#Resilience is reflecting on the stories of Women’s History Month!

This month, we highlighted the women who have paved the way and who continue to pave the way while embodying resilience. The women we have featured are perfect examples of women who not only have had resilience in their careers and lives, but also help others build resilience through their practices and examples.

Donna Volpitta has used the characters in her Pathways to Empower program for over 10 years. Characters like the ant, grasshopper, glowworm and dragonfly have helped her teach not only her own children, but now children across the country the importance of mental health and how to have a conversation about it.

And by children, we don’t mean elementary-school aged kids. Donna serves kids of all ages: K-12 and college. She launched Pathways to Empower in January of last year, right before the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide resources to help people learn how to build resilience and foster mental health.

“We tell toddlers all the time, ‘use your words.’ The truth is they don’t have them. They don’t know how to say the things we want them to so we need to descriptive, we need to give them language to be able to handle the challenges. That’s what resilience is, right? To be able to handle the challenges.”

Listen to Donna Volpitta’s interview now!

“Contemporary Vistas” opens at Asheville Gallery of Art on April 1st and features the modern landscape paintings of member Sally Lordeon.
Sally Lordeon studied fine art at Chatham University in Pennsylvania and now resides in Asheville, where she pursues her life-long passion of painting. Her work is represented in galleries and private collections across the United States. After a successful career as a technical writer and college textbook author, Lordeon returned to her first love of art. She identifies as an Abstract Impressionist, blending contemporary painting methods with classic impressionist styles to create unique works full of texture and soft, blended colors. Lordeon is drawn to abstraction because it “allows the mind to see what the eyes do not.” With a measure of ambiguity, her paintings invite the viewer to complete the image with their imagination.
For “Contemporary Vistas,” Lordeon captures familiar vistas in her unique style to celebrate the mountains and scenery from across the country, which are a constant source of inspiration for her work. From calm, serene landscapes to powerful, moving tableaux, Lordeon’s show pays special homage to the natural world. Her modern interpretations of landscapes are nuanced and approachable, collecting just enough detail to suggest a landscape familiar to the viewer’s personal experience.
Lordeon’s mastery of color to create atmosphere is on display in “Nature’s Reflections,” a heavily textured landscape depicting a mountain peak and evergreen forest on the edge of a frosty lake. Though the artwork is painted in her typical abstract impressionist style and minimalist in its content, Lordeon’s composition creates a landscape where you can tell the temperature just by looking at the scene.
In “Glorious,” Lordeon captures the nuances of light, the energy of water, and the perfect balance of color in a stunning composition of mountains and water. The powerful contrast of light and dark creates an epic, emotive landscape. As always, she refrains from a photorealistic representation in favor of a more textured and ambiguous landscape that draws on the imagination to be fully realized.
Visitors can see these paintings and more from April 1st to April 30th at the Asheville Gallery of Art, Thursdays through Sundays 12-5pm or by private appointment. On First Friday, April 2nd, Sally Lordeon will be available for an artist meet-and-greet from 5-8pm. All are welcome.

Gather your favorite hiking buddy, canine or human, and explore the amazing trails in our community thanks to the work of Conserving Carolina and support two organizations at one time!

During the week of April 11-18, hit the trails that have been made possible by Conserving Carolina with your favorite two- or four-legged friend and complete additional challenges for prizes from BRHS and Conserving Carolina.

There are three hike options: Bearwallow Mountain, any segment of the Oklawaha Greenway between Jackson Park and Berkeley Mills Park, and the perimeter trail of the Park at Flat Rock.

Complete one or all of the hikes and walks and discover for yourself the work of Conserving Carolina in our community with your furry friend! Proceeds support Conserving Carolina and the programs of Blue Ridge Humane Society that provide new homes for pets in need, support services for local pets and their owners, and more!

To RSVP, click on https://conservingcarolina.org/event/tails-and-trails-3/

DigiMarCon East 2021 is your chance to …
– Experience a safe and intimate gathering with marketing leaders and professionals in a clean and hygienic environment.
– Hear from some of the most audacious and thought provoking speakers in the digital marketing, media and advertising industry.
– Gain insight into emerging strategies, the latest innovative technologies, and best practices to move your business to the next level.
– Network with thought leaders, collaborate with your peers and build your professional network.

