Plus, a cafe for Cooperative Coffee.
 
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Today’s Forecast

62º | Light rain | 65% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:35 a.m. | Sunset 5:50 p.m.
 

Investing in climate resilience

An $85 million investment for climate science development in Asheville
The exterior of the Veach-Baley Federal Complex in Asheville, NC
Asheville has been a federal climate hub since 1951. | Photo by AVLtoday
The seal of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is pretty unassuming as it sits on signs outside the Veach-Baley Federal Complex on Patton Avenue — but big things are brewing inside.

On Tuesday, Jan. 23, the Department of Commerce (DOC) and NOAA announced an $85 million investment in the new Industry Proving Grounds (IPG) Program, which will advance the delivery of climate data and services to the private sector.

The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) will lead the initiative, and US DOC Deputy Secretary Don Graves and NOAA administrators kicked off the program at the NCEI headquarters right here in Asheville (that one on Patton that we were just talking about).

A data center in downtown

First established as the National Weather Records Center in 1951, Asheville’s NOAA center is one of four NCEI national locations across the country. They provide a free archive of environmental data, products like climate maps and trend reports, and services like climate monitoring — which are used in all sorts of industries, from construction to education, transportation, and retail.

This new program will work to modernize and expand all those products and services coming out of the Asheville center, focusing on help for three industries: finance and reinsurance, retail, and architecture and engineering. WLOS reported that Graves believes the program will bring investment and people into the city.

Looking at the local climate

NOAA’s not the only one with new data, though. Calling Asheville the “climate city,” Graves also highlighted the City’s Climate Justice Initiative — which just got its own upgrade.

So while you’re waiting for the IPG’s new data and tools, you can explore the expanded information on climate vulnerability and climate justice on SimpliCity. When you search an address on the program, you’ll now be able to see details of its climate risk and resiliency as well as check out resources and strategies if you want to take action. Watch a breakdown of how to use the tool.
 
Events
Thursday, Jan. 25
  • Leo Rising Full Moon Celebration | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6-11 p.m. | Weaving Rainbows, 62 Wall St., Asheville | $26 | Listen to the musical artistry of Castanea and experience a cacao ceremony, personal readings, and Leo-inspired elixirs under the last full moon of the cycle before the lunar new year.
  • Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 7-9 p.m. | Pulp, 103 Hilliard Ave., Asheville | $15 | Sips on cocktails while you laugh the night away with host Hilliary Begley, comedian Cody Hughes, and open mic entertainers.
Friday, Jan. 26
  • Mountain Strong: Tales of Growing Up in WNC | Friday, Jan. 26 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Weaverville Center for Creative and Healthy Living, 60 Lakeshore Dr., Weaverville | Free | Hear archivist Ashley McGhee Whittle and storyteller Sherry Lovett tell their coming-of-age tales set against the backdrop of our rural mountain communities.
  • An Iliad by Lisa Peterson & Denis O’Hare | Friday, Jan. 26-Sunday, Feb. 04 | Times vary | Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain | $25 | Experience this intimate and incisive adaptation of Homer’s epic masterpiece.
Saturday, Jan. 27
  • Creative Flow: Yoga in the Galleries | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville | $25-$90 | This series allows you to practice your flow in a new gallery each week — plus, you can then explore the museum after 11 a.m.
  • The Untold Story of Vera B. Williams | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 11 a.m. | Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, 120 College St., Asheville | Free | Learn more about the artist’s life, community, and social activism from musicologist and sociocultural historian Mark Davenport before you see the exhibition.
  • Winterfest at Fae Nectar | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Fae Nectar Meadery, 2984 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure | Free | Take the trip to join the Warriors Of Ash and Fae Nectar for axe + sword fighting, bonfires, blacksmiths, live music, and a village of artisans.
Sunday, Jan. 28
  • Lowcountry Oyster Roast | Sunday, Jan. 28 | Times vary | Jettie Rae’s Oyster House, 143 Charlotte St., Asheville | $100-$110 | Get a taste of that Lowcountry flavor with al fresco oysters, clam chowder, shrimp fritters, hush puppies, and a community of friends + neighbors.
Friday, Feb. 23
  • Winter Concert Weekend | Friday, Feb. 23-Saturday, Feb. 24 | 8-10 p.m. | The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville | $85 | Chase the winter blues away with a memorable weekend of comedy and yacht rock tunes at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn.*
Events calendar here
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Shop

Don’t be part of this 80%
ThriveMarket_01.22.24.jpg
Never wait in line at a supermarket again with a Thrive Market membership. | Photo by Thrive Market
80% of Americans are anticipated to abandon their New Year’s resolutions by the end of this month due to life’s unavoidable disruptions.

