Riverfront parks and greenways, like Carrier, French Broad, and Recreation, sustained significant damage. | Photo by Chris Fink, Asheville Lawn Bowling
There’s no question that Asheville’s love for its green spaces runs deep — but in the wake of the storm, the city’s normally bustling parks and greenways stood empty. Crowds of joggers and dog walkers were replaced with piles of debris.
Despite swaths of downed trees and damaged infrastructure, many of the City of Asheville parks have now been able to reopen. The reopenings were clearly no small feat, so we spoke to the folks over at Asheville Parks and Recreation (APR) to find out how the work is done and where our parks stand now.
Park restoration is a process
As with most of our area’s storm-damaged spots, the first step was to assess the damage. APR worked with other City of Asheville departments to conduct on-site inspections in accessible parks and analyze aerial imagery and GIS data in inaccessible parks. After evaluating the extent of the damage, they began to prioritize repair efforts.
Due to the storm, some events on our website may be canceled or postponed. Please check the event links and websites to confirm details before attending.
Friday, Nov. 8
Cold Mountain Beer & Music Fest | 12 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company | $10+ | Lift a glass and celebrate the community with the annual winter ale release (plus a few new recipes), as well as local music, art, and spirit.
East Asheville Tailgate Market | 3-6 p.m. | Groce United Methodist Church | Free | Browse offerings from 30+ local vendors to find tasty cheeses, fresh veggies, flaky baked goods, and more.
“Artists Uniting: A Tribute to Asheville” Open Reception | 5-7:30 p.m. | Asheville Gallery of Art | Free | See the beauty of our city through the eyes of its artists and purchase art to support the RAD — the exhibition runs throughout the month.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Apples To Apples | 10-11:30 a.m. | WNC FoodWorks | $29 | Learn to use the area’s favorite autumnal produce under the expertise of author + teacher Ashley English.
Hurricane Helene Assistance Clinic | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Law Office of Attorney Eugene Ellison | Free | Get expert help with filing FEMA claims and appeals, finding housing resources, and accessing support.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Country Brunch | 10 a.m. | The Grey Eagle | Free | Fill your Sunday with food, drink, fun, and the musical stylings of Fancy and the Gentleman.
Empire Strikes Brass | 8 p.m. | Asheville Music Hall | $15+ | Experience the captivating and larger-than-life sound of this local brass-funk-rock band.
Monday, Nov. 11
GWAR | 6:30 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $35+ | Immerse yourself in the music of the terrifying intergalactic heavy metal superstars + masters of shock rock.
Buncombe County and City of Asheville offices will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the Charles George VA Medical Center, and author + US Army CSM (Ret.) Sa’eed Mustafa will be the keynote speaker.
Community
The City of Asheville has released the second installment of its recovery guides, which details FEMA support resources. You can also access a guide to small business recovery, and the third guide, which should be released soon, will cover individual and household recovery.
Civic
History was made by two of the races for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Jennifer Horton, the new commissioner for District 1, is the first Black woman to serve on the county commission, and second-term commissioner Amanda Edwards is the first woman to sit as board chair. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Number
$62,322. That’s how much money the Asheville Tourists raised through the Hurricane Helene Relief Auction and sales of relief apparel. Proceeds will go to MANNA Food Bank, Helpmate, BeLoved Asheville, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, and the Always Asheville Fund.
Award
In October, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce recognized the city’s outstanding women leaders during the WomanUP Celebration. Meet the eight award winners, including Zurilma Anuel of Western Women’s Business Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Jessica Edwards of Eaton for the Impact Award.
Environment
According to the US Forest Service, Hurricane Helene damaged one-fifth of the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests — causing “moderate to catastrophic damage” to 187,000+ acres. This damage can contribute to wildfire risk, an increase in invasive species, and loss of wildlife habitat. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Biz
The Mountain Area Workforce Development Board is launching a temporary employment program for storm-related clean up and humanitarian needs. People employed by the program can work for nonprofit, public, or for-profit businesses or organizations. If your business or organization is interested in being a worksite, fill out the form.
How much could you borrow from your home? Get HELOC quotes now — calculate your payment.*
Drink
Stocking your holiday bar cart can add up fast. Get 18 bottles of wine for $79 plus shipping from Swirl Wine Shop, including award-winning brands.*
Category
Community
Updates + need-to-know information
Buncombe County has already collected almost 100,000 cubic yards of debris. | Photo via City of Asheville
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
Thursday, Nov. 7
A new assistance program is in the works
Buncombe County is launching a Private Property Debris Removal and Demolition Program. This program, which was designed in collaboration with FEMA, aims to assist property owners who are unable to clear hazardous debris on their own or who are unable to engage professional help. Further details and the application process will be announced soon.
An update on local shelters
On Sunday, Nov. 10, the American Red Cross will transfer disaster shelter operations to Western Carolina Rescue Ministries to ensure continued support for those impacted. At that time, the disaster shelter at the WNC Ag Center will close, and residents with continued needs can transition to the Gold’s Gym location. This location will continue operating until Tuesday, Dec. 31.
There are currently 164 people still in disaster shelters in Buncombe County, and the American Red Cross and other support organizations are working with these individuals to identify next steps.
This organic plant-based protein powder. It features 18g of protein per serving as well as a functional mushroom and adaptogen blend that boosts immunity + brain balance.
Some call it fall and some call it autumn — I call it soup season. And so does RAD Brewing Company, it turns out. The brewery is hosting its inaugural Soup Cookoff on Saturday, Nov. 23. Attendees can grab tasting tickets that include grilled cheese and a beer, then get to vote for the best of the best, as well as their favorite broth-based soup, cream-based soup, and stew. If you want to show off your soup skills, email to join the competition.
