asheville Gathering, May 7 Be part of a local community experiential experiment with the progressive, cultural creative members of our incredible society. Together we will create our unified mission statement and declare with empowered passion “The Soul Purpose of Asheville” The Time Has Come to Unite All the […]
For immediate release The persistence and pervasiveness of racism divides our community and keeps individuals from achieving success in education, health, employment, and quality of life. The YWCA’s annual Stand Against Racism initiative brings people together to raise awareness that racism still exists and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated. In 2013, […]
