Adolescents today face unprecedented challenges. Although I gratefully enjoy the innocence of my young boys, who are just now entering the public-school system, my work makes me painfully aware of the challenges our teens must confront. My time on staff at the Buncombe County Health Center’s STD and family-planning clinics, as well as my current … Read more
I was very disturbed by the demonstrations at the recent Bele Chere festival and the images being displayed—in poor taste—concerning hot-button issues like abortion, alcohol and gay rights. The images were certainly not [appropriate] for the eyes of children. But I would further argue that such demonstrations pose a serious safety issue for those attending … Read more
Along with other Asheville citizens and visitors I have spoken with, I am outraged about the events that took place at Bele Chere 2008. The propaganda that was displayed during a family festival was absolutely disgusting and dangerous for people passing by Pritchard Park. I am a firm believer in freedom of speech, but I … Read more
Unlike many locals, I choose not to flee to the hills when Bele Chere comes around each year. We took the bull head-on this year and went for not one but two days. I have incredible appreciation for all the work that goes into making the festival happen. As I heard whispers and claims about … Read more
I live off Old Fort Road in the Spring Mountain community. My home is a log cabin built in the early 1890s from trees on the property. My water source is the original spring above the cabin. It is a gravity-flow water system from the spring down to the reservoir down to the cabin—no pumps … Read more
The unfortunate thieving continues at The Forest at Biltmore Park apartments in Arden. In mid-June, my car was vandalized—along with [those of] other residents’ at The Forest—and personal belongings were stolen out of the cars. On July 22, the thieves once again broke into cars by apartment buildings 7 and 8. This crime is not … Read more
“Man on Bench” by Pat Weaver Blue Ridge Watermedia Society had their first meeting in October of 1993 thanks to the efforts of six Haywood County painters: Crystal Allen, Jan Daggy, Jean Mayhew, Colleen Neighbere, Dot Ward and Adele Wilkins. They felt the county needed an organization to foster the appreciation and enjoyment of watermedia … Read more
