 Give Your Liver to Save the River As far back as the Cherokee Indians, the French Broad Watershed has attracted people with its stunning natural beauty and clean water. For the first time in over three decades, the river is declining and threatened as never before.
Because of this critical moment in the history of the French Broad River, RiverLink and Sweetwater Beer are working to Save the French Broad.
Starting September 1st RiverLink is working with Sweetwater Brewery to Save the French Broad. Dozens of bars, restaurants and businesses are selling paper fish and t shirts that say "I gave of my liver to save the river." This campaign is designed to raise awareness about the health of the French Broad River and to raise money so RiverLink can continue to build parks, greenways, conduct water quality monitoring, and stream cleanups.
Pick up a fish and shirt at one of these participating businesses: Mezza Luna, Hannah Flanagans, Scully's, Carolina Cinema, Westville Pub, Greenlife, Nantahala, Outdoor Center, Wild Wing Cafe, Spa Theology, Square 1 Bistro,Asheville Yacht Club, Bier Garden, Brixx Pizza, Mellow Mushroom - Asheville, Little River Tavern - Saluda
Never Blue, Orange Peel, Grove Corner Market, Diggable Pizza, Universal Joint, Northside Bar and Grill, Cinebarre, Cats and Dog, Weinhauss, Beef o Bradys - Hendersonville, Burgermeisters, and Lobster Trap.
|
|
Benefit Concert for Palmyra Romeo - September 15th at the Grey Eagle
"Health Care System...Let's Change the Tune!"
Some of Asheville's best local Bluegrass/Americana Bands performing together!
 On May 27th, 25-year old Palmyra Romeo -- RiverLink's AmeriCorps Riverkeeper Assistant, avid outdoors woman, talented bluegrass bass player, and an honors graduate of NC State University -- unexpectedly had a seizure, lost her ability to speak, became paralyzed on her right side, lost consciousness and was rushed to Mission Hospital. An MRI revealed a ping-pong ball sized abscess on the left side of her brain. Since then, Palmyra has undergone two brain surgeries, and is making amazing progress. While a full recovery is expected, it will be a long road ahead.
Although Palmyra has minimal health benefits through AmeriCorps, the coverage is not sufficient to cover the astronomical cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and the need for ongoing care.
Shortly after Palmyra's first surgery, she said: "I think it is very important that people know about the health care system... I want to see some benefit to others when catastrophe happens. To have all of that happen and to have to worry that you can't even pay the bill, what are you going to do because you want to live? The opportunity to worry about your health and your care should be very separate from worrying about whether or not you can afford to get the care." Palmyra needs our community's support and financial help.
THE EVENT:
Palmyra's boyfriend, local musician Jon Stickley, is organizing a benefit to raise funds for Palmyra's medical bills. Venue: The Grey Eagle Times: Door 7pm, show 8pm
Date: Tuesday September 15, 2009
Price: Minimum Donation $10
Line- Up:
Shannon Whitworth Band
Town Mountain
Dehlia Low
All-Star Jam featuring: Jeff Sipe and Members of the Steep Canyon Rangers
Viper's Dream- Patio Performance at 7pm
To donate on-line, order tickets for Sept 15 benefit or to get more information, please visit: www.palmyrabenefit.org
A big thank you to the following sponsors:
Allegra Print & Imaging for donating benefit poster
Cheney Graphics for donating t-shirts
GreenVineDesigns.com for creating the Palmyra benefit website
|
 FLOW movie at the Wedge Brewing Co. to benefit RiverLink
Saturday September 19th starting at 9pm at Wedge Brewing Company in River Arts District
Wedge Brewing Company will be showing the award winning documentary film FLOW, For the Love of Water, with donations benefiting RiverLink. CAN ANYONE REALLY OWN WATER? This is one of the controversial questions/issues FLOW addresses in this investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World Water Crisis. Click here to learn more about Irena Salina's FLOW.
Spread the word and invite your friends to kick back with a pint of Wedge Witbier, Belgian Abbey Ale or your favorite Wedge brew while munching on a fancy brat and enjoy this film while supporting RiverLink. Please bring your own chair. Film is shown outside so if weather looks questionable, please call the Wedge at 505-2792.
|
What is Muddy Water Watch (MWW)?
MWW is a state-wide initiative to reduce sediment runoff from construction sites by providing training workshops and materials to help volunteers understand erosion control violations, and how they can help prevent our biggest polluter- sediment.
How can you help?
RiverLink's MWW organizers are looking for volunteers. No previous knowledge of erosion and sedimentation is needed, just a motivation to learn. We are looking for people to: -monitor construction sites and take pictures of potential violations -document and report streams, creeks, and other waterways that are polluted with excessive sediment -learn how to use several data storage websites -take photographs after heavy rainfalls -MUCH MORE! Upcoming MWW Training will be at Haywood Community College Regional High Tech Center in Waynesville, NC
October 13th and 27th (5:30-8:30pm), and November 10th (5:30-7:30pm)
Volunteers will need to attend all three trainings.