Fortunately, Thrive Market simplifies the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, with:
  • Discounts: Shop food and products for up to 30% less than traditional grocers
  • Perks: Snag 30% off your order when you become a member
  • Gifts: Receive a complimentary gift, valued up to $60, upon joining
  • Free shipping: Spend $49+ and get groceries delivered for free
Join Thrive Market for 30% off
News Notes
Opening
  • Stop and smell the coffee. Cooperative Coffee Roasters will be expanding from its wholesale + retail offerings and opening up a cafe this year. The cafe will be on the upper floor of 210 Haywood Rd., where Cooperative has been operating since 2020. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Outdoors
  • If the winter blues have given you cabin fever, this might be a good time to join Bountiful Cities at its West Asheville Edible Park work day. This Saturday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can help with winter maintenance like removing brush + vines and adding mulch around the fruit trees. RSVP and don’t forget to bring your own gloves and hand tools.
Award
  • Black Wall Street AVL is inviting you to cast a vote for the 2024 Legacy Awards, which celebrate local people and organizations who are leading and trailblazing in our community. Check out the nominees before voting closes on Saturday, Jan. 27, then join the recognition of their work at the awards ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 17.
Civic
  • More than 65 people shared their opinions on the City of Asheville’s proposed short-term rental (STR) amendments during a special listening session on Monday, Jan. 22. The proposed amendments include limiting where STRs can be located. The City will have two more STR work sessions as well as a public hearing in March. (WLOS)
Theater
  • It might be your time to shine. In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre is opening its 2024 season auditions to community members. Auditions will be held in the Owen Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 17 — if you don’t want to step on stage, you can join the behind-the-scenes creative team.
Civic
  • The Community Recreation Grants application will open on Monday, Feb. 5 for nonprofit organization’s recreational initiatives emphasizing health and wellness, outdoor recreation, environmental education, athletics, or cultural experiences. The application window closes on Friday, March 29.
Plan Ahead
  • Race your way to being the GOAT. Registration is now open for the WNC Nature Center’s 4th Annual Running of the Goats 5K & Nature Walk, where goats Roddy, Bryan, Swiss and Alpine, and Bill and Ted will cheer you on. Sign up for the race on Sunday, April 21.
Home
  • Perfect for a cleaner, healthier home: this extra-large maple cutting board, which is BPA and phthalate-free and conditioned with beeswax, flaxseed, and lemon oil.*
 
Award

We can almost taste victory

Two 2024 James Beard semifinalist spots for Asheville
Exterior of the Market Place restaurant
The Outstanding Restaurant category is about food, atmosphere, and hospitality. | Photo via @market_place_avl
Roll out the red carpet, food lovers (and watch the crumbs). On Wednesday, Jan. 24, the semifinalists were announced for the 2024 James Beard Awards — one of the culinary world’s most prestigious prizes — and two Asheville stars are shining bright. Here’s the local flavor.

The Market Place | Nominated for: Outstanding Restaurant
Chef William Dissen leads this farm-to-table spot and its unique, locally sourced menu. If you want to get a big picture view of the culinary excellence that secured a semifinalist slot, the Restaurant Week tasting menu was extended through Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Jason Sellers, Plant | Nominated for: Best Chef, Southeast
The chef opened the sophisticated, ever-evolving vegan restaurant in 2011 and has been serving up inventive dishes ever since. But this nomination isn’t just about food — it’s also about making a positive mark on the community at large.

Mark your calendars for April 3, when the finalists will be announced. A June 10 ceremony in Chicago will reveal the winners.
The Buy

The Buy 1.25.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Your new favorite water bottle: the Owala Travel Tumbler. It combines the best of Stanley’s viral tumbler with Owala’s smart design. We’re liking colors “Bunny Hop” and “Foggy Tide.”
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The Wrap
 
Molly Wilson.jpeg

Today’s edition by:
Molly
From the editor
Don’t get me wrong — I love the cozy, rainy weather we’ve been having the past few days. But I’ve got my fingers crossed for clear skies soon because the Astronomy Club of Asheville’s next public stargaze takes place on Friday, Feb. 2 at the Grassland Mountain Observatory. Join at sunset for a breathtaking view of the stars.
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