The 6th annual DigiMarCon East, the Premier Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition in the Eastern United States returns April 15th to 16th, 2021 at the luxurious New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge Hotel in New York City, NY. Join your peers in-person or online for 2-days jam packed with digital marketing best practices, latest trends, practical solutions, strategy and networking, also check out the next generation of technology & innovation; Internet, Mobile, AdTech, MarTech & SaaS Technology.

Immerse yourself in topics like digital strategy, programmatic advertising, web experience management, usability / design, mobile marketing & retargeting, customer engagement, user acquisition, social media marketing, targeting & optimization, video marketing, data science & big data, web analytics & A/B testing, email marketing, content marketing, conversion rate optimization, search engine optimization, paid search marketing, geo-targeting, predictive analysis & attribution, growth hacking, conversion rate optimization, growth marketing tools, marketing & sales automation, sustainable growth strategies, product marketing & UX / UI and much, much more!

At DigiMarCon East 2021, you will receive all the elements you need to achieve digital marketing success! Conventional thought will be challenged, new ways of thinking will emerge, and you will leave with your head, notebooks and professional toolkit full of action items and ideas to lead and supercharge your agency / team / account to even greater success.

Be a part of DigiMarCon East 2021 and discover how to thrive and succeed as a marketer in a rapidly evolving digital world. Top keynotes, case studies, strategy sessions, networking and more in a safe and hygienic environment!

See why people keep coming back year after year to this must-attend event! Register and secure your seat today.

For more details visit https://digimarconeast.com.

#WNCFORTHEPLANET

April is Earth Month, and for all of you looking for ways to help our beautiful mother Earth, we’ve got you covered. This year 6 of the partnering environmental organizations have gathered various way for you to enjoy nature, learn new things about the environment, and help protect our local ecosystems. By participating in some of these activities, you can be entered to win a bundle of goodies. Here’s how it works:

1. Click on each bingo square to learn more about that activity.
2. Use this printable bingo card to track the activities you complete.
3. Once you’ve completed a row or column on the bingo card, email your filled out bingo card to [email protected]
4. For every row or column that you complete you’ll get one entry into the drawing for a swag bag prize bundle.

FABRICated presents an intergenerational look at new boundaries in art and craft through works that merge fiber-based processes with other media, like painting, sculpture, and blacksmithing. Each of the seven artists explores ideas of the body, identity, and their unique, personal stories by using a medium with a rich history of craft. Stitching, in and of itself, is slow and methodical and invites the audience to slow down and look carefully at the physicality of the thread, the textures of the fabric, and the paint and the found objects that are introduced into the mix. The result is an exhibition that questions the nature of what constitutes women’s work, the relationship of fine art and craft, and how these elements can come together to form a new kind of community conversation. FABRICated presents the work of two established artists, Virginia Derryberry (Asheville, NC) and Marcia Goldenstein (Knoxville, TN), along with five emerging artists who are exploring new boundaries in art and craft and, by so doing, open up an exploration between an older and a younger generation.

This spring garden bingo card comes from our Growing Minds Farm to School Program, but anyone can play! Get a printable version of the card here or find more spring learning resources for kids here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments 

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are now open to all groups. Appointment options will be posted below when available.

• Please check next week for more appointments 

Henderson County Call Center: 828-585-4700 | Screening Form

Vaccine Appointment Frequently Asked Questions 

NC COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center: 888-675-4567

North Carolina Vaccine Information | Dashboard | Find a Vaccine Location

Vaccine Fact Sheets: Pfizer | Moderna | Janssen (J&J)

Other Henderson County COVID-19 Vaccine Providers

• AdventHealth Hendersonville: www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-hendersonville
• Blue Ridge Health: www.brchs.com/covid-19-vaccine-information/
• Pardee UNC Health Care (clinics held at Blue Ridge Community College): 828-694-8222; www.Yourshot.org
• Search the Find My Vaccine Location tool for more providers 

Need a lift to your vaccination appointment?

Henderson County residents may contact Apple Country Transportation for a free ride to their pre-scheduled vaccination appointment. Busses are clean, safe and comfortable and serve COVID-19 immunization clinics throughout Henderson County. Call (828) 698-8571 to schedule a ride.

