10.12.2023

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

42º | Cloudy | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:40 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.

🧑‍🏫 Q+A with 3 Asheville educators making an impact in our community

Q+A with 3 Asheville educators making an impact in our community

Presented by an AVLtoday Partner

Asheville Middle School ShootDSC06810.jpg

Jesus Citalan-Angeles is a 7th Grade Math Teacher at Asheville Middle School — and a recent graduate of UNC Asheville’s Education program. | Photo provided by UNC Asheville

Think of the people who have most impacted your life: Odds are a teacher made your list. Many of us have “that” teacher who challenged or inspired us forward.

Now, meet three Asheville educators who are making a difference in our local kids’ lives every day.

See what inspires them to inspire others — and how UNC Asheville’s Education program prepared them for their impactful careers.

Derek Edwards | Principal of Asheville High School

man in red suit poses with rock wall in the background — Principal Edwards says he particularly loves seeing high schoolers transform from nervous, overwhelmed freshmen to confident, focused seniors.
|
Photo provided by Derek Edwards

How did UNC Asheville prepare you to make an impact in the community?

UNCA prepared me to solve complex problems, to look at issues through multiple perspectives, and to find solutions that would be impossible with a narrower educational experience.

I had incredible professors, staff, and administrators who mentored and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I was challenged in and out of the classroom to not only better myself, but the community around me.

What advice do you have for students or adults considering an education career path?

Be prepared for the most challenging career that you will ever love. Education is not for the faint of heart, it isn’t easy, but the rewards are priceless. The excitement of a kindergartner learning to read, the first tooth lost at school, the first time a child nails that presentation, a student athlete winning a game-winning shot, students finally finding the right answer, and, ultimately, that huge hug on the graduation stage from a kid you’ve known since kindergarten.

These experiences are worth more than money. They fill your soul; they drive you to do more and give more. Our students need and deserve great teachers, so challenge yourself to become the greatness they need.

What do you think makes UNC Asheville unique?

The immense variety of peers I was surrounded by. Among my immediate college friends are teachers, principals, authors, politicians, directors of major nonprofit organizations, historians, artists, government agents + on and on. UNCA challenged and changed us so that we would change the world.

Meet an Executive Director + 7th grade teacher

Asked

Do you have an educator who made an impact in your life?

Shout them out here + we may share it in an upcoming newsletter.

Shout out a teacher

Events

Thursday, Oct. 12

Recreate Asheville Community Workshop | Thursday, Oct. 12 | 5-7 p.m. | Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd., Asheville | Free | Provide your feedback to help Asheville Parks & Recreation create a long-term vision for its programs and parkland — transit vouchers are available.
WNC, Past and Present: Ballad Singing in the Great Divide | Thursday, Oct. 12 | 6-7:15 p.m. | Black Mountain Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain | $0-$10 | Ballad singer, clogger, and folklorist Ian Kirkpatrick will share findings from 20th century collections and teach about the preservation of ballad singing in the 21st century.

Friday, Oct. 13

Horror Paint Night | Friday, Oct. 13 | 6-8 p.m. | Fired Up Creative Lounge, 26 Wall St., Asheville | $8 | Unleash your creepy creativity and paint some pottery with a blood (paint) splatter + silkscreen station — pottery not included in the ticket price.
Frankenbash at White Labs Brewing Co | Friday, Oct. 13 | 6-9 p.m. | White Labs Brewing Company, 172 S. Charlotte St., Asheville | Free | Enjoy a spine-tingling evening of dancing, tarot card reading, a costume contest + the resurrection of one of White Labs’ all-time favorites drinks: Frankenstout.*

Saturday, Oct. 14

Walk to End Alzheimer’s | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd., Asheville | Free | Join the Alzheimer’s Association in the fight to end Alzheimer’s in Asheville — register as an individual or as a team.
Burnpile | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 1-6 p.m. | Burial Beer Co.'s Forestry Camp Facility, 10 Shady Oak Dr., Asheville | $50-$150 | Rock out during a day full of music from Deer Tick, S.G. Goodman, and MJ Lenderman while sipping on beers from 50+ breweries.
WNC Parade of Homes | Saturday, Oct. 14-Sunday, Oct. 15 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Homes located around WNC, Various, Asheville | Free | Tour new and remodeled homes from builders across Western North Carolina, including popular mountain towns like Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, Black Mountain, Fairview, Marshall + more.*

Sunday, Oct. 15

Sunset Yoga | Sunday, Oct. 15 | 6-7 p.m. | Montford Park, 345 Montford Ave., Asheville | $14-$22 | End your week with a gentle flow, grounding yourself in nature.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Drink

Should you really drink 8 glasses of water per day?

LMNT supports all activities — from trail running with the family to making healthier spicy margaritas with the girls. | Photos by LMNT

Since the 1940s, we’ve been told to drink eight glasses of water per day. But drinking beyond thirst dilutes blood electrolyte levels (especially sodium levels), leading to headaches, low energy, cramps, confusion, or worse.

