James Cassara, a volunteer at the YMCA of Western North Carolina, discusses the local nonprofit’s many services.
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.
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.
Why I volunteer: Giving back to the Appalachian Trail
Sarah Jones Decker, a volunteer at Carolina Mountain Club, discusses the joys of being outside with like-minded hikers.
New study explores connections between craft and community health
Artist Luis Alvaro Sahagún Nuño, student Kerstan Nealy and professor Ameena Batada reflect on their experiences with the project.
Teachers’ mental health gets new focus
Kate Wargo moved to Asheville in fall 2021 with hopes for a fresh start. Teaching elementary school during the COVID-19 pandemic had left her exhausted, anxious and depressed. “It was the first time I felt dehumanized,” she says of the previous two years teaching fourth grade in Pennsylvania.
Why I volunteer: Keeping trails in shape
Stefan Israel is a volunteer with Rock Crushers, which maintains hiking trails, particularly in the Gerton-Lake Lure area.
Why I volunteer: Creating a safe place for individuals to address their social service needs
David S. Leader, a volunteer at Jewish Family Services of Western North Carolina, discusses the organization’s clinical and social support services.
From CPP: State report reveals more details about child’s death at Trails Carolina
The exact cause of death is still under investigation, according to the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office, although an autopsy conducted Feb. 6 showed the death appeared not to be natural.
Exploring the great outdoors, 3,600 feet at a time
Our reporter and his musician friend see what Navitat Canopy Adventures is all about.
Asheville, Buncombe become ‘epicenters’ of hemp, the accidental industry bigger than marijuana
Asheville and Buncombe County are among the “epicenters” of hemp nationally, said Rod Kight, an Asheville lawyer who advises cannabis businesses.
WNC is ground zero for wilderness skills education
In February, Mountain BizWorks’ MADE X MTNS partnership, which seeks to expand WNC’s outdoor industry, released a study that noted outdoor activities such as backpacking, day hiking and vehicle camping generated an economic output of $4.9 billion per year for the region and resulted in 48,000 full-time jobs.
Everyone loves a garden. Sometimes, that’s a problem
We aren’t the only creatures who love berries. Learn how to keep birds and bears at bay.
Forty years later, UNCA women’s basketball players recall their national championship run
Today, the popularity of the women’s game is booming. But the sport is far from new. And 40 years ago, UNC Asheville boasted a championship team and a record-setting player of its own.
Social opportunities for neurodivergent adults flourish locally
It’s not enough to provide activities centered around autism, because having autism in common doesn’t mean people’s interests are similar.
Staff reductions contributed to Mission’s soaring profits after HCA sale, draft report says
A 12-page working draft report out of Wake Forest University titled “Mission Hospital’s Financial Performance Under HCA” collates information from federal data, HCA’s own projections, and other studies to show how the Asheville hospital has prospered since the $1.5 billion purchase five years ago.
Conserving Carolina seeks photo contest entries
Conserving Carolina’s fifth annual Habitat at Home spring photo contest is underway. Plus: Hendo Earth Fare returns to Hendersonville; G5 Trail Collective adds 10 new miles; and more!
What would BID safety ambassadors bring to downtown?
Safety and hospitality ambassadors for a downtown Asheville business improvement district would be perceived as a welcome addition by some — additional “eyes and ears” on the street. But others aren’t sure that such a program is a priority.
Q&A with Joshua Arnold on climate studies, agriculture and bee hotels
Warren Wilson College’s environmental studies department will begin offering a master’s degree in applied climate studies in summer 2025. The program will draw on the college’s natural sciences and social sciences programs to prepare students for mitigating the effects of climate change. Students will attend two summertime intensives, and the rest of the coursework will […]
Police officers struggle to afford Asheville addresses
Roughly 86% of Asheville Police officers live outside of the city limits, according to Asheville Police Department spokesman Samantha Booth.
Veterans Healing Farm searches for new site in Henderson County
The Veterans Healing Farm is seeking to raise $5 million to purchase a new location and expand its offerings year-round.