One year later: Remembering, Rebuilding, and Reimagining after Helene
Presented by UNC Asheville
Join storytellers, scholars, students, and community voices from across the region to write our own history. | Photo provided by UNC Asheville
One year ago this month, Hurricane Helene changed our city forever.
UNC Asheville is looking back at the impact and inspiring recovery at a campus-wide Post-Helene symposium, from Wednesday, Sept. 24 to Friday, Sept. 26.
The three-day event will include panels, performances + art with the themes of Remembering, Rebuilding, and Reimagining. The symposium will be free + open to the public, inviting residents to share their experiences and discuss how we continue to move forward.
While entry is free, registration is encouraged. The symposium includes 70+ events around the UNC Asheville campus, plus a few ticketed off-campus special events.
Here are a few of the highlights:
Looking Back to Move Forward | Art exhibit featuring work by students, faculty, and alumni on the hurricane’s devastation and ongoing recovery
“Plenty of people are going to write about how Helene affected Asheville in the coming years,” said the symposium’s founder, UNC Asheville professor William Bares. “This is our moment to share the voices of people who lived through it and preserve them for the future.”
What would you like to see at events commemorating Helene’s anniversary?
A. Discussion on climate action B. Art + performances reflecting on the hurricane C. Hands-on opportunities to support continued local recovery D. Something else
Now’s the time to get engaged with the community. | Photo by AVLtoday
Buncombe County is asking for your input on two plans shaping the future of our home. The county recently released a draft of the Helene Recovery Plan, containing 114 projects designed to rebuild housing, repair infrastructure, restore resources, boost preparedness, and support long-term resilience.
Some of the county’s proposed projects include:
An initiative to decrease food insecurity
Constructing a new Emergency Operations Center
Building a new recreation center that will dually serve as an emergency shelter facility
Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is making a comeback, and we want to feature your business.
We know, we know — it’s only September. But the early bird gets the worm, right?
That’s why we’re offering 20% off inclusion in our 2025 guide now through Wednesday, Oct. 1. Secure your spot to promote your business’ one-of-a-kind gift, festive product, or unique service.
A new laid-back classic cocktail bar is flocking to Patton Avenue. The Crowbar is set to open next week in the former Thirsty Monk spot. It’s the newest venture from Michael Reppert and Brenden Wyand, who also own The Blackbird restaurant and Shiloh & Gaines neighborhood bar. Top of the Monk will stay open upstairs. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Civic
Buncombe County Commissioners approved a budget amendment allowing money from Article 39 Sales Tax to be used for school operations. Originally, that money was designated for school capital projects. The amendment frees up nearly $4.1 million for Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools to use for general operations.
Show
En Vogue AVL is getting ready to make its runway debut this Saturday, Sept. 20 with “Couture in the Clouds.” Local designer and Appalachian State University fashion student Genitta “Gee Gee” Sconiers created the runway event, which will feature looks from 10+ designers. If you’re attending, be sure to dress to impress. (Mountain Xpress)
Number
Asheville has secured about $11 million in FEMA funding for repairs to the North Fork and William DeBruhl water treatment plants caused by Helene. City officials continue to advocate for additional funding for Asheville and WNC.
Shop
Altamont Vintage recently reopened on Mulvaney Street — between Tunnel Road and Biltmore Village — after its stores were flooded by Helene. You can ring in its new space across the river (and score some vintage gems) at Altamont’s grand reopening celebration, going all day on Thursday, Sept. 25.
Award
The Asheville Snot Otters are up for Best New Alternate Identity at the MiLB Awards. The Asheville Tourists took the field as the Snot Otters for a game last season, honoring WNC’s Eastern Hellbenders. Help the Snot Otters secure the award — vote as many times as you want through Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Announced
FEMA will direct $2.5 million to the Town of Lake Lure to rebuild the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. The bridge was severely damaged by Helene, and demolition began recently after it was deemed unsafe. It will be rebuilt to meet modern safety and accessibility standards. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Cause
The Community Foundation of WNC awarded $975,000 toMANNA FoodBank, helping the organization distribute nutritious food to more than 170,000 neighbors per month. MANNA is now seeing the highest demand in its 42-year history. Learn how you can get involved in ending hunger in WNC.
Why are the same firms that backed Uber, Venmo, and eBay also backing Pacaso(Nasdaq ticker reserved: $PCSO)? Because it’s disrupting the $1.3 trillion vacation home market with co-ownership, already earning $110 million+ in gross profit in under five years. (And until midnight, you can join the 10,000+ shareholders.)†‡*
Finest Deli is now serving up sandwiches on Haywood Road, between Retrocade and Garden Party. That means breakfast is taken care of this morning. The Northeastern-style deli’s window opens at 7 a.m., serving bodega egg sandwiches, drip coffee, cold brew, juices from Immortal Juice Co., and bone broth.
Bonus: There’s also a vegan fritter sandwich and shroom broth.
A great deal on a clothes steamer. Snag HiLIFE’s portable, handheld steamer while it’s 35% off — the steamer is quick to heat up, easy to use, and perfect for garment touch-ups without hauling out the ironing board.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
If you’re deep into the Labubu craze, good news — you don’t have to travel far to find them. Virtue Boutique on North Lexington Avenue has you covered. They even have a giant Labubu in stock.
‡‡Finance “investment method” disclaimer: This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the Nasdaq is subject to approvals. Comparisons to other companies are for informational purposes only and should not imply similar success. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.
