ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

Whenever you want!   Supplies available at 2 Sulphur Springs Road If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776. Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request). Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information. Need to know Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806. All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup. Links & Attachments Cleanup Record DIY Cleanup Instructions-C5tsCUvm.pdf Do’s and Don’ts – Roadside Cleanups-j81w1uHK.pdf Syringe Safety-DBjtozsc.pdf

• We’re excited to be approaching this year’s GRINDfest: the celebration of BIPOC business and entrepreneurship. It’s going to be bigger than ever!!!

  This event is an annual effort to bridge economic gaps so that local BIPOC folks can serve as many customers as possible. Together, we collaborate to support various makers, producers, artists, businesses, and entrepreneurs that work very hard all year to prepare to serve festival attendees.

   

  To sign-up for a specific shift time and role, please visit
  VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM

   

  https://grindfestavl.com/

  Home

  Depot St, River Arts District, Asheville, NC

• FESTIVAL INFORMATION

  EVENT: GRINDFEST 2024
  WHEN: May 24th to May 26th, 2024
  WHERE: A.B. Tech Conference Center | 16 Fernihurst Dr. Asheville, NC 28801

  EVENT SCHEDULE

  • Friday (May 24th)
    • 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM – Annual Meeting
    • 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM – Partners Lunch
    • Friday Night – Vendor Setup (Time TBA)
    • 9:00 PM to 12:00 MN – Casino Night
  • Saturday (May 25th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM – Salvage Station
  • Sunday (May 26th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Gospel Showcase

  *****CARNIVAL RIDES start at 12:00 NOON*****

  We still have a lot of activities not included here! Stay Tuned for all our updates!

  FEATURED MINI EVENTS:

  Asheville on Bikes
  Carnival Rides
  Casino Nights
  Gospel Music Showcase
  Latin Bands
  Hiphop Aerobics

  FEATURED EVENTS: [TICKETED]

  Annual Meeting
  Casino Night
  Harlem Night
  Carnival Ride
  Gospel Showcase

   

   

•  

   

  Email any questions to [email protected].

Spring has sprung, and at the YWCA that means that our talented Nutrition team is cooking up new ways to serve fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables to the children in our Early Learning and Empowerment Child Care programs. We are so grateful to be partnering with the wonderful volunteers who operate Grace Covenant’s Community Garden to receive produce grown specifically for our kitchen! The YWCA has been partnering with Grace Covenant for three years, and we have received over 1000 pounds of healthy, local produce from the garden. YWCA Nutrition Specialist Melinda Aponte works hard to make the most of the bounty from Grace Covenant, and she also nurtures our own YWCA garden to teach kiddos in our childcare programs healthy habits and get them in the garden. Love the idea of helping to feed children fresh, healthy foods? Volunteer with the YWCA Nutrition team this spring and summer to help out in the YW garden space.

• We’re excited to be approaching this year’s GRINDfest: the celebration of BIPOC business and entrepreneurship. It’s going to be bigger than ever!!!

  This event is an annual effort to bridge economic gaps so that local BIPOC folks can serve as many customers as possible. Together, we collaborate to support various makers, producers, artists, businesses, and entrepreneurs that work very hard all year to prepare to serve festival attendees.

   

  To sign-up for a specific shift time and role, please visit
  VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM

   

  https://grindfestavl.com/

  Home

  Depot St, River Arts District, Asheville, NC

• FESTIVAL INFORMATION

  EVENT: GRINDFEST 2024
  WHEN: May 24th to May 26th, 2024
  WHERE: A.B. Tech Conference Center | 16 Fernihurst Dr. Asheville, NC 28801

  EVENT SCHEDULE

  • Friday (May 24th)
    • 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM – Annual Meeting
    • 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM – Partners Lunch
    • Friday Night – Vendor Setup (Time TBA)
    • 9:00 PM to 12:00 MN – Casino Night
  • Saturday (May 25th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM – Salvage Station
  • Sunday (May 26th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Gospel Showcase

  *****CARNIVAL RIDES start at 12:00 NOON*****

  We still have a lot of activities not included here! Stay Tuned for all our updates!

  FEATURED MINI EVENTS:

  Asheville on Bikes
  Carnival Rides
  Casino Nights
  Gospel Music Showcase
  Latin Bands
  Hiphop Aerobics

  FEATURED EVENTS: [TICKETED]

  Annual Meeting
  Casino Night
  Harlem Night
  Carnival Ride
  Gospel Showcase

   

   

•  

   

  Email any questions to [email protected].

