So much progress has been made, but the community still has a ways to go. | Photo by Scott Muthersbaugh, Perfecta Visuals, via Buncombe County
We are on day 28 of storm recovery, and Asheville’s disaster landscape has changed. We are shrouded in grief and loss, with many still focused on survival, needing essentials and shelter. At the same time, we have begun to rebuild and revive — much of the city has power and nonpotable water back, and some shops and restaurants have been able to reopen. At this stage of recovery, needs vary greatly from neighbor to neighbor.
And we know the needs of our readers vary, too. We want to ensure that as the community moves forward, our newsletter is reaching you where you are.
So we figured we’d just ask. Please take a moment to respond to the poll below — you can choose as many options as you like. If the choices don’t fully capture what you hope to see from us, there’s also a space for you to share any specific questions you might have. This poll will shape our newsletter in the near future.
If you have trouble accessing the poll, feel free to send us an email with your choices or questions.
Asked
Asked
What kind of newsletter content best serves you right now?
A. Information on finding essentials, food, water, or services B. Opportunities to help local businesses + organizations C. Stories of resilience D. I have specific questions that I’m looking for answers to.
Community, oral tradition + storytelling collide at this free upcoming series
Presented By AARP
Each session will run from 1-2:30 p.m. |Photos provided by AARP, courtesy Tyra Maney and Kristin Washington
Hurricane Helene has us thinking a lot recently about the importance of community — and we’re certainly not the only ones.
Connectivity + culture are the focus of The Moral of the Story: Together We Survive, an upcoming three-part oral history series led by Eastern Band of Cherokee oral historians.
Hosted by AARP at the Pack Memorial Library in honor of National Native American History Month, these free sessions will explore key values of Cherokee Society as reflected in traditional storytelling and everyday interactions.
The goal? To give participants an inside look at the Cherokee way of life that has endured for thousands of years. Plan ahead for:
Session One | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | Exploring themes of spirituality and group harmony
Session Two | Wednesday, Nov. 6 | Discussing character, sense of place, and honoring the past
Session Three | Wednesday, Nov. 13 | A conversation on education + the value of humor
The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency is working to expand its monitoring efforts in areas that may be experiencing more pollution after the storm. Fine particulate pollution is being reported, which may result from storm debris burning or dust from damage. Find guidance on safe cleanup + burning — and a resource for checking air quality in your area.
Seasonal
The Omni Grove Park Inn announced that its 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition, which was scheduled for November, has been canceled. Although the judged portion of the event will not take place, bakers are still invited to submit their creations for display at the hotel and local businesses. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Arts
Applications are now open for the RADA Hurricane Helene Relief Fund. Members of the River Arts District Artists and nonmembers with studio or gallery space in the RAD can apply. The fund is phase one of a three-phase plan, which will continue with supporting studios’ reopening + rebuilding the RAD.
Outdoors
Tomorrow, Oct. 24, MountainTrue is hosting a cleanup in the RAD. Find the coordinates to meet in the parking lot near Patton Bridge at 10:30 a.m. to remove trash and debris along the French Broad River. Wear your own PPE (like long sleeves + pants, masks, and rubber gloves) if you have it, but the team will have some to share if you don’t.
Cause
As the chill settles in, Eblen Charities is providing cold-weather clothing and coats for all ages at its annual Winter Coat Giveaway. Stop by the office at 23 Hamilton St. today, Oct. 23 and tomorrow, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to take what you need.
Environment
New Belgium Brewing is partnering with Asheville GreenWorks, Wine to Water, and Curbside Management to offer residential recycling drop-off during its water distribution hours today, Oct. 23, through Saturday, Oct. 26. Check out what items you can bring — then stop by New Belgium from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Biz
NC Attorney General Josh Stein, NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, and City of Asheville leaders will come together for a conversation around recovery efforts, available support, and the next steps in rebuilding. Register for the information session tomorrow, Oct. 24 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Read
“The Palmist of Marshall,” a romance novel by Asheville native and Candler resident Cory Jones, has just been released. The heartwarming, magical story follows a man with the ability to tell the future and a schoolteacher who suspects that he’s a charlatan — and all proceeds will benefit relief + rebuilding in Marshall.
Number
Five minutes. That’s how quick it is to start advertising with AVLtoday using our self-service ad portal. Explore your options.
Category
Community
Updates + need-to-know information
The new community care station at Owen Pool is open now. | Photo via Buncombe County
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Buncombe County pauses donations and volunteering
After receiving overwhelming support, Buncombe County is no longer accepting donations, saying that the resources are not available to store and distribute them. Financial donations to reputable organizations were encouraged.
Similarly, the county no longer has volunteer opportunities outside the emergency response structure. “We want to respect people’s time and energy,” said County Manager Avril Pinder, “so we gently ask that they only come here if government agencies request their presence or if they have prearranged opportunities with community organizations.”
Buncombe County offices and libraries ready to reopen
Today, Oct. 23, Buncombe County offices will reopen to the public with regular business hours, with the exception of most parks and two libraries.
All libraries will open except Oakley/South Asheville Library and Swannanoa Library. Mobile parks and library programming will be announced in the coming days as plans are finalized to bring these services to communities.
Only North Buncombe Fields and Hominy Valley Park will open; all other parks remain closed.
The only thing we love more than a trendy find is a timeless one. Check out these five fall and winter fashion must-haves you’ll be wearing for years to come:
Last night, we gathered with local leaders and hundreds of other residents in Pack Square Park to pay our respects to those we have lost and mourn the devastation brought by the storm. Today, as the community continues forward, we hold this space for that grief and the subsequent outpouring of love.