Delaney Burke, who directs youth operations for the YMCA in Western North Carolina, says she notices that adolescent volunteers get as much out of their service as do the younger kids with whom they work. “They take leadership roles,” she says. “And when they see themselves as leaders, they become more confident.”
New Stories
Buncombe to weigh affordable housing goals March 15
According to a presentation available before the meeting of Tuesday, March 15, the county hopes to “impact 2,800-3,150 affordable housing units by 2030,” including 1,500-1,850 new rental units affordable for households making 80% or less of the area median income ($42,100 for an individual or $60,100 for a family of four).
Theater education programs encourage bright futures for area youths
The Parkway Playhouse, Montford Moppets and Flat Rock Playhouse’s Studio 52 instill life skills in local young people through the magic of theater.
Green in brief: Blue Ridge Parkway tops national parks in 2021 visitation
The scenic roadway saw 15.9 million recreation visits in 2021, up from about 14 million in 2020; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which also includes land in Western North Carolina, was in second place with over 14.1 million visits.
Hilliard Ave. development approved in unusual Council procedure
A conditional zoning request for The Avery, a 187-unit housing development slated for 363 Hilliard Ave. in Asheville’s downtown, was denied by Asheville City Council in a Feb. 22 meeting. Two weeks later, Council approved the request after employing a rarely-used rule to rescind its prior decision.
Letter: Expand your consciousness with lifelong learning
“All of us may not be able to actively participate in demonstrations, but each of us can daily leave our comfort zone and social class and inform yourself on whatever issues are close to your heart.”
Day & Dream, Patty M and Wednesday release new albums
Dreamy pop, acoustic folk and fuzzed-out rock define these three new local projects.
Photography exhibit documents local food industries recent hardships
Local photographer Carol Spagnuola celebrates Asheville’s tenacious restaurants and breweries in her latest exhibit.
125 Afghan evacuees resettled in Buncombe County
Over 125 Afghans who were evacuated by the United States amid the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan this summer now call Buncombe County home. It’s been a long journey. On Aug. 29, President Joe Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate the resettlement as part of Operation Allies Welcome. While housed at military bases […]
From CPP: Details of WNC national forest plan drawing objection
The Southern Environmental Law Center plans to file an objection over acreage perceived as being left at risk under U.S. Forest Service plan for Western North Carolina’s national forests.
Around Town: Traveling Holocaust education exhibit comes to Asheville
A traveling Holocaust education exhibit stops in Asheville. Plus, Art Garden AVL presents a show of large, collaborative murals, a local artist supports Ukraine, Asheville Community Theatre puts on a sci-fi show and more!
What’s new in food: Red Fiddle Vittles opens in Arden
Red Fiddle Vittles expands its catering business with a new retail space. Also: Ginger’s Revenge Craft Brewery celebrates its five year anniversary; Chef Chris Cox heads to Mother Ocean Market; and plenty more!
Letter: You pay a lot to live in the mountains
“Now that I’ve moved to Greensboro, a three-hour drive away, I’m saving $300 a month in rent for where I am now.”
Asheville board upholds employee firings over vaccine mandate
The volunteer Civil Service Board, which has authority over employee grievances, agreed with the city’s argument Feb. 22 that five workers had shown insubordination by refusing COVID-19 vaccination or weekly testing in October. Asheville has since suspended its “test-or-vaccinate” policy effective March 2.
Ode to the River Queen: The Gospel According to Jerry
“She rode into town on her white steed. And immediately found this silver serpent slithering slowly through the valley, passing the city and sorely in need.”
Community reflects on Cragnolin and her legacy
Community members reflect on the life and legacy of Karen Cragnolin, a dedicated champion of the French Broad River and its possibilities.