Roberts joins three other swimmers from the Tar Heel state. | Photo via YMCA of Western North Carolina
Emma Roberts started swimming as a form of therapy. Now, the Asheville teen will compete as a member of the USA National Paralympic Swim Team.
Roberts was born with fibular hemimelia, a condition that resulted in a leg length discrepancy and numerous surgeries growing up.
Because physical rehabilitation was the primary reason she was in the pool, Roberts said she was always focused on strength and recovery rather than speed.
It wasn’t until she joined the YMCA of Western North Carolina’s Piranhas competition swim team that she realized she could build upon that strength to develop her speed and confidence.
“Emma has been working really hard for the past couple of years to just continue improving,” said Kirk Hampleman, the Piranhas coach.
And improve she has. Roberts earned her spot on the team just three months after competing in her first Paralympic swim meet.
Anti-Valentine’s Day Film Series | 4-6 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | It’s not you, it’s everyone else — boycott Valentine’s Day with the cult classic, “Heathers.”
Waning Snowmoon Stargazing | 7:30-9 p.m. | Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairview | $10 | Spend Valentine’s Day snuggled up in a blanket, staring at the brightest stars in the night sky, guided by a local astronomer while sipping on hot drinks and snacking on charcuterie.
Saturday, Feb. 15
The Brewly Weds | 3-4:30 p.m. | The Whale - West Asheville | $5 | Test your knowledge of your partner while sipping beer at this classic question-and-answer game.
Sunday, Feb. 16
Rueda de Casino | 2-5:30 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Community Center | Free | Practice your Cuban salsa dancing — beginners and advanced dancers are welcome at the weekly circle.
The I-26 Connector project will move forward with a $124 million price reduction. After a six-month review process, NCDOT approved several cuts, including the removal of an interchange connecting I-240 to Patton Avenue near Hill Street and Hillcrest Apartments. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Award
And they don’t stop coming. USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year list honored WNC’s entire restaurant community for spearheading the region’s relief efforts during and after Hurricane Helene. Cheers to our resilient hospitality and service workers. (USA Today)
Biz
More relief grants are available for arts businesses impacted by Helene through ArtsAVL. Eligible businesses can receive up to $5,000 to fund salaries, artists’ fees, programming, facility operations, and more. Applications are due Friday, March 14. See the eligibility requirements.
Environment
The North Carolina Arboretum is celebrating Bird Day on Saturday, Feb. 15. It’s also time for the Great Backyard Bird Count, an annual effort encouraging people to report their observations of birds, helping scientists learn about their populations — sounds like a hoot.
Feel Good
We’ve yet to get through this post without tearing up. A group of Billy Strings fans organized across state lines to spend a day helping our local brewery, Zillacoah Beer Co., which was devastated by Helene, clean up flood debris from its four-acre property.
Drink
Good news for anyone who’s been missing their cup of Lavender Chamomile or Asheville Grey tea. Asheville Tea Company is taking pre-orders again on its website, including spring seasonal flavors like Lavender Limoncello.
Home
How much did you spend on home repairs last year? The average homeowner shells out nearly $6,000 annually on upkeep — but some of these costs can be offset by a home warranty. American Home Shield is now offering $150 off their plans. See important disclaimers on web.*
Category
Civic
City boards that should definitely exist
Think you have what it takes to become a local leader? | Photo by AVLtoday
It’s that time of year again — time to highlight opportunities for Ashevillians to join one of our city’s many influential boards and commissions.
There are dozens of vacant positions, and any Asheville resident is eligible to apply — applications are due Sunday, March 9, with appointments slated to begin on April 8.
While each of the city’s 30+ boards and commissions plays a valuable role, we couldn’t help but think, what’s missing?
Neighborhood Bear Naming Committee
Since we’ve learned to embrace the presence of our fuzzy, transient neighbors, perhaps it’s time to take a page out of Katmai National Park’s book and start our own Fat Bear Week — or at least give them names like Bojangles or Banana Pudding.
Asheville/Buncombe Craft Beer Taste Testing Board
A city doesn’t earn the moniker “Beer City, USA” for creating bad brews. Think you have the nose and the mouthfeel to spot our city’s next White Zombie or Gaelic Ale?
Le Creuset’s Signature Round Dutch Oven in the color Berry. In case you haven’t heard the news, this popular hue is back after being discontinued in 2019 — and the internet is freaking out. It’s also available in the Signature Oval Dutch Oven. Grab it before it’s gone again.
Good morning, Asheville. I’m your new City Editor, and I’m so excited to bring you the most relevant news each day along with Grace and our 6AM team. Let’s get to know each other — I’ve called Asheville home for two years, but I’m originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas (any razorback fans out there?). When I’m not working on the newsletter, you can find me at a concert, on Anoche’s patio, or hitting the trails with my pup Bobbi.
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