Hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil last October. | Photo via City of Asheville
Nearly one year after Helene swept through WNC, communities are gathering to reflect on its impact, celebrate the region’s strength and resiliency, and continue along the road to recovery. From art shows to panels and fundraisers, here are 10+ opportunities to commemorate one year since Tropical Storm Helene.
UNC Asheville Post-Helene Symposium | Wednesday, Sept. 24-Friday, Sept. 26 | 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | UNC Asheville | Free, RSVP | The three-day event will assess the impacts of Helene through the themes “Remembering, Rebuilding, and Reimagining,” facilitating panels and lectures, art exhibits, film screenings, and more interactive events.
From Helene to Here with Root Cause Farm | Thursday, Sept. 25 | 5-8 p.m. | Cultivated Cocktails Distillery and Tavern | Free+ | Honor Root Cause Farm’s generosity in nearly doubling its food distribution after the storm — proceeds from the event benefit the farm’s mission to feed neighbors in need for free.
Listen & Reconnect: Helene Anniversary | Friday, Sept. 26 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Zoom | Free | Resources for Resilience is hosting the special interactive workshop, helping people continue to navigate grief and foster hope and understanding.
John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival | Saturday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 5 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown | $10+ | Celebrate Appalachia at the 49th Annual Fall Festival with 230 craft vendors, 29 food vendors, music, dance, demos, and hands-on activities as the Folk School kicks off its 100th Anniversary.*
Expect the classic cocktail, plus plenty of fresh variations. | Photo via Gemelli
Drink
Negroni Week is back, running through this Sunday, Sept. 28. The days-long cocktail celebration benefits Slow Food, a nonprofit that advocates equitable food policies, advances food education, and fosters biological and cultural diversity. Make plans to stop by Little Jumbo, Gemelli, or one of the 5+ other spots serving sips.
Environment
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy purchased 191 acres bordering Warren Wilson College in the Swannanoa valley. SAHC will own and manage the tract of forest, open pasture, and section of Bull Creek, partnering with the college to use the property for education and land-management training.
Outdoors
This Saturday, Sept. 27, the Town of Black Mountain is hosting a special tree giveaway to mark the anniversary of Helene and take steps toward restoring the town’s tree canopy. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Black Mountain residents can head to Town Hall to receive a free native tree and care instructions.
Announced
Governor Stein announced a $50 million state-funded grant program designed to support local governments in repairing or replacing Helene-damaged infrastructure. Grant applications will be evaluated and awarded after the Friday, Nov. 21 deadline.
Cause
Homeward Bound of WNC has receieved $700,000 from Dogwood Health Trust and $100,000 from WellCare of NC to support its mission of ending homelessness through permanent housing and support. Learn how to get involved with the org and attend its upcoming benefit show.
Try This
Enter to win Asheville Habitat’s annual ReStore ReUse Contest with your innovative project made from predominantly used materials. Find categories, guidelines, and prizes here and enter by Tuesday, Sept. 30.*
Join VEG ER for Pets at Blue Ridge Pride on Saturday, Sept. 27. Stop by their booth for VEG swag, and to learn more about their 24/7 emergency veterinary services + celebrate pride together.*
Home
Better insulation means lower bills... and we’ll take all the cost savings we can right now.This retailer is offering a buy two, get two free special on new windows — helping you keep extreme temps out, costs low, and curb appeal high. See disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Shop
Feeling fall? Us, too — that’s why we’re shopping HSN’s fall finds like this autumn tray decor set. New customers can save $15 with code WELCOME25.*
The Buy
Groupon is your ticket to unbeatable local experiences — think chef-curated tasting menus, skyline tours, and spa days that melt stress away. New deals boasting up to 70% local experiences drop daily.
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 know of any additional events or volunteer opportunities supporting the community during this anniversary week, feel free to send me an email or add them to our calendar (here’s how) so I can share them in a future newsletter.
