Good News Friday: The people making a difference right now in western NC

These are tough times for many, but good news comes whether you’re ready for it or not. Here’s this week’s roundup of positive stories in North Carolina. 

These are bleak days for some, which is something I’ve never written at the beginning of a “Good News Friday” before. 

But I wanted to say that right out of the gate for the folks who are dispirited or frightened by the results of the presidential election this week. One thing that’s different about us at Cardinal & Pine is we don’t pretend to be a part of this community: We’re North Carolinians too, and we feel many of the things you might be feeling too. 

Hang in there. Breathe. Take a walk. And read our guide to combating election season anxiety here.

That said, good news still comes in the middle of all the bad, like a message in a bottle. Here are a few things that are making us feel alright this week. 

College basketball is back

 

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A post shared by NC State Women’s Basketball (@packwomensbball)

Whether you’re new to North Carolina or a recent transplant, there’s something you need to know about the way North Carolinians look at college basketball. 

It’s not just a sport—it’s a way of life. 

This state has produced some of the greatest basketball players ever, including, possibly, the greatest player ever. 

So let’s take a minute and celebrate the return of college basketball, which kicked off with all the usual hype about North Carolina teams.

On the men’s side, Duke and North Carolina are ranked in the top 10. On the women’s side, NC State, Duke, and North Carolina all landed in the top 25. 

Check out the schedule for this weekend’s games here, including UNC’s hyped matchup with #1 Kansas Friday night. 

Western NC parks continue to reopen

 

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A post shared by NC Division of Parks and Recreation (@ncstateparks)

Helene did a lot of damage out west, including to some of the state’s most beautiful parks. 

But state park leaders say that many of the area’s recreational spots are returning. Crowder’s Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and Lake Norman State Park all reopened Nov. 1, although places like Chimney Rock and Mount Mitchell remain closed off for now. 

State transportation officials say that work continues to reconnect damaged roadways in the area too. 

Make a plan to visit. Locals need your tourism dollars, and this is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the mountains. 

Cooking Thanksgiving for Helene relief

Speaking of Helene, the holidays are coming this year whether we’re ready for them or not. 

Ask the folks at Biltmore in Asheville, who recently installed a new Christmas tree. 

Here’s another holiday feel-good story out west: A man from Boone named David Burke is leading a volunteer Thanksgiving cooking operation in Avery County, which was one of the hardest-hit areas by Helene. 

“We’re going to cook 100 Butterball turkeys while we’re out there, 24 pounders,” Burke said. “It’ll have ham, turkey, dressing, potatoes, collards, cornbread and cranberry sauce.”

For more info on this volunteer operation, check out their Facebook page.