The home includes a lofted bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area. | Photo via Warren Wilson College
A group of students at Warren Wilson College traded textbooks and study guides for paintbrushes and power tools this semester, opting to spend their cherished collegiate experience in service to others.
Maeve Williams, a sophomore in Environmental Studies and student leader on the college’s Construction Crew, wanted a project that would provide students with real hands-on experience, like building an eco-friendly tiny home.
Then, on Sept. 27, 2024, as Helene barreled through WNC, the project took on new meaning.
Williams was one of 10 students who stayed on campus during the storm and its aftermath to help keep the college’s essential services running. She said the experience showed her the power of community and made her want to channel a sense of “shared responsibility and resilience into something lasting.”
In just two months, Williams and a group of students earned enough money and donated materials to turn a recycled trailer into a fully-equipped livable home for a family who lost theirs to Helene.
Free Transit Day | 12 a.m.-11:59 p.m. | Asheville | Free | Hop on the bus, which will be free to ride all day — for the rest of Strive Not to Drive week, fares will be $1 per ride.
Joywave | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $35 | Catch the indie band in an intimate environment and start your week off on the right note.
Tuesday, May 20
Simply Charmed Drop-In Jewelry Workshop| Tuesday, May 20-Wednesday, May 21 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Ignite Jewelry Studios | $45 | Build your new favorite piece of jewelry at the new downtown studio.
Third Act Climate Café | 1-2:30 p.m. | City Bakery | Free | Lead by Lisa Harkema, a mental health counselor, this informal meeting offers a compassionate space to discuss responses to climate emergencies.
Wednesday, May 21
Greenway Walking Club | 5:30-7 p.m. | Weaver Park | Free, RSVP | Connect with your fellow neighbors while enjoying the scenery of Asheville’s greenways.
HARD Beer Trivia | 6 p.m. | Leveller Brewing Co., Weaverville | Free | Think you know your beers? Show off your skills, including a blind taste test, to win a prize.
Thursday, May 22
3rd Annual Hope is in Bloom Springtime Fundraiser | 5:30-8 p.m. | Highland Brewing’s Event Space | $60 | Hear from mental health professionals while enjoying live music and local bites to raise money for All Souls Counseling.
Bike-In Cinema | 6-10:45 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing | Free | Cruise on over to the brewery lawn for an outdoor screening of “E.T.” Bike valet will be available for you to park your ride.
Saturday May, 31
Funk DJ Series with Mitch Offe | 6-10 p.m. | The Funkatorium | Free | Join Wicked Weed in their newly illuminated Biergarten for a night of music under the lights with Mitch Offe spinning live.*
The Foundry Hotel unveiled its new restaurant, The Refinery, replacing Benne on Eagle, which closed in September. The Refinery serves breakfast and brunch favorites under the helm of Executive Chef Shawn Cameron. Keep an eye out as the restaurant’s dinner service is coming soon, but for now, we’ve got our eye on the mini waffles.
Development
A four-story mixed-use development has been proposed at 290 Depot St. in the River Arts District. The space, which sits between Pink Dog Creative and Olde London Road, would include nine commercial buildings and 48 apartments. The developer’s plans include subsidized affordable housing and storefronts for small businesses and RAD artists. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Coming Soon
Hey there, stud. Rowan, the ear piercing studio that specializes in hypoallergenic earrings and piercings from licensed nurses, is coming to Biltmore Park Town Square this summer. We’re keeping our ears to the ground for an opening date.
Arts
You read that event right,Ignite Jewelry Studios is back after losing its Riverview Station shop in the storm. Stop by the new downtown location on West Walnut Street for a drop-in class or celebrate at their grand reopening party on Saturday, June 21, 4-8 p.m.
Environment
The brood XIV cicadas have emerged just in time to provide a buzzy soundtrack to our summer. Learn more about Asheville’s insect tourists, then test your knowledge with our quiz. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Listen
Black Mountain’s free Park Rhythms concert series returns on Thursday, June 12, for its 29th year. See the lineup for summer jams, including WNC’s own Tyler Ramsey, and don’t forget to bring your own chairs or picnic blanket.
Try This
Experience an evening of soulful melodies + community spirit at Pisgah Legal’s Jazz for Justice Celebration at Highland Brewing Company on Sunday, May 28. Tickets are available now to enjoy delicious food, live jazz music, and celebrations honoring Jerry Sternberg’s legacy.*
Fun Fact
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Read
Tired of the typical news cycle? Nautilus offers a refreshing alternative: deep, narrative science stories that nourish the mind and soul. Join 750,000+ curious minds and subscribe free today.*
Category
Giveaway
Win an all-inclusive weekend at euphoria
Presented by euphoria
Celebrate 20 years of food, wine, and music at euphoria in Greenville, SC. | Graphic by 6AM City
Get your taste buds ready, AVL. We’ve partnered with euphoria Food, Wine & Music Festival to treat one lucky winner + a guest to an epic weekend celebrating 20 years of euphoria in Greenville, SC (Thursday, Sept 18-Sunday, Sept 21).
The euphoria 20th anniversary experience — valued at $1,900 — includes:
A pack of light blocking stickers to dull light pollution in your home. The pack comes with multiple sizes that can be used to cover light emitted by digital alarm clocks, charger ports, and other electronics.
Asheville Charcuterie Co. launched its brand new bar and small bites menu over the weekend. You can now pop in to their downtown shop to enjoy burrata boards, brie and prosciutto sandwiches, local drafts, wine, mimosas — and of course, their signature charcuterie boxes.
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