This is a 6 Week Series from 3/23/21 through 4/27/21.

Organic Growers School is excited to offer this curriculum and training opportunity to Southern Appalachia for a second year in partnership with Certified Naturally Grown.

Manage for Your Farm’s Future:
Growing a viable farm business is sustained by continuous learning of the land and your products. In this workshop series, growers across Southern Appalachia and beyond will gain tools to manage their crop production for whole-farm success.

Regionally Specific Tools:
The Holistic Crop Management series focuses on the growing regions of Northern Georgia, Eastern Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and Southwestern Virginia. Webinar sessions will feature farmers and agricultural experts from these areas. Through curated group activities in the virtual setting, participants will be able to build a network with experienced growers who know farming and the land.

Workshop Structure:
In response to the need for virtual learning opportunities during the pandemic, we have restructured this workshop series from in-person workshops to a six-part webinar series, which includes a mixture of videos, resources, and live virtual meetings. The curriculum uses Certified Naturally Grown standards as the guidelines for holistic principles, and each session will consist of discussion-based exploration of soil health, pest management, disease control, and weed maintenance, along with several components of the Holistic Management framework.

Participants are not required to be Certified Naturally Grown or Certified Organic to join the webinar; however, the skills gained in these sessions will equip farmers to take on certification confidently should they choose. While this webinar series focuses on farming in the Southern Appalachians, farmers from any region will gain valuable knowledge and are invited to join.

Did you know Buncombe County is actively involved in an important initiative aimed at more accurately reflecting the history of racial and economic injustice? The Buncombe County Remembrance Project is a part of the Equal Justice Initiative’s nationwide effort to work with counties to raise more awareness about individuals lynched in our County. Further, the project is working to bring about community healing concerning Jim Crow-era discrimination, mass incarceration, state-sanctioned violence, contemporary racial trauma and violence, and other important issues.

The Buncombe County Remembrance Project is a partnership with multiple local organizations that all recognize the need to publicly acknowledge and educate the public about racial issues. This work ties into the County’s 2025 Strategic Plan which is focused on equity defined as: Systems, policies, and practices that support equity for all people and an organizational culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. To learn more about the Buncombe County Remembrance Project, click here.

 MLK Youth Scholarship

Martin Luther King Junior’s work to advance equal rights was pivotal in helping shape today’s landscape. There is much work still to be done, but his legacy continues to inspire generations. Buncombe County strives to be a place where Dr. King’s vision is realized by prioritizing equity and being intentional about highlighting racial injustice through initiatives such as the Buncombe County Remembrance Project, our Racial Equity Action Plan, and other efforts.

To further honor Martin Luther King Junior’s legacy, Buncombe County wants to ensure students are aware of the MLK Youth Scholarship for Buncombe County residents. Applications are due April 15, learn more here.

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

No matter how thorough and fair a reappraisal may be, there are still instances when only the property owner has all the information necessary for an accurate appraisal. Informal appeals for the tax year 2021 can be filed anytime between Jan. 1-April 28, 2021. Additionally, anyone receiving a change of value notice after April 1, 2021 has thirty days from that notice date to file an appeal.

The Montford Park Players announces open auditions for Grimm’s Fairy Tales, directed by Victoria Lamberth. Rehearsal will begin in late May, and the show will run Friday, June 25 to Saturday, July 31. The director is seeking actors, dancers, and singers ages 10 and up, all experience levels, ethnic backgrounds, and gender identities. Individuals/families/couples/friends who are quarantining together are encouraged to audition. Prospective actors and technicians should review the COVID-19 protocols which can be found at https://www.montfordparkplayers.org/…/MPP-ACTOR-SAFETY…. Actors and technicians recruited for this production will be required to abide by all safety protocols as contained in the document. In addition, the following director-mandated safety protocols will be included for this production: – Masks will be used sometimes onstage in character. Mask use will be blocked and choreographed in a way that makes sense within the world of the play and keeps the performers as safe as possible – Actor call time will be staggered for performances and rehearsals. To audition: 1) fill out and submit the audition form located at https://forms.gle/36VBKUfD1vEfvF5w6. Headshots and resumes are appreciated, but not required. 2) Record an audition video (you can do so on your phone) using at least one of the sides located at https://www.montfordparkplayers.org/abou…/volunteers-page/. Upload the video here: https://driveuploader.com/upload/6XaW3rROQN/ (Be sure and name the video with your name and the word “Grimms”). 3) Audition materials MUST be submitted between April 1- 22. Callbacks will be held at the director’s discretion at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre. Callbacks will be appropriately socially-distanced. For more information email [email protected]

