Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Can Asheville families rally enough students to fully restore orchestra?

Also check out Traveler Mindset: Understanding Past and Future Lives on the Asheville Patch calendar

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Saturday August 22nd Patch AM
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Morning Asheville! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Can Asheville families rally enough students to fully restore orchestra?
  • What's next after Asheville hit pause on its bus route overhaul?
  • Could your Asheville trash habits be inviting bears into your home?

Also on today's calendar: Traveler Mindset: Understanding Past and Future Lives and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the longest word in the dictionary? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 82 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Sunday: Lots of sun with a shower, temps: high: 80, low: 54.
  • Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 82 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Asheville Middle School saves orchestra from cuts (citizen-times.com) — After strong pushback from families and musicians, Asheville Middle School will keep its orchestra alive as an after-school strings club this fall, with a chance to return as a class if enrollment grows. Parents and students are relieved but still frustrated that beloved teacher Franklin Keel will be reassigned to Asheville High as a substitute. Organizers now must nearly double participation to secure the program's future.
   

2. Asheville plans more work on contentious bus system changes (bpr.org) — Asheville residents who rely on the bus system should know City Council has delayed a vote on controversial route cuts that would have boosted frequency on key corridors but eliminated some lesser-used lines. City staff will now explore new funding and regional partnerships to improve service without harming current riders who depend on existing routes.
   

3. A Bear Entered an Asheville Home and Injured a Woman as Wildlife Officials Warn of a Preventable Problem (a-z-animals.com) — An Asheville woman was injured when a black bear entered her home, prompting wildlife officials to stress how unsecured trash and pet food can quietly turn houses into regular bear feeding spots. The bear will likely be euthanized, and experts explain why relocation rarely works and share specific steps Asheville residents should take to secure trash, doors, and pet food to prevent repeat encounters.
   

4. Asheville police stress driver awareness after utility worker hit (wlos.com) — An Asheville Water Resources employee was seriously injured in a hit-and-run on Charlotte Street, prompting Asheville police to urge drivers to slow down and stay off their phones around roadside workers. Officers quickly identified and arrested a Weaverville man, who now faces multiple charges as the investigation continues. The worker is recovering at Mission Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
   

5. Asheville VA recruits veterans for national GLP-1 trial to treat alcohol use disorder (wlos.com) — Veterans in Asheville can now volunteer at the Charles George VA Medical Center for a major national trial testing semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug, as a possible new treatment for alcohol use disorder. The study offers free care, compensation, and weekly injections over about six months, with researchers especially seeking women veterans and hoping results could eventually benefit the wider community.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Our husky rarely barks so when we woke up to him barking very loudly and aggressively we knew something was up.
    Something was up...a mama bear and her three cups were on our top deck, which is over the driveway. We had cooked out and the grill is on the second… (Nextdoor Haw Creek)
  • Edit: #reunited Quigley was found 2.
    5 aerial miles from the lost location, but a 35 minute driver, went all the way to beaverdam road to the pastures. Thanks to a greatful couple who at… (Nextdoor Carmel Ridge)
  • Joella's Hot Chicken posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Asheville. Apply here.
  • Earth Fare, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Executive Housekeeper in Asheville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Asheville here.

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: Smiles, because it has a mile between "s". (Thank you Sharon M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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