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

Whenever you want!   Supplies available at 2 Sulphur Springs Road If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776. Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request). Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information. Need to know Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806. All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup. Links & Attachments Cleanup Record DIY Cleanup Instructions-C5tsCUvm.pdf Do’s and Don’ts – Roadside Cleanups-j81w1uHK.pdf Syringe Safety-DBjtozsc.pdf

• We’re excited to be approaching this year’s GRINDfest: the celebration of BIPOC business and entrepreneurship. It’s going to be bigger than ever!!!

  This event is an annual effort to bridge economic gaps so that local BIPOC folks can serve as many customers as possible. Together, we collaborate to support various makers, producers, artists, businesses, and entrepreneurs that work very hard all year to prepare to serve festival attendees.

   

  To sign-up for a specific shift time and role, please visit
  VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM

   

  https://grindfestavl.com/

  Home

  Depot St, River Arts District, Asheville, NC

• FESTIVAL INFORMATION

  EVENT: GRINDFEST 2024
  WHEN: May 24th to May 26th, 2024
  WHERE: A.B. Tech Conference Center | 16 Fernihurst Dr. Asheville, NC 28801

  EVENT SCHEDULE

  • Friday (May 24th)
    • 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM – Annual Meeting
    • 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM – Partners Lunch
    • Friday Night – Vendor Setup (Time TBA)
    • 9:00 PM to 12:00 MN – Casino Night
  • Saturday (May 25th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM – Salvage Station
  • Sunday (May 26th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Gospel Showcase

  *****CARNIVAL RIDES start at 12:00 NOON*****

  We still have a lot of activities not included here! Stay Tuned for all our updates!

  FEATURED MINI EVENTS:

  Asheville on Bikes
  Carnival Rides
  Casino Nights
  Gospel Music Showcase
  Latin Bands
  Hiphop Aerobics

  FEATURED EVENTS: [TICKETED]

  Annual Meeting
  Casino Night
  Harlem Night
  Carnival Ride
  Gospel Showcase

   

   

•  

   

  Email any questions to [email protected].

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

Your voice matters, help shape a brighter tomorrow by joining one of our committees.

Early Childhood Committee:

The Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is a major driver in assuring every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days. The focus of this initiative is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education. As such, Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Committee, featuring 15 total members including 3 County Commissioners, was established to guide how the fund is invested. The purpose of the committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input, and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets monthly, on the 1st Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

We have multiple vacancies on this committee for a 2-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking:

• one (1) business community or economic development professional
• one (1) funder or community investment professional
• one (1) pediatrician or medical professional in service to young children
• one (1) professor or higher education professional
• one (1) member of the public representing the community at large

Strategic Partnership Grant Committee:

The purpose of the Committee is to make Strategic Partnership Grant investment recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County. Strategic Partnership Grant funding is granted to nonprofit organizations working toward outcomes in alignment with County Commissioner goals. The committee generally meets the first Thursday of every month from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, with special meetings as needed.

We have one vacancy on this committee for a 3-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking members that bring expertise in one or more Strategic Plan Focus Areas (education, environment, well-being, economy) and represent the diversity of the County. Applicants should not have any conflicts of interest with nonprofits applying for Strategic Partnership Grants, to include not currently serving on the Board of Directors or staff of an applicant organization.

More information about both programs is available at www.buncombecounty.org/grants.

If you have any questions about these opportunities, please contact Angelyn Johnson ([email protected]) or Sara Joss ([email protected]).

Apply online: https://boardapplications.buncombecounty.org/

Whenever you want!   Supplies available at 2 Sulphur Springs Road If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776. Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request). Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information. Need to know Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806. All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup. Links & Attachments Cleanup Record DIY Cleanup Instructions-C5tsCUvm.pdf Do’s and Don’ts – Roadside Cleanups-j81w1uHK.pdf Syringe Safety-DBjtozsc.pdf

• We’re excited to be approaching this year’s GRINDfest: the celebration of BIPOC business and entrepreneurship. It’s going to be bigger than ever!!!

  This event is an annual effort to bridge economic gaps so that local BIPOC folks can serve as many customers as possible. Together, we collaborate to support various makers, producers, artists, businesses, and entrepreneurs that work very hard all year to prepare to serve festival attendees.

