Turbidity, which is the cloudiness of water caused by suspended particles, is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity units (NTUs). | Photo via City of Asheville
In the Friday, Nov. 15 community briefing, Water Resources Department PIO Clay Chandler delivered some unexpected (but extremely welcome) news — potable water could be restored as early as the night of Tuesday, Nov. 19 or the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 20.
We’re too excited to think of a clever introduction, so we’re just going to tell you what we know.
What’s behind this new timeline
As of last Friday, the North Fork reservoir’s turbidity was sitting at 15.5 NTUs, which is much higher than the 1.5-2 NTUs that Water Resources had targeted to lift the notice — but as we’ve shared before, crews have already been pushing potable water into the system.
The amount of treated water that crews have been able to push through the system has slowly increased, and it’s that increase that led to last week’s announcement.
Now, we’ve been wanting to type “the boil water notice lifted” for more than a month now. But this news was a little out of the blue, so click on the button below for details of what made this new timeline possible.
Monday, Nov. 18 Pitchgiving | 6-9 p.m. | Hatch Innovation Hub | Free, RSVP | Step up to the open mic to practice your entrepreneurial pitch and get feedback — if you’re nervous about speaking, join the mentor session at 5:15 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | Free | Bring your instruments for an open jam hosted by Sam Wharton, or just sit back and enjoy the bluegrass.
Tuesday, Nov. 19 Basketry Workshop | 10 a.m. | Folk Art Center | $95 | Learn the art of basketry by making a round table tray basket under the guidance of artist Susan Taylor.
WesFest: “Fantastic Mr. Fox” | 6-8 p.m. | Enka-Candler Library, Candler | Free | Immerse yourself in the curated colors, immense imagination, and inviting symmetrical shots of Wes Anderson — all while enjoying a fun activity.
Wednesday, Nov. 20 Emerald Empire Asheville Showcase | 6-7:30 p.m. | One World Brewing - West Asheville | Free | Preview a variety of musical styles from talented local bands who are ready to be booked for your event.
Wine By the Vines | 6-8 p.m. | Gemelli | $65 | Dine on a dinner of five courses, each paired with a wine from Italy’s Northeastern corner, bordering Austria, Slovenia, and the Adriatic Sea.
Thursday, Nov. 21 Craft & Drink | 6:30-8 p.m. | The Whale South Slope | $20 | Grab a beverage before you craft a decorative tea with pounded fresh flowers — all supplies are provided.
Thursday, Dec. 5 Holiday Fair & Kringle Village | Thursday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Dec. 7 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Greenville Convention Center, Greenville | $10+ | Experience a winter wonderland in Greenville featuring 400+ vendor booths, a European Bier Garden, the Little Miss Kringle Pageant, snowball fights, enchanted tea, and so much more.*
How to help your aging loved one live safely at home
Presented by Mission Health
CarePartners PACE recently celebrated a $5.2 million expansion to it’s program. | Photo via Freepik
Not every older adult is ready (or able) to move into a care home, and that can leave family members and caregivers worried about their safety at home.
That’s where Mission Health’s CarePartners PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) comes in. Tailored for individuals 55+ who need support at home, this program offers community-based care and services for those who might otherwise require nursing home care.
The best part? Seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the care they need, all from the comfort of their own home.
In a public meeting on Friday, Nov. 15, the Buncombe County Board of Elections officially certified the results of the 2024 General Election. These results will be submitted to the state board of elections.
Community
Buncombe County will open a private property debris removal program tomorrow, Nov. 19. This program will let property owners fill out a right of entry, which allows contractors to scope properties for debris removal. There will be online + in-person applications and a call center. More information will be announced early this week.
Drink
After cautionary testing following detectable lead in the water of seven area schools, the City of Asheville Water Resources Department confirmed that source water tests were negative for any detectable lead. There was a trace amount of copper detected, but it was “way, way below the action limit.”
Eat
On Saturday, Nov. 9, Geraldine’s Bakery closed because of storm-related financial losses. The North Asheville shop said it was a difficult decision and thanked customers for their “love and loyalty.” Geraldine’s passed the baton to Mattie Lou’s Cafe and Bakery, which opened in its Merrimon Avenue spot last week, serving French classics, baked goods, and coffee. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Community
The City of Asheville is partnering with Eblen Charities to administer the allocated $1 million in rental assistance funds. The Rental Assistance Program ensures equitable access for all residents, including undocumented individuals and those impacted by the storm who may have difficulty providing typical documentation. Learn more and apply.
Number
$1.2 million. That’s how much the Center for Craft has raised for the Craft Futures Fund to support artists impacted by the storm. Since the fund was reactivated, the center has disbursed $300,000+ to more than 600 craft artists. Find details on emergency relief or donate to the fund.
Wellness
YMCA of WNC has issued its annual Holiday Crunch Challenge — but it doesn’t involve crunching cookies or candy. Participants have to complete 20 workouts by Tuesday, Dec. 31 to win a prize. Visit the front desk of any of our local Ys to get the details and sign up.
Award
Two Asheville projects received Business North Carolina’s 2024 Building North Carolina Awards. Rowhouse Architects, Hatteras Sky, and Beverly-Grant Construction were given the Hospitality Project award for The Radical Hotel, and Rowhouse, Beverly-Grant, Flat Iron Preservation Group, and Whiting-Turner Contracting were awarded an honorable mention for The Flat Iron Hotel.
It’s here — Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing: fluffy ear muffs, cozy slippers, french fry seasoning, and fancy chocolate bark.*
Category
Community
Updates + need-to-know information
More than 81,732 cubic yards of storm debris have been collected in the City of Asheville. | Photo by David Huff Creative
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
Friday, Nov. 15
USACE talk storm debris
As of Friday, Nov. 15, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) had removed 200,000 cubic yards of debris out of the 10 million cubic yards estimated in total within Buncombe County. The focus right now is storm debris in the right of ways, which is the strip of land on the edge of a property, typically ~15 feet from the street.
The USACE offered a couple of reminders for right-of-way debris:
Make sure to separate out materials, according to these categories. Different trucks pick up different materials, so having them separated speeds up the collection process.
Do not place debris in black plastic bags — if crews can’t see what’s inside, collection is slowed down.
I am very strictly a one-holiday-at-a-time person. But even I will make an exception for The Hop and its Ice Cream Yule Logs. Orders for the beloved dessert open today, Nov. 18 and run through Monday, Dec. 17, but only 500 logs are available — which means I probably don’t have all that long to decide whether I want one decorated with toadstools, holly leaves, poinsettias, or presents. Or (just an idea) one of each?
