New Stories
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.”
From CPP: Can collaboration on NC national forests coexist with litigation?
The Forest Service finalized its forest plan for Western North Carolina’s two national forests in Feb. 2023 after a decade-long process that included thousands of public comments and the commitment of dozens of groups of stakeholders.
Why I volunteer: ‘You always get more than you give’
Melissa Gerhardt, a volunteer with Arms Around ASD, talks about the personal and social benefits of volunteering one’s time at a local nonprofit.
From CPP: DHHS makes good on threat to revoke NC mountain wilderness therapy camp’s license
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services revoked Trails Carolina’s license, according to a letter DHHS sent May 17 to camp management, because the residential therapeutic camp violated state regulations.
Why I volunteer: ‘This is truly where Jesus shows up’
Nancy Tabel, a volunteer at Haywood Street Congregation, discusses the church’s efforts to address hunger and homelessness in Western North Carolina.
The N.C. Arboretum announces new executive director
After 37 years, George Briggs will step down from his leadership role at The N.C. Arboretum. Drake Fowler will replace him in August. Plus: “Blue Ghost” fireflies return; Kid’s Merchandise Design Contest is now underway; and more!
Laps and Naps saves senior cats
“We’re helping people as much as we’re helping cats, though it isn’t what we first set out to achieve,” says Nancy Gavin, cofounder of Laps and Naps, a local nonprofit serving senior cats.
What happens if UNC dismantles diversity programs?
“In academia, DEI crosses multiple disciplines, and in the real world, as in our classrooms, DEI is about learning to pass the mic.”
Candidates talk affordable housing, homelessness with business leaders
Three candidates for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners gathered at the May 10 Council of Independent Business Owners meeting to lay out their vision for the county’s future direction.