Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What’s changing in Azalea Park’s big post-Helene rebuild?

Be sure to catch American Aquarium on the Asheville Patch calendar

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Thursday September 3rd Patch AM
Thursday September 3rd Patch AM (Michael F.)

Hello Asheville! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What's changing in Azalea Park's big post-Helene rebuild?
  • How Pardee's growth could change care for Asheville-area patients
  • How Jamie Ager's fundraising surge could reshape Asheville's congressional race

Also on today's calendar: American Aquarium and 9 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Michael F.!

Today's riddle: What has 2 arms and a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 90 and low of 65 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: A stray afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 89, low: 64.
  • Saturday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 87 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Residents ready for Azalea Park's comeback as Asheville unveils new recovery plan (wlos.com) — Asheville is moving ahead with a major rebuild of Azalea Park and nearby Swannanoa River amenities after Hurricane Helene's damage, with designs aiming to better withstand future storms. Plans include new sports upgrades, a loop trail around the John B. Lewis soccer complex, and a replacement for Gashes Creek Bridge, with another public presentation and feedback session expected this fall.
   

• Pardee emerging from Mission's shadow • Asheville Watchdog (avlwatchdog.org) — Healthcare options for Asheville-area residents are shifting as UNC Health Pardee expands services and gains Level III trauma status, increasingly competing with Asheville's Mission Hospital. The story details Pardee's growth, new adolescent mental health unit, and regional clinics, while highlighting concerns about Mission's performance and how more competition could affect care quality across Western North Carolina.
   

• Ager campaign fueled by 7,000 individual donations • Asheville Watchdog (avlwatchdog.org) — A closely watched U.S. House race that includes Asheville is heating up as Fairview farmer Jamie Ager builds a $3 million, mostly small-donor war chest after incumbent Chuck Edwards exited amid censure. Ager is pitching himself as a moderate Democrat backed largely by Western North Carolina supporters, while Republican Jennifer Balkcom faces a shortened campaign before early voting starts October 15.
   

📸 Around Asheville

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📸 Shindig on the green last night. —Michael F. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Asheville

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Look at the new Dominoes delivery person.
    Put out the trash for the trash people and 15 minutes later the bear appeared. He was nice and just displaced one box when getting out the empty… (Nextdoor Cedar Village)
  • One of my favorite restaurants, 67 Biltmore, is now open 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.
    Since Covid they have been operating 11 - 4 They have great food, big portions, low prices and free parking (if you get one of the 8 spaces right… (Nextdoor Pinebrook Farms)
  • Earth Fare, Inc. posted a job opening for Laundry Attendant in Asheville. Apply here.
  • Ingles Markets, Inc. posted a job opening for Shipping - 3rd Shift Highlift Operator in Asheville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Asheville here.

🗞 Nearby News

Weaverville

  • 'A low estimate': Worsening hunger crisis pushes North Carolina food insecurity to generational highs (bpr.org)
  • A quick trip to Tucson and back (blogspot.com)

Swannanoa

  • Swannanoa post office design completed, construction contract awarded (blackmountainnews.com)
  • WCU political expert explains Rep. Edwards' censure, breaks down overwhelming vote (wlos.com)
  • Board game cafe set to open this year in Black Mountain (citizen-times.com)

Ok Asheville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A shirt (Thank you Dianna H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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