How do I learn more about MWW? Visit www.riverlink.org or www.muddywaterwatch.org Here you will find directions, job descriptions, contact information, workshop dates and locations, and much more. To sign up, contact Hartwell Carson, RiverLink's French Broad Riverkeeper at 828-252-8474 ext. 114 or email Riverkeeper@riverlink.org |
|
RiverLink selling Rain Barrels!
 For only $60, you can have your own rain barrel while saving water and supporting RiverLink! RiverLink's rain barrels are made from recycled 55 gallon white barrels and are the cheapest in town. To purchase your rain barrel please click here or contact Hartwell Carson, RiverLink's French Broad Riverkeeper via email riverkeeper@riverlink.org or call 828-252-8474 ext. 114 French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson, center, works with NC Outward Bound participants to construct rain barrels.
|
|
Winner of the August Save the French Broad River Raffle Announced!
 RiverLink and Asheville Adventure Guide are pleased to announce the winner of the August prize package for the Save the French Broad River Raffle is Alan Malpass of Weaverville whose parents purchased a ticket for him as a birthday present - the gift that keeps on giving!
Alan Malpass, center, with some of his prizes from his Sept prize package with Chuck Lee of Asheville Adventure Guide, left, and RiverLink's French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson.
Alan first got to know RiverLink through performing with Asheville Aerial Arts at the 2008 Rockin' RiverFest. "Rockin' RiverFest is one of my favorite festivals and events in the area. It is alot of fun and has a great community feeling and intimate atmosphere" says Alan who is looking forward to canoe trips with Asheville Outdoor Center, bouldering packages with Climbmax and shopping at Mast General Store with the $100 Gift Card - just a few of the prizes Alan received as part of the September Save the French Broad River Raffle prize package.
There are 3 more chances to win great outdoor gear with monthly drawings continuing from October through December 2009. Buying just one $10 raffle ticket in the Save the French Broad River Raffle enters you in all 3 drawings while supporting RiverLink to clean up the French Broad River!
Sponsored by Asheville Adventure Guide, raffle prize packages are valued at over $4000 and include more great gear such as MSR Elbow Room 2 Tent, Osprey Kestrel 48 Technical Backpack and La Sportiva Mtn Running Shoes. Prize packages also include gift certificates, tickets, lodging and services from local Asheville businesses including Asheville Outdoor Center river trip for two, Graystone Cabin two night stay and Climbmax bouldering packages.
 Next drawing is October 1st - be sure to buy your tickets online or at our office before Oct. 1st. Good luck! |
|
RiverLink Volunteer River Cleanups
Members of the Land of Sky Trout Unlimited Chapter 33 Adopt-a-Stream Team pose with their collected loot during their August cleanup.
August River Cleanup Tally
50 Volunteers
145 volunteer hours
35 Bags of Trash
11 tires
A big thank you to the following Adopt-a-Stream teams and volunteers for their time and efforts during August river cleanups!
Land of Sky Trout Unlimited Chapter 33
Adopt-a-Stream Team
North Mills River
West Asheville Cooperative Playschool
Adopt-a-Stream Team
Rhododendron Creek
Carolina Mountains Credit Union
Adopt-a-Stream Team
French Broad River
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
Adopt-a-Stream Team
French Broad River
Upcoming River Cleanups open to the Public
(for more details please go to Upcoming Events above)
Saturday October 10th 9am-1pm
Big Sweep French Broad River Cleanup - opportunities to cleanup via canoe and on land
To volunteer, please RSVP by Oct. 2 |
|
Volunteer Spotlight shines on Ole Sorensen!
 Ole Sorensen, as pictured right kayakying the Lesser Wesser Falls on the Nantahala river, started volunteering with RiverLink this past June where he offered to make our Save the French Broad River raffle sandwich board and has been going non-stop ever since. He pulled a double shift as a safety boater on the French Broad River during this year's Rockin' RiverFest raft race. Ole most recently marked all of our rain barrels with the RiverLink logo. When asked why he started volunteering with RiverLink, Ole says, "I am always fascinated by the cycle of water from the ocean to the land, etc. RiverLink was a great way to help out in an area that I feel connected to."
Ole and his family including his wife Laura and two children came to Asheville in 1995 from Washington state in search of a 'like-minded community' With a Danish boat building background and having been a freelance sail boat captain for 10 years, Ole and Laura now own and operate Solar Dynamics specializing in the design and installation of renewable energy systems and hydronic radiant floor systems which they started about 9 years ago. When not volunteering with RiverLink, Ole enjoys spending time with his family, bike riding ( hybrid and mountain), white water kayaking and being an environmental activist.
Thank you Ole!
