Hundreds gathered in support at last week’s candlelight vigil. | Photo via City of Asheville
Last week, we surveyed readers, asking what kind of content we can provide to best serve you as we band together to recover. More than 1,000 of you responded, and along with completing our poll, submitted your specific questions. Note: You can still take the poll if you missed it.
Today, we’re answering some of the frequently asked questions we’ve received.
“Is the City of Asheville monitoring paid lots or is parking currently free in the city?”
In a Wednesday, Oct. 23 update, the City of Asheville shared that “parking meters and garages will continue to remain free of charge until further notice.” Some parking enforcement has resumed, with a focus on enforcing ADA parking, loading zone time limits, and illegal parking related to public safety (like parking in a crosswalk).
“Are there volunteer opportunities for middle school and high-school-aged students?”
Absolutely. A helpful tool for finding volunteer opportunities is Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, United Way’s online volunteer center. While browsing opportunities, you can filter results by age to ensure the person volunteering meets the requirements.
“Volunteer opportunities for clean up, specifically of the RAD, on Saturdays and Sundays?”
Nearly each day, including weekends, the River Arts District Artists posts volunteer needs and items needed on its social media. If you’re looking for additional ways to support River Arts District Artists, you can purchase artwork from the artists or donate to the RAD Flood Relief Fund.
“Are there support groups to help process the disaster?”
Yes, here are a few options available:
SeekHealing hosts weekly Connection Practice Circles on Sundays and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at its Asheville office (50 S. French Broad Ave., Ste. 138).
All Souls Counseling hosts weekly Mental Health Mondays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce through mid-November — registration is required and you can also join via Zoom.
Resources for Resilience offers listening circles for residents affected by Helene, available via Zoom every weekday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Category
Health
3 reasons to book your mammogram
Presented By Mission Health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month for good reason. | Photo via Pexels
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mission Health’s Hope Women’s Cancer Center is sharing three reasons to get your mammogram:
Breast cancer is common: ~One in eight women will be diagnosed — that’s why routine mammograms are so important.
Catch it early: 99% of patients survive at least five years after diagnosis if unnoticeable symptoms like small lumps are caught early.
Turbidity curtains, which will help filter the water, are on site and being installed at the North Fork Reservoir. Once installation is complete, another round of aluminum sulfate and caustic soda treatment can begin. To learn more about the current turbidity levels and more, read up on yesterday’s news briefing.
Open
The North Carolina Arboretum has reopened, welcoming visitors with donation-based entry — all donations will support the Arboretum’s recovery efforts. The trails and areas beyond the Formal Gardens will remain closed.
Civic
Friendly reminder that early voting lasts through this Saturday, Nov. 2. Polling places are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Nov. 1, and open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. Find everything you need to know about early voting, from approved locations to voter ID info.
Community
The Town of Black Mountain is hosting a Community Reflection and Remembrance Program to honor all that’s been lost due to Helene tonight, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. in Town Square (100 State St.). Hear remarks from local leaders, readings, and music, culminating in a candlelight vigil. It will also be livestreamed on the Town of Black Mountain Facebook page.
Outdoors
Parts of the Buncombe County Sports Park have reopened. The dog park, community garden, fields one, two, eight, and nine, and the playground area are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The disc golf course and walking path remain closed.
Health
Buncombe County registered nurses are offering Tdap, COVID, Flu, and Hep A vaccines at several Community Care Sites. See the dates and times you can receive the free vaccinations.
Seasonal
The Asheville Downtown Association is hosting the Doors Open Downtown Halloween Block Party this Thursday, Oct. 31. This family-friendly night is complete with trick or treating at local businesses, a movie at Rabbit Rabbit, science experiments at the Asheville Museum of Science, and much more — check out all that’s in store.
Giveaway
This Saturday, Nov. 2, Enza Home Furnishings and Mattress Gallery is giving away 1,000 free mattresses and sheet sets to help those affected by Hurricane Helene. They can be picked up starting at 10 a.m. at the backside of Harrah’s Cherokee Center or at Enza’s South Asheville location.
There’s still time to register for tomorrow’s The Moral of the Story: Together We Survive — part one of a three-part oral history series led by Eastern Band of Cherokee historians.*
Noise filtering, nearly invisible, rechargeable, long-lasting: Check, check, check, and check. This tiny hearing device turns noise into clarity, isolating the voices you care about for crystal-clear convos.*
Job
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships with a primary focus on sports newsletters. Apply to join the 6AM City team.
Seasonal
Seasonal
5 holiday items to buy before the November price surge
Presented By The Buy
Take a moment for smart shopping with winter holidays just around the corner. | Graphic by 6AM City
The best time to shop for holiday essentials? Before prices skyrocket after Halloween. Discover deals + seasonal favorites:
Shop National Tree Company trees on deal (hello, pre-lit trees and “feel real” garlands).
A 60% off deal on an LED floor lamp perfect for your entertaining space. The minimalist lamp can be set to dozens of color combinations + light effects for the exact ambience you desire.
In addition to the Arboretum reopening, it will host its annual Winter Lights exhibit from Friday, Nov. 15, through Tuesday, Dec. 31. If you’re looking for a sense of wonder and cheer, you can buy tickets now — the money raised goes directly to employee salaries and improvements to the grounds. Here’s a photo of one of my favorite installations of last year.