Helping the helpers: Waynesville institute offers respite post-Helene

Just a half-mile from the Historic Frog Level District in Waynesville — whose streets were once home to burgeoning, eclectic shops but have been devastated by the recent floodwaters of Tropical Storm Helene — stands a sanctuary of tranquility and solace: the Pearl Psychedelic Institute.

Hurricane Helene can’t deter Haywood’s volunteer spirit

Throughout Hurricane Helene, the slogan going around Haywood County has been, “neighbors helping neighbors.” The personification of those words is nowhere more apparent than at Haywood Pathways Center in Waynesville, where a small group of volunteers gathered on Oct. 5 to minister to some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Infrastructure, resiliency and a flood of aid: Gov. Cooper tours Haywood County

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, with FEMA Administrator Deanna Criswell in tow, continued his multi-day western swing today, making stops in Haywood County to survey damage from Hurricane Helene, to thank volunteers and to hear from local officials.

An ultramarathon, a book, a flood and a prayer

On the weekend of Sept. 20-21, I went to the Grindstone 100-Mile Ultramarathon at Natural Chimneys Park in Virginia, where my oldest son was a participant. 294 runners took part in this grueling ordeal. Of these, 168 finished the race in the required time of 36 hours. 

This must be the place: The long road home

Putting the truck into park, my girlfriend, Sarah, and I finally returned to our quaint apartment in downtown Waynesville Monday evening. After a long journey from the North Carolina coast back to Haywood County this weekend, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions.  

HART presents ‘The Mousetrap’

A special stage production of Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunit “The Mousetrap” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27-28, Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 17-19 and 2 p.m. Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13 and 20 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. 

HCAC's 'Fashion for the Arts'

Presented by the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC), the “Fashion for the Arts” fundraiser will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club. 

Rock rolls into Scotsman

Regional rock/jam group Arnold Hill will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at The Scotsman Public House in Waynesville. 

Waynesville art walk, live music

A cherished gathering of locals and visitors alike, “Art After Dark” will continue its 2024 season from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, in downtown Waynesville. 

This must be the place: 'The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining'

Stepping out of my apartment building in downtown Waynesville on Wednesday morning, I noticed several American flags lining Walnut Street, put there by the town’s public works department. Cruising along Main Street, the flag was at half-mast at the bank and also in front of the Haywood County Courthouse. 

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