O, Wonder: Montford Park Players mark 50 seasons
- Volume 28
- / Issue 41
Cover Design Credit:
Scott Southwick
Cover Photography Credit:
Elwyn Story
Asheville’s Montford Park Players have come a long way since their humble beginnings putting on Shakespeare comedies in a neighborhood park. Now entering its 50th season, MPP is one of the most popular and longest-running outdoor theater troupes in the state of North Carolina.
arts
Q&A: Marissa Percoco discusses earth skills and the perks of nonprofit status
Xpress speaks with Marissa Percoco, executive director of Firefly Gathering, to learn more about the organization's new nonprofit status, the inspiration to attain it and some of the pitfalls aspiring…Asheville Music School emerges from pandemic stronger than ever
The local music nonprofit brings back its Sound Effects Benefit Concert and moves into a new West Asheville home.Montford Park Players celebrate 50th season
The Montford Park Players started as a no-frills Shakespeare troupe operating out of a neighborhood park. As the nonprofit group embarks on its 50th season, its shows have grown into…Around Town: Asheville artists find inspiration from Italy
A trip to Italy inspires a new Asheville art exhibit. Plus, Asheville Community Theatre dissolves a partnership after criticism, LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition names finalists and a local author pens…
food
Food nonprofits fight to meet increased need
Since COVID-19 emerged in early 2020, local nonprofits dedicated to meeting the needs of food insecure citizens have been engaged in what feels like an endless game of Whac-A-Mole, no…What’s new in food: Bowling for Loving Food Resources
Asheville Pride Bowling League continues its quest to raise funds for Loving Food Resources. Also: MetroWines hosts grand re-opening; Ben’s Tune Up launches brunch menu; and more!
living
Mental health nonprofit sees funding lag
For the uninsured and underinsured, local mental health nonprofits are filling the gap, but they struggle with funding.Green in brief: Chestnut Mountain Nature Park opens to public
About 35 acres of the nearly 450-acre tract — purchased by the nonprofit Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in 2020 and recently transferred to the town of Canton — are now…
news
Local nonprofits talk climate impacts
Uncertainty is a fact of life at nonprofits, especially with regard to funding. But local organizations are increasingly attuned to another uncertainty: how to prepare for the consequences that climate…Local nonprofits poised to start accepting cryptocurrencies
In the world of philanthropy, digital currencies are all the rage. “Don’t leave your donors hanging without an option to donate cryptocurrency,” the National Council of Nonprofits urges on its…Why I volunteer: Roberta Birkin on Brother Wolf
Local resident Roberta Birkin reflects on her volunteer work with Brother Wolf.Local nonprofits discuss hiring for leaders
Over the past several years, due in part to community changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, many local nonprofits have been thrust into hiring leadership positions. Most have not had…Why I volunteer: Dr. John Stewart on Helpmate
Local resident Dr. John Stewart reflects on his volunteer work with Helpmate.Why I volunteer: Tommy Oakman on The Mediation Center
Local resident Tommy Oakman reflects on his volunteer work with The Mediation Center.Asheville Archives: Hyperbole in defense of Mission Hospital, 1923
In 1923, both the city and county questioned the fairness of certain policies in place at Mission Hospital. The scrutiny provoked the ire of The Asheville Citizen's editorial section.Why I volunteer: Austin Brown on Bounty & Soul
Local resident Austin Brown reflects on his volunteer work with Bounty & Soul.Community Foundation of WNC promotes flexible giving
While most nonprofits must stay focused on their specific cause, suggests board member Caroline Avery, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s adaptable structure helps it pivot quickly to meet…Why I volunteer: Connie Falcone on Open Hearts Art Center
Local resident Connie Falcone reflects on her volunteer work at Open Hearts Art Center.Why I volunteer: Anne Dachowski on Literacy Together
Local resident Anne Dachowski reflects on her volunteer work with Literacy Together.Nonprofit business model may offer stability to local newsrooms
Xpress sat down with the heads of two local nonprofit news organizations to learn how the business model compares to its for-profit cousin and whether the concept offers a sustainable…Why I volunteer: Dr. Sarah Warren Asbill on OpenDoors
Local resident Dr. Sarah Warren Asbill reflects on her volunteer work with OpenDoors.Why I volunteer: Sharon Wood on Asheville Humane Society
Local resident Sharon Wood reflects on her volunteer work at Asheville Humane Society.Why I volunteer: Greer Gunby on MountainTrue
Local resident Greer Gunby reflects on his volunteer work with MountainTrue.Q&A with Debbie Welch, North Carolina Big Sister of the Year
Xpress sits down with Debbie Welch to discuss her 2022 award and the joys of being a Big Sister.Why I volunteer: Mike Erwin on WNC Nature Center
Local resident Mike Erwin reflects on his volunteer work at the WNC Nature Center.Why I volunteer: Jan Oliver on Friends2Ferals
Local resident Jan Oliver discusses her volunteer work with Friends2Ferals.Why we volunteer: Tricia and Charlie Franck on Habitat for Humanity
Local residents Tricia and Charlie Franck reflect on their work with Habitat for Humanity.Q&A: Kelly Shanafelt offers tips and insights on launching a nonprofit
In a conversation with Xpress, Kelly Shanafelt explains the day-to-day of a nonprofit consultant and offers advice for new and established nonprofits, alike.Why I volunteer: Philip Blocklyn on RiverLink
Local resident Philip Blocklyn reflects on his volunteer work with RiverLink.Why I volunteer: Joanna Kalp on NAMI
Local resident Joanna Kalp reflects on her volunteer work with the National Alliance for Mental Illness of Western North Carolina.Commissioners approve $4.9M for pre-K expansion, affordable housing
The three applications were the first to be funded out of 105 projects that had been submitted in response to Buncombe County’s latest request for proposals for American Rescue Plan…
opinion
Letter: Sharps disposal should be easier
"I have never seen a nurse in a medical facility lack the appropriate sharps container in which to dispose of a used needle or syringe. Why aren’t there more locations…I’ve had my fill
Letter: Sierra Club offers endorsements
"These candidates have a proven record of support for addressing climate change and protecting our environment."Letter: Please don’t vote
"Asheville needs better representation that represents the values of the people living here, and as long as people vote party over policy, there won’t be a government here that actually…Letter: Branyon favors humane, ecological positions
"His plan to hold a countywide referendum on how much more development we want may prevent the continued destruction of our tree canopy in the city and destruction of our…Letter: Tovish cares about transparency
"Her personal integrity is impeccable. This matters, after recent massive corruption and cover-up of corruption at the county level have reminded us that our area is not immune to such…Why would you say that?