The key? Add electrolytes into the mix.

Enter: LMNT.

Created by scientists, LMNT has enough sodium, potassium, and magnesium to get you truly hydrated. It has zero sugar and artificial colors — while offering fan-fave flavors like Citrus Salt and Raspberry Salt.

Get a free sample pack with any purchase

News Notes

Civic

After a 4-3 vote, the Asheville City Council will move forward with the College Patton Bike Lane Project. The project will add buffered bike lanes on College Street between Spruce Street and Pritchard Park + on Patton Avenue, between Pritchard Park and Biltmore Avenue.

Development

The former Ryan’s restaurant near the Asheville Outlets on Brevard Road has been demolished — and will become a new Chick-fil-A. A Level I planning permit has been issued for the location, but there’s no word on when construction will begin. (WLOS)

Eat

Starting this Friday, Oct. 13, Tastee Diner will be open until 3 a.m. for all your late-night cravings. The late-night menu debuts with a kick-off party starting at 10 p.m., complete with syringe jello shots, drink specials, and games. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Shop

Asheville Habitat ReStore’s Customer Appreciation Sale is this Saturday, Oct. 14, with 25% off all items all day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. So whether you’re looking to make your home cozy for fall or start a new DIY project, it’s the perfect time to get going.

Community

Pisgah Legal Services is hosting its 13th Annual Justice Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the Kimmell Arena at UNC Asheville. Sociologist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond will be the keynote speaker — sign up to attend the free forum + grab tickets for the pre-event reception.

Plan Ahead

The eight finalists of the NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition will perform at Citizen Vinyl on Saturday, Nov. 18 for the finale showcase. A panel of judges will pick the winner, who will receive a fully funded, six-song EP, recorded and mixed at Citizen Studios. Snag tickets for the show.

Civic

Here’s an easy way to do your part: Help keep organic matter out of landfills (and reduce greenhouse gas emissions) by taking advantage of the City of Asheville and Buncombe County’s free Food Scraps Drop-Off program, offering multiple organic matter drop-off locations. See what qualifies for drop-off.*

Talk

See award-winning author and former Kentucky poet laureate Crystal Wilkinson at UNC Asheville’s Visiting Writers Series event on Wednesday, Oct. 18. Wilkinson will discuss the role food plays in her writing, cultural identity + more. Register (attendance is free).*

Featured Home

Boasting views for days, this remarkable 3 BD, 2 BA home on private Pinnacle Mountain is being sold fully furnished. Offering ample space, the open living room has a cozy fireplace and the rec room + hot tub make great features for hosting parties, vacations, or reunions with loved ones. See inside.*

Arts

Get inked on Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th tattoo events in Asheville

We hope you have a high pain tolerance. | Photo by AVLtoday

Friday the 13th — a superstitious day for some, but Black Friday for tattoo enthusiasts. Getting inked on that day is a longstanding tradition in the tattoo community. Basically, shops will offer an array of flash tattoos (pre-drawn artwork) for a discounted price.

Not every shop participates, but we found a handful that are gearing up for the big day.

Asheville Craft Tattoo | Bring cash to get inked with a friendly looking mushroom or fresh fruits + veg.

Diamond Thieves Body Piercing and Tattoo | Make an appointment for a $13 piercing or an $80 tattoo.

Hot Stuff Tattoo | You pick the spot, and @garden.wolf will hand-draw a skull however he thinks looks best on you.

Lust and Lore Tattoo Co. | Choose from some eerie options by @consciousinktattoos_ and @tanglewoodtattoo.

Drawing Board Tattoo | Get there early to see one of the walk-in-only artists + leave with body art inspired by the number 13.

Thistle and Pearl Tattoo | Artists @doe.bull and @ashgreytattoos will both have first-come, first-served flash.

Answered

A few weeks ago we asked you, “What Asheville activity would you like us to try?”

rooftop bar tour.png — Cheers to incredible cocktails + amazing views.
|
Photo by AVLtoday

Several readers wanted us to try out Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, so we did just that — and it did not disappoint. On the Rooftop Sunset Tour, not only do you get to sip on seasonal cocktails from three gorgeous rooftops, but your tour guide will share the fascinating history behind the sights you’re seeing from the sky.

We visited Capella on 9, Pillar Rooftop Bar, and Hemingway’s Cuba. Our wonderful guide, Kaye, came prepared with historical photos + postcards for a visual lesson on how Asheville views have changed over the years. The overall verdict? This tour is great for locals who want to dive into our city’s history over a craft cocktail — also a great activity for when you have out-of-town friends who want to see Asheville from a new angle.

Share AVLtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_6}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Grace

From the editor

Although I sincerely hope you enjoy today’s Friday the 13th tattoo event roundup and find it useful, I will admit that my motivation in writing it was a tiny bit self-serving. Give us a follow on Instagram, and you may see on Friday that Molly and I have some new ink.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY