The students are led by Ben Steere, Department Head of Anthropology and Sociology at Western Carolina University. | Photo by AVLtoday
While most college students picture beaches for spring break, roughly a dozen Western Carolina University students are spending their week at Asheville’s peaceful, historic Riverside Cemetery.
The students are a part of WCU’s Archeology and Forensic Anthropology programs, taking advantage of a unique opportunity to conduct archeological monitoring and damage assessment at the cemetery in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The cemetery has been closed to the public since the storm due to extensive damage, including more than 50 downed trees throughout the property, according to City of Asheville officials.
While none of the historic grave sites experienced significant damage, 132 grave sites or headstones were disturbed by downed trees or other storm damage.
WCU students will spend this week monitoring and recording damage to make recommendations for clean-up crews on whether or not debris removal will disturb the grave sites.
Reconnecting Through Hard Times | 12-1 p.m. | Zoom | Free | Resources for Resilience will help you gain knowledge and understanding of how to support someone after a crisis.
Open-Level Adult Dance | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Black Mountain Center for the Arts | $15+ | Dancers of all levels will learn combinations in ballet, jazz, and modern styles in this accepting environment.
Thursday, March 13
CSA Fair | 3:30-6 p.m. | YWCA of Asheville | Free | Meet 10+ local farmers offering CSAs (community supported agriculture) at this fair organized by the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project.
Self Defense for Queer/Non-Binary/Trans Folks | Thursday, March 13-Thursday, April 3 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | All Bodies Movement and Wellness | $60+ | Be empowered with self-defense tactics under the guidance of a trained martial artist during this four-week series.
Friday, March 14
Eight Year Anniversary Celebration | Through March 16 | Times vary | Ginger’s Revenge | Free | Cheers to eight years with brewery tours and a disco dance party with DJ Lil Meow Meow.
Chris Higgins | 7 p.m. | Catawba Brewing | $18+ | The comedian, actor, and TikTok star is traveling from Chicago to perform a set.
Saturday, March 15
St. Waggy’s Day | 12-2 p.m. | Burton Street Community Center | Free | Dress up your pup for a special holiday party with plenty of treats (and some for their owners, too).
Community Day | 12-5 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | Free | Celebrate the resiliency of local artists in the “Asheville Strong: Celebrating Art and Community After Hurricane Helene” exhibit — there will be plenty of hands-on activities to spark your creativity.
Sunday, March 16
Weaverville Shamrock Festival | 2-6 p.m. | Florida Avenue + Merchants Alley | Free | Cherish the luck of the Irish with a family-friendly day filled with games, hot dogs, craft brews, and live music.
Pi Fun Run 2025 | 3:14-5 p.m. | UNC Asheville | $10+ | Trek through the 3.14-mile route to be rewarded with pi(e) at the finish line.
Let us paint the picture. On Saturday, March 22, live performance painter Elliot From will host the grand opening of his new downtown gallery, Artbeat Gallery & Lounge. Stop by the space at 56 Haywood St. from 12 to 6 p.m. for live music, light bites, and lively art.
Number
$27.6 million. That’s how much money The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has distributed to nonprofits since early October through its Emergency and Disaster Response Fund. Baptists on Mission received $1.5 million last week to facilitate home rebuilding projects. Donate or apply for funding.
Plan Ahead
Downtown After 5 will move to Pack Square Park this year — and that’s not the only new change. The free outdoor concert series will incorporate live art and dance performances, as well as offer a dedicated kids zone. Check out this year’s themes, like 90s Country Night.
Open
Franny’s Farmacy is officially ringing in its West Asheville location with a ribbon-cutting party this Thursday, March 13. The day is budding with perks like discounts, giveaways, and prizes — plus, the dispensary will unveil a new smoking patio, complete with a mural by Ian Wilkinson.
Cause
Pisgah Legal Services is teaming up with Legal Aid of NC to host “Ask a Lawyer for Free” on Monday, March 17, at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium. The walk-in clinic will provide legal assistance and advice for Helene survivors on a first-come, first-served basis.
Older Adults
The Reuter Center singers have a new tune. The group has rebranded as the Asheville Senior Chorus, now welcoming even more members to share their voices. Bonus: It’s also now a nonprofit. Learn how you can join.
Network
Employer registration is now open for April’s WNC Career Expo, hosted by the Asheville Chamber and Mountain Area Workforce Development Board. If you’re a job seeker, check out the four-part career workshop series beginning this Friday, March 14, at A-B Tech.
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at NOVAtoday and craft daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Try This
Looking to build your dream team? Connect with incredible local talent right here in your community. Post your job listing with us today — first one is free — and find the perfect fit for your team in no time.
Category
Festival
Going outside the ordinary
Explore the dance, theater, puppetry, and music that defies definition. | Photo by Asheville Fringe
Some of the festival’s beloved venues were lost to the storm, but there’s no shortage of unconventional art on display. There are plenty of free events, aka Random Acts of Fringe, sprinkled into the ticketed events.
Check out the schedule, which features performances from Fringe favorites — there’s a satirical puppet show from Edwin Salas, a sci-fi lesbian folk opera from Skysail Theatre, and an intimate + experimental dance from strange daughters butoh.
More good news: thanks to several grants, the festival can now offer higher pay to behind-the-scenes staff and free show performers.
Celebrations begin at this Sunday’s kickoff party at the LaZoom Room. The out-of-the-box art concludes on Sunday, March 23.
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of buttery soft joggers. They’re available in 16 different colors, including posh pastels like pink suede and mint green that are perfect for spring.
If you haven’t tried Gan Shan’s new menu, tonight’s the night. Every Wednesday, pork dumplings are on special for $8 — just be sure to try the new weeping tiger salad... and Szechuan lamb noodle soup... and cold kimchi noodles. All are *chef’s kiss*.
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