   

  To sign-up for a specific shift time and role, please visit
  VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM

   

  https://grindfestavl.com/

  Home

  Depot St, River Arts District, Asheville, NC

• FESTIVAL INFORMATION

  EVENT: GRINDFEST 2024
  WHEN: May 24th to May 26th, 2024
  WHERE: A.B. Tech Conference Center | 16 Fernihurst Dr. Asheville, NC 28801

  EVENT SCHEDULE

  • Friday (May 24th)
    • 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM – Annual Meeting
    • 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM – Partners Lunch
    • Friday Night – Vendor Setup (Time TBA)
    • 9:00 PM to 12:00 MN – Casino Night
  • Saturday (May 25th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM – Salvage Station
  • Sunday (May 26th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Gospel Showcase

  *****CARNIVAL RIDES start at 12:00 NOON*****

  We still have a lot of activities not included here! Stay Tuned for all our updates!

  FEATURED MINI EVENTS:

  Asheville on Bikes
  Carnival Rides
  Casino Nights
  Gospel Music Showcase
  Latin Bands
  Hiphop Aerobics

  FEATURED EVENTS: [TICKETED]

  Annual Meeting
  Casino Night
  Harlem Night
  Carnival Ride
  Gospel Showcase

   

   

•  

   

  Email any questions to [email protected].

Spring has sprung, and at the YWCA that means that our talented Nutrition team is cooking up new ways to serve fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables to the children in our Early Learning and Empowerment Child Care programs. We are so grateful to be partnering with the wonderful volunteers who operate Grace Covenant’s Community Garden to receive produce grown specifically for our kitchen! The YWCA has been partnering with Grace Covenant for three years, and we have received over 1000 pounds of healthy, local produce from the garden. YWCA Nutrition Specialist Melinda Aponte works hard to make the most of the bounty from Grace Covenant, and she also nurtures our own YWCA garden to teach kiddos in our childcare programs healthy habits and get them in the garden. Love the idea of helping to feed children fresh, healthy foods? Volunteer with the YWCA Nutrition team this spring and summer to help out in the YW garden space.

Your voice matters, help shape a brighter tomorrow by joining one of our committees.

Early Childhood Committee:

The Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is a major driver in assuring every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days. The focus of this initiative is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education. As such, Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Committee, featuring 15 total members including 3 County Commissioners, was established to guide how the fund is invested. The purpose of the committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input, and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets monthly, on the 1st Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

We have multiple vacancies on this committee for a 2-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking:

• one (1) business community or economic development professional
• one (1) funder or community investment professional
• one (1) pediatrician or medical professional in service to young children
• one (1) professor or higher education professional
• one (1) member of the public representing the community at large

Strategic Partnership Grant Committee:

The purpose of the Committee is to make Strategic Partnership Grant investment recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County. Strategic Partnership Grant funding is granted to nonprofit organizations working toward outcomes in alignment with County Commissioner goals. The committee generally meets the first Thursday of every month from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, with special meetings as needed.

We have one vacancy on this committee for a 3-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking members that bring expertise in one or more Strategic Plan Focus Areas (education, environment, well-being, economy) and represent the diversity of the County. Applicants should not have any conflicts of interest with nonprofits applying for Strategic Partnership Grants, to include not currently serving on the Board of Directors or staff of an applicant organization.

More information about both programs is available at www.buncombecounty.org/grants.

If you have any questions about these opportunities, please contact Angelyn Johnson ([email protected]) or Sara Joss ([email protected]).

Apply online: https://boardapplications.buncombecounty.org/

• We’re excited to be approaching this year’s GRINDfest: the celebration of BIPOC business and entrepreneurship. It’s going to be bigger than ever!!!

  This event is an annual effort to bridge economic gaps so that local BIPOC folks can serve as many customers as possible. Together, we collaborate to support various makers, producers, artists, businesses, and entrepreneurs that work very hard all year to prepare to serve festival attendees.

   

  To sign-up for a specific shift time and role, please visit
  VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM

   

  https://grindfestavl.com/

  Home

  Depot St, River Arts District, Asheville, NC

• FESTIVAL INFORMATION

  EVENT: GRINDFEST 2024
  WHEN: May 24th to May 26th, 2024
  WHERE: A.B. Tech Conference Center | 16 Fernihurst Dr. Asheville, NC 28801

  EVENT SCHEDULE

  • Friday (May 24th)
    • 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM – Annual Meeting
    • 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM – Partners Lunch
    • Friday Night – Vendor Setup (Time TBA)
    • 9:00 PM to 12:00 MN – Casino Night
  • Saturday (May 25th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM – Salvage Station
  • Sunday (May 26th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Gospel Showcase

  *****CARNIVAL RIDES start at 12:00 NOON*****

  We still have a lot of activities not included here! Stay Tuned for all our updates!