Pardee UNC Health Care is accepting applications for the 2021
Junior Volunteer Summer Program through Wednesday, April 21. The 2021 summer session begins
at orientation on Friday June 18, or Friday, June 25, and continues through August 6. Students can
complete the applications and forms found online.
As junior volunteers, students will learn the value of community service and will get
exposure to the health care setting. Responsibilities include but are not limited to escorting patients
and visitors to their destinations, transporting patient and visitors in wheelchairs, volunteering in the
Orchards Café, and assisting various other departments. Junior volunteers are expected to work at
least four hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. They will not
volunteer on weekends.
To be considered for a junior volunteer position at Pardee, applicants must meet the
following requirements:
 Be at least 14 years old by April 1, 2021
 Complete and return all application documents to Karla Reese by April 21
 Attend the required orientation meeting on Friday, June 18 or Friday, June 25 from 9:30 a.m.
until 2:30 p.m. Volunteers must complete one of these orientations in its entirety, no
exceptions.

You may email your Application to Karla Reese at [email protected] or print and mail it to:
Karla Reese c/o Pardee UNC Health Care
Volunteer Services – Box 2
800 N. Justice Street
Hendersonville, NC 28791

Per hospital policy, junior volunteers will be required to wear a mask during the entirety of their
shift. There is a limited number of volunteer opportunities. For additional information, contact
Karla Reese at (828) 696-4240.
Pardee UNC Health Care is a not-for-profit community hospital founded in 1953 and is
managed by UNC Health. The hospital is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several
locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, a
cancer center, four urgent care locations and six orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find
a physician, visit www.pardeehospital.org.

This beautiful spring weather makes it easy to get out and train for our virtual Run for Justice 5K which kicks off next month!  Register today to participate anytime between May 29th through June 12th on a route of your choice and then join us for our awards ceremony June 12th!  Everyone who registers by April 30 will receive a Run for Justice t-shirt.

Three ways to sign up

1. Register for $25 per participant  (you can add a donation to support Pisgah Legal if desired)
2. Peer to Peer Fundraising:  Invite your friends and family to donate $1,$5 or more for each kilometer you walk or run.
3. Be a Sponsor:  Sponsor as an individual, a couple, a group or a business. Sponsors receive race entries, t-shirts and recognition. (Find out more about sponsor benefits here)

Check out our registration page for more details, a fun explainer video and FAQs.

Did you know Buncombe County is actively involved in an important initiative aimed at more accurately reflecting the history of racial and economic injustice? The Buncombe County Remembrance Project is a part of the Equal Justice Initiative’s nationwide effort to work with counties to raise more awareness about individuals lynched in our County. Further, the project is working to bring about community healing concerning Jim Crow-era discrimination, mass incarceration, state-sanctioned violence, contemporary racial trauma and violence, and other important issues.

The Buncombe County Remembrance Project is a partnership with multiple local organizations that all recognize the need to publicly acknowledge and educate the public about racial issues. This work ties into the County’s 2025 Strategic Plan which is focused on equity defined as: Systems, policies, and practices that support equity for all people and an organizational culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. To learn more about the Buncombe County Remembrance Project, click here.

Racial Justice Essay Contest

The Equal Justice Initiative in partnership with the Buncombe Community Remembrance Project is pleased to announce an upcoming scholarship contest open to 9^th – 12^th grade students attending public high school in Buncombe County, North Carolina where prizes totaling at least $5,000 will be awarded to winning participants.

Students are asked to examine the history of a topic of racial injustice and to discuss its legacy today. Essays should explain the chosen topic using a specific historical event(s), explore how the injustice persists, and imagine solutions for a future free from racial injustice. Students are encouraged to reflect on how the topic impacts their own lives and communities.

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from the week of Apr. 19 through May 19 (tentative). There is no registration fee this year.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org.

Sports include bowling, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, putt-putt, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed online.