🌱 New Superintendent Steps Down + Students Make Comic Book For Staff

Hello all. Rose Mendez here with your Wednesday edition of the Asheville Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 75 Low: 53.
• Thursday: Considerable cloudiness. High: 75 Low: 45.

Here are the top three stories today in Asheville:

1. New Asheville City Schools Superintendent Rick Cruz will not be taking the position due to a family medical emergency. Cruz was named the new superintendent on May 15 and the announcement that he is not filling the role came in an email from Asheville City Schools on Jun. 6. Cruz was the deputy superintendent at Houston Independent School District in Houston, Texas. He will be staying in Houston to support a "family member who is experiencing a critical medical situation," he said in a video attached to the email. The school board announced that they will be introducing a new superintendent at a special board meeting scheduled for Jun. 8. (Citizen Times)
2. Lucy S. Herring Elementary School students have expressed their gratitude to Ollie Bridges, who has dedicated over four decades to ensuring their safety at the school's crosswalk. As a token of appreciation, the students created a comic book titled "The Legend of Mrs. Bridges," presenting it to her with joy on Monday morning. Recognizing her as a superhero, the students felt inspired to create the comic book as a testament to her remarkable commitment and impact on their lives. (WLOS)
3. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has become a highly sought-after summer destination, securing the impressive No. 8 spot on USA Today's 10 Best list. The city's vibrant art and music scene, coupled with its breathtaking natural beauty and extensive outdoor activities, have captivated travelers from far and wide. From the pulsating energy of downtown's art and music scene to the unspoiled splendor of the surrounding mountains and the abundance of outdoor adventures, Asheville offers an unforgettable summer getaway that will leave visitors yearning to return. (WNC Times)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Asheville:

Wednesday, June 7

• Preschool Story Time At Pack Memorial Library (3:30 PM)

Thursday, June 8

• Book Review Book Club At Fletcher Branch Library, Fletcher (10:30 AM)
• Felt Stories - Puppet Storytime At North Asheville Library (3:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Asheville Humane Society has an influx of kittens and is asking for your help! The Humane Society is in desperate need of people to foster the kittens. You can learn more and apply to be a foster parent here. (Asheville Humane Society via Facebook)
• The City of Asheville will be celebrating Juneteenth with various activities. There will be a series of Lunch and Learns starting on Jun. 12. The Juneteenth Festival takes place on Jun. 17-18 featuring music, food, and culture. (Asheville City Government via Facebook)
• UNC Asheville announced that the keynote speaker for this year's Ideas Fest on Jun. 16 will be New York Times foreign affairs columnist and best-selling author Thomas Friedman. The event is free, but registration is required. The second annual Ideas Fest runs from Jun. 13-17. (UNC Asheville via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— 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!