  FEATURED MINI EVENTS:

  Asheville on Bikes
  Carnival Rides
  Casino Nights
  Gospel Music Showcase
  Latin Bands
  Hiphop Aerobics

  FEATURED EVENTS: [TICKETED]

  Annual Meeting
  Casino Night
  Harlem Night
  Carnival Ride
  Gospel Showcase

   

   

•  

   

  Email any questions to [email protected].

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

Your voice matters, help shape a brighter tomorrow by joining one of our committees.

Early Childhood Committee:

The Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is a major driver in assuring every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days. The focus of this initiative is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education. As such, Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Committee, featuring 15 total members including 3 County Commissioners, was established to guide how the fund is invested. The purpose of the committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input, and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets monthly, on the 1st Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

We have multiple vacancies on this committee for a 2-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking:

• one (1) business community or economic development professional
• one (1) funder or community investment professional
• one (1) pediatrician or medical professional in service to young children
• one (1) professor or higher education professional
• one (1) member of the public representing the community at large

Strategic Partnership Grant Committee:

The purpose of the Committee is to make Strategic Partnership Grant investment recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County. Strategic Partnership Grant funding is granted to nonprofit organizations working toward outcomes in alignment with County Commissioner goals. The committee generally meets the first Thursday of every month from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, with special meetings as needed.

We have one vacancy on this committee for a 3-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking members that bring expertise in one or more Strategic Plan Focus Areas (education, environment, well-being, economy) and represent the diversity of the County. Applicants should not have any conflicts of interest with nonprofits applying for Strategic Partnership Grants, to include not currently serving on the Board of Directors or staff of an applicant organization.

More information about both programs is available at www.buncombecounty.org/grants.

If you have any questions about these opportunities, please contact Angelyn Johnson ([email protected]) or Sara Joss ([email protected]).

Apply online: https://boardapplications.buncombecounty.org/

Whenever you want!   Supplies available at 2 Sulphur Springs Road If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776. Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request). Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information. Need to know Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806. All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup. Links & Attachments Cleanup Record DIY Cleanup Instructions-C5tsCUvm.pdf Do’s and Don’ts – Roadside Cleanups-j81w1uHK.pdf Syringe Safety-DBjtozsc.pdf

• We’re excited to be approaching this year’s GRINDfest: the celebration of BIPOC business and entrepreneurship. It’s going to be bigger than ever!!!

  This event is an annual effort to bridge economic gaps so that local BIPOC folks can serve as many customers as possible. Together, we collaborate to support various makers, producers, artists, businesses, and entrepreneurs that work very hard all year to prepare to serve festival attendees.

   

  To sign-up for a specific shift time and role, please visit
  VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM

   

  https://grindfestavl.com/

  Home

  Depot St, River Arts District, Asheville, NC

• FESTIVAL INFORMATION

  EVENT: GRINDFEST 2024
  WHEN: May 24th to May 26th, 2024
  WHERE: A.B. Tech Conference Center | 16 Fernihurst Dr. Asheville, NC 28801

  EVENT SCHEDULE

  • Friday (May 24th)
    • 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM – Annual Meeting
    • 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM – Partners Lunch
    • Friday Night – Vendor Setup (Time TBA)
    • 9:00 PM to 12:00 MN – Casino Night
  • Saturday (May 25th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM – Salvage Station
  • Sunday (May 26th)
    • 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Vending
    • 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Gospel Showcase

  *****CARNIVAL RIDES start at 12:00 NOON*****

  We still have a lot of activities not included here! Stay Tuned for all our updates!

  FEATURED MINI EVENTS:

  Asheville on Bikes
  Carnival Rides
  Casino Nights
  Gospel Music Showcase
  Latin Bands
  Hiphop Aerobics

  FEATURED EVENTS: [TICKETED]

  Annual Meeting
  Casino Night
  Harlem Night
  Carnival Ride
  Gospel Showcase

   

   

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  Email any questions to [email protected].

Spring has sprung, and at the YWCA that means that our talented Nutrition team is cooking up new ways to serve fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables to the children in our Early Learning and Empowerment Child Care programs. We are so grateful to be partnering with the wonderful volunteers who operate Grace Covenant’s Community Garden to receive produce grown specifically for our kitchen! The YWCA has been partnering with Grace Covenant for three years, and we have received over 1000 pounds of healthy, local produce from the garden. YWCA Nutrition Specialist Melinda Aponte works hard to make the most of the bounty from Grace Covenant, and she also nurtures our own YWCA garden to teach kiddos in our childcare programs healthy habits and get them in the garden. Love the idea of helping to feed children fresh, healthy foods? Volunteer with the YWCA Nutrition team this spring and summer to help out in the YW garden space.