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WNC’s ties to NASA’s Artemis II mission
The four astronauts each helped design the mission patch. | Photo by NASA/Robert Markowitz
Tucked away in a business park just down the street from Stoney Knob Cafe, it’s likely you haven’t heard of A-B Emblem. But the Weaverville-based company’s work can be seen throughout the entire universe.
The five-generation, family-owned business most recently produced the Artemis II mission patch that the four astronauts wore upon launch. The business has been creating patches for NASA since 1963, beginning with the iconic “meatball” patch depicting the agency’s official logo. In 1970, A-B Emblem became the exclusive patch maker for NASA, with their work being sent on Apollo, space shuttle, and expedition missions.
A-B Emblem has an online store for its NASA patches, both new and old, if you’re looking to start a collection.
But WNC’s involvement in the Artemis II mission doesn’t stop there. As the Weaverville company stitches itself into the history of space travel, a historic former NASA facility in Rosman is returning to its original mission 60 years later.
Mission Hospital received conditional state approval to add 95 acute-care beds, expanding capacity to 828 beds despite earning four federal Immediate Jeopardy citations since HCA Healthcare acquired the system in 2019. Competing proposals from AdventHealth and UNC Health West were rejected, but Novant Health received approval for a 34-bed Arden hospital. (Asheville Watchdog)
Civic
Buncombe and Asheville leaders each held recent budget work sessions. County commissioners reviewed a proposed $504 million FY26-27 budget, a 15% increase, including 37 new positions and $4 million in community grants. Asheville’s budget projects $187 million in spending with a $7.2 million shortfall after proposed service and vacancy cuts. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Eat
Ramp season is upon us. The wild alliums are an Appalachian spring delicacy, bearing a distinct garlic flavor — and luckily, the WNC Farmers Market is chock full of ‘em. These go fast, so scoop some up before they’re gone.
Cause
April is National Volunteer Month, a celebration of those who give back to their communities. In Asheville, it’s the perfect time to start volunteering (or take your service to the next level) with 40+ opportunities to get involved across town.
Environment
A federal court ruled that the US Forest Service violated the Endangered Species Act in its management plan for North Carolina’s Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. The plan, which would have significantly increased logging, relied on a flawed analysis of impacts to endangered species. Agencies must now redo their environmental review. (Mountain Xpress)
Try This
If “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” hitting theaters this week stirs up gaming nostalgia, head to a local arcade. Asheville’s Retrocade powers up the experience with more than 5,000 games across 35+ classic consoles — no cheat codes necessary.
Real Estate
This colorful Black Mountain bungalow is walking distance from both Lake Tomahawk’s natural beauty and downtown Black Mountain’s breweries, shops, and galleries. Schedule a tour to discover features like heated bathroom floors and an open concept kitchen and living space.*
This local biz has been serving the Carolinas for more than 100 years — and they’re still growing. Explore 15+ open positions.*
Travel
Swap your usual weekend plans for a foodie getaway — Southern Roots Reunion is worth the drive. Think all-inclusive BBQ, live music, and local makers, all set against a scenic Upstate backdrop. It’s your excuse for a delicious day trip. Learn more + snag tickets.*
Pro Tip
If you’re a Costco shopper, you’re probably familiar with the ever-popular $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Don’t miss the details on vacation deals, members-only movie tickets, and more.*
The Buy
April = new spring shoe drop. Shop a great spring shoe for every price range:
👟 Under $25: A No. 1 best-seller, these arch support flip-flops feature a yoga foam footbed and just look like vacation.
👟 Under $50: This cushioned footbed sandal is ultra-comfortable, thanks to soft leather, a small platform, and an adjustable web strap (it’s also 50% off).
👟 Under $100: Go for fresh white tennis shoes with Vionic’s court sneaker that’s top-rated by 200+ five-star reviews.
👟 Under $150: Get ready to hear compliments when you wear Clarks’ newly dropped floral wedge, available in black, white, or red.
👟 Under $250: This newly released wedge espadrille from patricia green is worth the splurge, thanks to its chic nautical design and sporty grip sole.
Of course, this week brought the announcement of Asheville’s James Beard Award finalists, but if you’ve already dined with the area nominees, you can see what Best Chef, Southeast finalist Joe Cash has in store for you at Greenville’s Scoundrel, just about an hour away. And while you’re visiting, you can let our friends at GVLtoday guide you around the city’s best haunts.
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