Nerd Fest returns, local painter gives away art, WCU announces endowed professorship, Unity of the Blue Ridge hosts a singing and storytelling festival and more.
New Stories
Letter: The case for rebuilding the Vance Monument
“Rebuilding the obelisk presents an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about our past, acknowledging the undesirable complexities of historical figures like Vance, while also honoring the positive aspects of their legacies.”
Letter: Thoughts on the TDA and socialism
“Forced to do the best they could, I believe the Tourism Development Authority did the right thing sidestepping a lawsuit that they probably would lose.”
Chai Pani moves and supersizes
After 14 years downtown, the award-winning Indian street food restaurant has moved to a much larger South Slope building and has expanded its menu to match the space.
Judge’s backing of AdventHealth over Mission Health for new Weaverville hospital keeps pressure on HCA
The decision is the latest development in a series of legal battles HCA is fighting related to North Carolina, including several over its management of Mission Health.
Letter: Universities must go deeper with AI
“Our universities must go beyond merely teaching the use of artificial intelligence; they should also connect with current industry professionals and teach how to develop, evolve and maintain it.”
Changing minds: A Jew in Asheville
“I knew he was a member of the Asheville Country Club. So, seizing the moment while we were waiting in the car, I raised the delicate issue of the club’s deliberate exclusion of Jews.”
Why I volunteer: Teamwork is dreamwork
Forest Walters discusses the strong team of volunteers working at 12 Baskets Café.
Wendy White on the power of love
“I’m talking about roll up your sleeves, get down, get dirty, love, and connection and compassion,” says White, describing the Asheville-based nonprofit Let’s Choose Love. “And so, it became like a call to action. I thought, regardless of who we are, if we could let love be our guide in every decision in every interaction, we’d be fine.”
Why I volunteer: The power of purpose
Tom Morgan, board president of Project Dignity of WNC, discusses his role at the nonprofit and its mission within the community.
Letter: Forest Service needs a name change
“Let’s change the name of the ‘Forest’ Service to the U.S. ‘Lumber’ Service.”
Letter: Do we want successful outcomes after prison?
“Reentry from prison shouldn’t be this difficult and degrading, defeating and repressive. If we want successful outcomes to occur, then change must happen.”
Why I volunteer: A chance to learn something new
James Cassara, a volunteer at the YMCA of Western North Carolina, discusses the local nonprofit’s many services.
Letter: Why Asheville needs infill housing
“In fact, new research affirms what housing advocates have argued for years: Even where land and construction costs are high, new infill is essential to reducing rent and home prices across core neighborhoods.”
Letter: Workers + no housing = ?
“If people cannot afford to live here (or near here), we will not have workers to serve the tourists we are trying to woo.”