🌱 Chai Pani Restaurateur Honored + UNC Climate Action Plan

Hello again, neighbors! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Asheville Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Hazy sunshine. High: 76 Low: 47.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 81 Low: 54.

Here are the top three stories today in Asheville:

1. Meherwan Irani, a co-founder of Chai Pani Restaurant Group, has been named one of Food and Wine's 2023 Game Changers. Irani was honored for his work as one of the restaurateurs behind Chai Pani, Buxton Hall Barbecue, Buxton Hall Chicken Palace, Spicewalla spice company, and Botiwalla, slated to open in West Asheville this summer. Irani's vision of changing how American audiences view Indian food has played a major part in his being honored by Food and Wine. (Subscription: Citizen Times)
2. Asheville Parks & Recreation is offering free family-friendly water activities, including foam parties, inflatable water slides, and more, to help residents beat the summer heat. The events will take place in public parks, providing alternative water-based fun while Recreation Park's pool undergoes repairs. Additionally, community members can enjoy amenities such as Splasheville in Pack Square Park and air-conditioned community centers with various free offerings to stay cool and entertained. To stay safe during extreme heat, individuals are advised to stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, minimize sun exposure, and follow sun safety guidelines. (Mountain Xpress)
3. University of North Carolina Asheville has received approval from its sustainability council for its Climate Action Plan (CAP), aiming to achieve carbon neutrality on campus within 30 years. The CAP sets goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and serves as the first step in fulfilling the university's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The plan, developed with input from students, faculty, and consultants, includes initiatives such as solar installations, electric vehicle charging stations, compost processing programs, and green roofs to promote sustainability and provide cost savings and educational opportunities. (WLOS)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Asheville:

Friday, June 9

• Toddler Story Time At North Asheville Library (10:30 AM)
• Brews & Bears Summer Event Series At Western North Carolina Nature Center (1:30 PM)

Saturday, June 10

• Create Your Own Terrarium At Oakley/South Asheville Library (10:30 AM)
• Celebrate You! At Pack Memorial Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Asheville Humane Society (AHS) is adding adult dogs (at least 6 months old) to animals eligible for fee-free adoption! The AHS is currently at capacity in its shelters and is hoping to get as many animals as possible into loving homes. (Asheville Humane Society via Facebook)
• Dr. Maggie Fehrman has been appointed as the new superintendent of Asheville City Schools. Coming from City Schools of Decatur in Georgia, she brings exceptional leadership and a commitment to student success, as evidenced by the district's achievements in student performance and graduation rates. Her innovative approach and dedication to inclusivity are expected to elevate educational excellence within Asheville City Schools. (Asheville City Schools via Twitter)
• Durham-based record label Psychic Hotline has exciting plans for its two-day event in Asheville on Jun. 14-15 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The pop-up shop at Citizen Vinyl will feature exclusive vinyl releases from North Carolina artists, along with small plates by chef Paul Cressend, Burmese tapas by aThokelay, natural wine from Pink Moon, and craft cocktails inspired by Psychic Hotline at Session Cafe & Bar. (AVLtoday)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!