We’re nearing the end of 2024, and despite the unimaginable loss our city has experienced as Helene tore through, we’re grateful to be with you in 2025 as we hold strong on our recovery journey.
As we prepare for the new year, one thing is certain: We want to write about what matters to you the most.
We’ll continue to keep you up to speed on resources for recovery in our post-Helene landscape and how you can support our local businesses. And we’ll be right here to field your burning questions.
Are you trying to find out if your favorite festival is returning this year, or wondering about an upcoming development in town? Is there a piece of AVL history you’ve always wanted to know about? What news makes you eager to open our newsletter each morning?
This year, to ring in 2025, we thought we’d answer 25 of your questions. So share your questions below and stay tuned as we work to cover what you’re curious about + find some answers.
Tuesday, Dec. 17 Spanish Conversation Practice Group | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | Intermediate-level Spanish speakers can join the group to sharpen their skills through discussion prompts and icebreaker games.
Dark City Poets Society Open Mic Night | 6-7:30 p.m. | Oak & Grist Distilling Co., Black Mountain | Free | Share a few poems you’ve penned, or just join the audience — $1 from every classic cocktail purchase benefits the Friends of the Black Mountain Library.
Wednesday, Dec. 18 NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet | 7 p.m. | Thomas Wolfe Auditorium | $44+ | Experience the magic of the ballet, complete with playful puppets, ornate costumes, and astounding acrobatics.
Indigo DeSouza | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $29.25 | The Asheville native indie rocker will take the stage for a show benefiting the Campaign for Southern Equality.
Thursday, Dec. 19 Resilience Roundtable: WNC Business Pivot Chats | Thursday, Dec. 19 | 3-4 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Every third Thursday of the month, business owners can join Amp’d Designs in brainstorming new marketing ideas and strategies focused on recovery.
Asheville StorySLAM: “Silver Lining” | 6:30 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $19 | Prepare a five-minute story about finding the good in the bad or simply sit back and take in the experiences of others.
Friday, Dec. 20 Gawd Save The Queen | 6-10 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl | $25 | Chefs Michelle Bailey and Terri Terrell will provide the food during this fun-filled benefit for Suzy Phillips, owner of Gypsy Queen Cuisine and Simple, and her staff.
The deadline to apply for Buncombe County’s Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant is tomorrow, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. Eligible applicants can receive up to three months of rent, mortgage, or utility payment relief. Find more information and apply.
Opening
In March, DayTrip will debut its new home in the former Archetype Brewing space on Broadway Street — it’s also next to Atomic Furnishing & Design’s new spot. In the meantime, you can support DayTrip at its pop-up at The Malvern.
Environment
After Helene devastated the habitats of eastern hellbenders across the region, the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed that the amphibian be listed as an endangered species. The proposal was submitted on Friday, Dec. 13, and a 60-day comment period follows. If passed, a recovery plan will be developed. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Coming Soon
On Wednesday, Jan. 8, Beradu in Black Mountain will reopen with a new concept, serving a stellar breakfast spread. Check out the menu, which includes mouthwatering plates like sourdough French toast bread pudding and cornbread biscuits and gravy. Its monthly Sunday Italian Nights are still in the works.
Job
The FEMA job fair continues through tomorrow, Dec. 18, at the Embassy Suites Asheville downtown. Today, the agency is hosting a federal resume building workshop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the hiring event returns tomorrow with the same hours.
Community
Blue Ridge Public Radio has created a comprehensive guide to housing assistance in NC and TN in the wake of Helene. It details organizations providing rent, mortgage, and utility assistance, along with housing repairs and temporary housing options. Plus, find information ranging from renters’ rights following a natural disaster to choosing a contractor.
Number
1,500. That’s how many families will receive holiday meal boxes tomorrow, Dec. 18, through a partnership between Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, MANNA FoodBank, and Food Lion. Anyone in need of holiday meal supplies for their family can receive a box at the WNC Ag Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Open
After being closed since Helene hit, the Black Mountain YMCA has reopened, resuming full operations. Teams have been hard at work replacing flooring and drywall in the facility after the front of the building was filled with two feet of water and mud. (WLOS)
Shop
This afternoon is the last West Asheville Tailgate Market of the season. Stop by from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to support local farmers and makers during its Holiday Market — then mark your calendars for the market’s return in April.
Plan Ahead
If you’re interested in a photography career, learn from the experts at the upcoming AVL Photo Summit. Beginning Saturday, Jan. 25, the two-day event will feature talks from six local, professional photographers on how to perfect your shots. Bonus: A portion of proceeds will benefit ArtsAVL’s Emergency Relief Grant program.
Cause
Did you know? When you donate blood, you can save lives andget rewarded (think: gift cards). The Blood Connection hosts blood drives across Asheville seven days a week, making it convenient to find a location + give back. Make an appointment.*
Travel
Going the EV route could save you more than just gas money. Many auto insurance companies now offer up to 10% off EV and hybrid vehicle premiums, rewarding your eco-friendly choice with additional savings. View Money’s Best Car Insurance list to find coverage tailored to your ride (and wallet).*
The Buy
The Buy
Whether you’re hosting or simply showing up to this year’s festive gatherings, cultivate holiday cheer with these lighthearted additions.
It was great to enjoy a post-work beer at New Belgium yesterday evening to celebrate the brewery’s reopening. Normal hours have resumed, so call up a bud and grab a brew + some grub from one of the on-site food trucks.
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