The next Volunteer Spotlight could be on you! To learn more about volunteering with RiverLink, please come to our Volunteer Information Sessions the 2nd Wed of each month at 10am and 5pm at our offices. Please contact Rachel Doebber, the Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, at volunteer@riverlink.org or 828-2852-8474 ext. 118 to RSVP for the information session.
| |
|
|
Quick Links
River News
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
 FREE RAFTING TRIP! Huck Finn Rafting Company is offering buy one get one free rafting trip per person for every person who purchases a RiverLink membership thru the end of rafting season. To redeem this offer, please contact Carrie Allen, RiverLink Operations Manager, at carrie@riverlink.org or 828-252-8474 ext. 115 to purchase a RiverLink membership.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
|
Prestige Subaru Supports RiverLink and Rockin' RiverFest
Prestige Subaru presented RiverLink with a check for their sponsorship of the annual fundraiser Rockin' RiverFest event which raised approximately $7500 for RiverLink. Prestige Subaru's financial support will help RiverLink continue its efforts for the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River and its watershed.
RiverLink Executive Director Karen Cragnolin said upon receiving the check, "We are so excited to be working with Subaru as a sponsor. Subaru has a range of cars to explore our great rivers and carry the gear you will need to have fun and wonderful adventure in the French Broad watershed!"
 Tony Pelle, Principal of Prestige Subaru 2nd from left, and Holly Vandegrift of Asheville Radio Group, far left, present check to Karen Cragnolin, 2nd from right, and Rachel Doebber of RiverLink.
RiverLink looks forward to continue working with Prestige Subaru and co-organizer Asheville Radio Group in making next year's event, RiverFest: Save the French Broad, even more successful and environmentally sustainable.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
|
Upcoming Events
9/9/09
9/15/09
9/18/09
9/20/09
Now thru Sept 30 Vote for RiverLink to win $10,000 to cleanup French Broad River in New Belgium Brewery's contest. CLICK HERE and then on vote for a cause in bottom left corner. Sept 2009
10/3/09
|
 Support RiverLink and enjoy your coffee all in one cup!
RiverLink's French Broad River Coffee Blend from locally based roaster, Blue Smoke Coffee, is now available at these fine establishments in the Asheville area where $1 from every bag sold goes directly to RiverLink.
- Greenlife Grocery on Merrimon Ave.
- Grove Corner Market in West Asheville on Haywood
- Red Bike Deli in the Grove Arcade
- New Bridge Market at 1311 Tunnel Rd in East Asheville area
- Laurey's Gourmet on Biltmore Ave near the Orange Peel
- Sunshine Pharmacy in Black Mountain
You can also purchase the coffee blend online from Blue Smoke Coffee.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
|
We want your input for the new Karen Cragnolin Park!
If you have some ideas about this "missing link" in the Wilma Dykeman, click here to take the survey and give us your suggestions too!
Click here to purchase a Deed of Support to help us continue to make the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Plan a reality!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
RiverLink selling rain barrels with proceeds benefiting RiverLink
Asheville Citizen Times, August 22.
Asheville Citizen Times, August 22.
Asheville Citizen Times, August 12.
Asheville Citizen Times, August 2.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
River Fact
Its (French Broad River) confluence with the Holston River at Knoxville, Tennessee is considered to be the headwaters of the Tennessee River.
River Photo
Long time RiverLink volunteer Jim Brazell, far right, with his grandson Benjamin and daughter Mary get ready to paddle their Brazell River Rats raft in the 2009 Rockin' RiverFest.
River Poem
How the River Feels...
Jessie Westphall
7th grader at Asheville Middle School
Honorable mention
Has anyone ever stopped and wondered
How the river feels...
Never stopping around the bend
Keep on going until the end
But the end is the beginning
And the beginning is the start
It keeps on flowing
Never ending
No ones ever asked it
Asked it how it feels
But if they did
I bet it would say
I am tired some days
And excited others
Storms make me angry
Sun makes me mellow
I love the humans
I hate their trash
Why has no one done that?
Asked how the river feels
The end is the beginning
And the beginning is the end
Is that how the river feels?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
Drought Update
Does the current drought have you wanting to conserve more water? If you have questions or want to discuss how to build a rain barrel or install a cistern, log on to the community water harvesting. Send an email to the moderator to join.The French Broad River watershed is currently in a Moderate Drought. For more on the drought visit www.ncdrought.org/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
| REUSE AND RECYCLE!!! At the Blue Buildings
 Now that the weather is getting better, we hope to see more progress at the Blue Buildings demolition. This is another "Missing Link" in the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay between 12 Bones and the Smith Bridge along Riverside Drive. Many thanks to Critical Link award winners Sean Pace and Mark Guilbeau's prominent River District Artists who are leading the charge to recycle and reuse the materials from the Blue Buildings to create new and affordable artist studio space on the river. To get involved, please contact us at 828-252-8474 ext. 110
Click here to see all photos of The Blue Buildings demolition!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | |
