Pisgah Legal Services, in partnership with Operation Gateway, is hosting a disaster relief clinic on October 31 and November 1 at the Arthur R. Edington Education & Career Center in Asheville. From 12-6 pm each day, representatives and volunteer lawyers will be available to help with housing issues, bills, debt, FEMA appeals, and more. No appointment is needed. For further details, visit pisgahlegal.org/fema.
Award:
Mars Hill University has named Danielle Buice Plimpton, director of the Bailey Mountain Cloggers, as the 2024 recipient of the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Award for her dedication to preserving Southern Appalachian dance. A Mars Hill alumna, Plimpton has led the Cloggers to 31 national titles, enhancing their reputation as cultural ambassadors. This award honors her commitment to sharing Appalachian traditions globally, including recent performances in Indonesia. The Lunsford Award, given since 1980, celebrates significant contributions to regional folk traditions, echoing the legacy of Bascom Lunsford, who pioneered clogging in Asheville. Read more.
Community:
Mast General Store, in partnership with Columbia Sportswear, is hosting its 19th annual Share the Warmth coat drive in Asheville this November. Columbia kicked off the campaign with a donation of jackets for Hurricane Helene relief. Mast Store invites the community to donate gently used coats, sweaters, or blankets, particularly children’s, youth, and larger adult sizes, which are most needed. Donations will stay within the Asheville community to help neighbors in need. Items can be dropped off at Mast Store in Downtown Asheville to support locals facing the cold winter.
Fundraising:
El Paso Mexican Restaurants will donate 10% of all sales on Saturday, November 16, 2024, to Project HOPE to support local recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. Project HOPE, a top-rated global nonprofit, provides essential medical aid and supplies to areas impacted by disaster. To encourage community participation, El Paso Restaurants will offer 20% off on all orders that day. Visit any of the five participating locations to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine while contributing to ongoing rebuilding efforts in Western North Carolina. Learn more.
Happenings:
The Asheville Symphony presents Handel’s Messiah on November 22-23 at First Baptist Church, marking its first performance since Hurricane Helene. The event includes “Pay What You Can” tickets for the November 22 concert to ensure accessibility, a Thanksgiving Food Drive for families in need, and complimentary tickets for first responders. Directed by Darko Butorac and joined by the Asheville Symphony Chorus and GRAMMY-recognized soloists, this concert celebrates resilience and the healing power of music. Tickets and more information are available at ashevillesymphony.org.
Opening:
Chef Gordon Ramsay is bringing his acclaimed Ramsay’s Kitchen to Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy, NC, set to open in early 2025. Located on the 12th floor of the newly expanded Valley Tower, this 12,000-square-foot restaurant will offer a global culinary experience with iconic dishes like Beef Wellington and Sticky Toffee Pudding, all served against stunning views of North Carolina’s largest national forest. Designed by JCJ Architecture, the space will feature indoor and rooftop seating, a bar, wine cellar, and private dining. The new addition aligns with a $275 million expansion at Harrah’s, enhancing dining options for casino guests. More details will be shared closer to the opening.
Re-Opening:
Posana will reopen on November 1st, welcoming guests Wednesdays through Sundays from 12–8 pm. With fresh potable water and approval from the Buncombe County Public Health Department, Posana is ready to serve safe, delicious meals and drinks once again. Reservations are now available, and the team looks forward to greeting diners back at the restaurant.