Kohana and Tufts stayed active during the closure. | Photo by Karen Travis
After a five and a half month closure, the WNC Nature Center will reopen to the public on Monday, March 17. With the destruction along Swannanoa River Road and Gashes Creek Bridge, visitors will now take a new route to see the wildlife.
All of the animals were safe as Helene tore through the area, but it’s taken extensive work from city workers, NCDOT staff, and community partners to rehabilitate the entrance area. However, according to WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile, it’s taken less time than expected to reopen.
The closure allowed the center to make significant progress on the upcoming Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project. Plus, a renovation to the NC Farm Yard and Barn, expansion of the gift shop, and creation of a butterfly and pollinator garden are slated to debut this summer.
The reopening announcement comes as the WNC Nature Center celebrates “100 years of wild” this year, commemorating the space’s opening as Recreation Park Zoo in 1925.
One Buncombe Helene Recovery Series | 5 p.m. | A.C. Reynolds High School | Free | Learn about what kind of recovery support is available from the county and its partners, like Pisgah Legal, All Souls Counseling, and FEMA.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Reconnecting Through Hard Times | 12-1 p.m. | Zoom | Free | Gain knowledge and understanding of how to support someone after a crisis at this weekly session from Resources for Resilience.
Josh Blake’s Juke Box: A Benefit for LA Wildfires | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $20+ | A lineup of local musicians will join the Grammy-nominated producer to raise money for the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Pasadena.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Valuation Day | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Brunk Auctions | $15+ | Bring your special antiques and special items to be appraised, starting at $15 per item — proceeds from this fundraiser benefit Food Connection and Loving Food Resources.
The Send Social | 6-9 p.m. | Cultivate Climbing - The Board Room | Free | Whether you’re looking for a friend or a partner, mingle with other adventure enthusiasts and see if you find a match.
Book Club | 6-7 p.m. | Garden Party | Free | Bring a discussion question or prompt for this month’s pick, “Bright Young Women” by Jessica Knoll.
Friday, Feb. 28
Cellarest Beer Project’s 4th Birthday Bash | Friday, Feb. 28-Sunday, March 2 | Times vary | Cellarest Beer Project | Free | Cheers to four years of the small batch brewery with special beers, merch designed by local artist Wade Asa, and Thai food from Cassia.
Master BBQ has found a permanent home for the spring at RAD Brewing Co. The Filipino barbecue truck was previously serving up meals at Zillicoah before the storm. Grab a bite starting this Friday, Feb. 28.
Outdoors
The Buncombe County Fire Marshal is urging residents to postpone burning or use caution as dry conditions continue through Thursday, Feb. 27. If you have to burn, follow these safety guidelines.
Traffic
As the NCDOT unveils its draft 10-year transportation plan, several local and regional projects have been cut, including the Sweeten Creek Road expansion. See more projects that were cut — you can submit a comment on the plan through Friday, April 4. (WLOS)
Legacy
Black Mountain-born songstress and classically trained pianist Roberta Flack died yesterday, Feb. 24 after a battle with ALS. The “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” singer will be remembered as an incredibly influential performer. (AP News)
Opening
NCDOT crews have completed repairs to Swannanoa’s Whitson Avenue Bridge, US 70 to Old US 70. The bridge sustained significant damage from Helene, but tomorrow, Feb. 26, the Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance will cut the ribbon on the reopened bridge.
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Category
Closing
“Let’s dance, this last dance tonight”
Celebrate the club’s final nights this coming weekend. | Photo by AVLtoday
Since 1982, Scandals Nightclub has provided a space for epic drag shows and a creative club scene. But after a 40+ year run, this weekend the club, along with the rest of the spaces occupied by Grove House Entertainment Complex (Grove House, Club Eleven, and Boiler Room), will vacate its home at 11 Grove Street.
A social media post shares that the property’s landlord wants one person to occupy the four-story property, which Scandals says is “more space than our business presently requires.”
This Saturday night, notable house DJs and queens from the club’s past and present will all gather for a send-off celebration.
However, this might not be the end of the line for the club. The same social media post shared that owners are “actively scouting out venue spaces for Scandals Nightclub to make its grand return.”
The Buy
The Buy
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With highs in the 60s this afternoon, you better believe I’ll be taking my laptop outside to get some work done while soaking up the sunshine. If you care to join in, check out some great spots to work outside here in Asheville — WiFi details included.
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