Norma Baynes has dedicated her retirement years to volunteer service and community organizing. Responding to a threat of unwanted development in 2000, Baynes sounded the alarm and held a community meeting in her home. This led to the formation of the Shiloh Community Association.  Soon after, Baynes canvassed door to door with a petition to gain neighborhood support against the developer who wanted to build six houses on one acre of land adjacent to her home.  As a result of Baynes’ efforts, only one house was built on the land. This victory established a new precedent in the city of Asheville because no resident group had ever successfully appealed a decision by the city’s technical review committee. Baynes now works as a board member with Neighborhood Housing Services of Asheville, and she continues to mount victories such as improving youth programs, mentoring other residents and acquiring nonprofit status for the Shiloh Community Association.

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