Raffle 1: The winner and three guests will receive a private tour of the YMI Cultural Center, view its archives (which date back tot he 1800s), then have dinner in this remarkable place. Raffle 2: Win a dozen pieces of East Fork pottery in the glaze of your choice, including the ones they no longer sell. Each raffle ticket costs $5.00 and you can but as many as you like. Enter now until May 27th an Noon. Buy Tickets Here! 100% of your donations benefit Asheville’s YMI Cultural Center, one of the United States’ oldest Black cultural centers, promoting Black excellence through community engagement, advocacy, leadership development and economic justice.

The CDC released updated guidance for individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Per the guidance, fully vaccinated people can: Resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States Refrain from testing following a known exposure, if asymptomatic, with some exceptions for specific settings Refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic Refrain from routine screening testing if feasible For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to: Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations

he Visit NC Farms Phone App, developed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, connects millions of North Carolina residents and visitors to farmers and local food – one community at a time.

The Visit NC Farms App connects the dots in communities across North Carolina. Using cell phone technology, residents and visitors can find farms closest to them with products and activities that interest them.

Visitors can use the app to explore farms, farmers markets and local restaurants that are off the beaten path and unique to each community. Beginning June 1, 2021 Buncombe County Soil & Water District will be accepting applications for listings on the VisitNCFarms app. The app will launch in September 2021.

Interested in joining the app? Contact Buncombe County Soil & Water District at (828) 250-4785 today!

FAQ:

Why should I list my farm on the Visit NC Farms App?

• Showcasing your farm on the app allows you to reach a broader audience of potential customers and repeat patrons.
• You’ll be listed among an expansive and ever-growing collection of agriculture-based offerings.
• With both a map and a list view, users will be able to easily find the farm closest to them or filter based on offerings.
• Your farm listing will feature a brief summary, engaging imagery, and push button shortcuts to call, visit your website, or get directions.
• User and member feedback ensures that the app stays relevant and up to date.
• Your farm listing gives you access to real-time marketing opportunities through push notifications to app users.

Why should my community invest in the Visit NC Farms App?

• There are significant social, economic and environmental benefits to promoting Agritourism in your community. It’s the perfect way to educate people about your community.
• Agritourism experiences show off the social dimension of agriculture. When consumers connect with the families and farmers growing their food, they leave more likely to advocate for and spend more on local foods.
• As a benefit to participation, communities involved in the app received branded premium items to promote user interest in the app and North Carolina agritourism.
• The Visit NC Farms app is affordable, scalable and replicable.
• 77% of all Americans now own a smart phone of some kind. (92% of 18-29 year olds)
• In a Covid-19 economy, consumers are turning to local farms for food. Local farms are pivoting to meet the surge in demand. The Visit NC Farms App is ensuring they get connected.
• 59% of travelers say they will avoid crowds on their next leisure trip, and almost 30% of North Carolinians are more interested in traveling closer to home. This makes nearby rural and outdoor attractions the most likely destinations in the near future. Consider the app as a marketing tool to drive NC residents to the agriculture economy in their own backyards!

How is the app growing in North Carolina?

• The pilot project was launched by Orange County in the fall of 2017. After their investment and initial success, the app expanded to other counties.
• The project is now live or in development with 37 North Carolina counties. Recent additions now in the development phase include Durham, Guilford, and Alamance counties.
• User engagement increased 52% and user downloads increased 41% in March as consumers concerned about health and safety turned to local farms for fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
• The Visit NC Farms App is now reaching nearly 10,000 active users (and counting).
• Data from active app users provides crucial information to better meet app user needs and stakeholder goals.
• “The key is for rural communities to recognize that they have valuable assets, one of which is the very nature of rural life. In an increasingly congested and impersonal world, there is great appeal to a close-knit community. The qualities associated with rural life are particularly conducive to the creation of entrepreneurial ecosystems and the free flow of information, skills and resources…”
• Don Macke has nearly 40 years of community economic development and policy experience, is the co-founder of the Lincoln, Nebraska-based Center for Rural Entrepreneurship and director of the center’s entrepreneurial communities solution area.

How is the app promoted?

• Each community has access to marketing materials including posters, banner stands, buttons, stickers and window clings. Website badges are created for participating sites.
• The app is promoted by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Marketing Division. Welcome and Visitor Centers across the state, the State farmers markets and other statewide venues will share the app messaging.
• Being a part of the app is cooperative advertising. Each farm or community partner also promotes the app to their lists and followers so your audience grows exponentially.
• North Carolina Farm Bureau is supporting this effort across the state.
• As the app grows, the marketing efforts will expand as well. Think billboards!

How much does it cost?

• Thanks to the generous donations from Farm Bureau Insurance and Farm Bureau we are able to offer this service to any farms, local stores, farmers markets, and local restaurants for FREE!

SAHC is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 service year. Application deadline May 31 May 31:  Application Deadline June 1 – June 11:  Interviews Scheduled June 14 – June 25:  Interviews Conducted June 28 – July 2:  Offers Made September 1:  First Day of Service Overview, Eligibility, & Compensation Project Conserve individually places members in service with one of our host site organizations working to protect the unique natural resources of the southern Blue Ridge Mountain region. Full-time (1700-hour) positions will serve 11-months from September  through July. During their terms of service, members will promote conservation through education, volunteerism and direct environmental service. Members participate in required trainings and service days each month with the full Project Conserve team. Trainings may cover a broad range of topics including conflict resolution, forest management, trail construction, invasive plant identification, environmental education, volunteer management, and disaster preparedness.

Para ver esta presentación en español haga clic en: https://youtu.be/edDO_Jl3LUM

Even if you don’t think you are eligible, there are funds and services available for residents of Buncombe County for COVID-19 relief, housing assistance, food, medical, children, employment, you name it. These conversations can be complicated, so let’s make it simple, Let’s Talk about what these services are, who can benefit from them, and how. Join us for Let’s Talk: Getting Back on Your Feet with Economic Services.

Buncombe County Health and Human Services has programs for those who need assistance getting back on their feet as a result of COVID, or through life’s unexpected circumstances. Programs consist of providing residents with free rent, food, energy and utility assistance, health assistance, employment training, emergency assistance, and more.

Check out the video above, below are links with more information about the services provided:

• First, call (828) 250-5500 if you want to inquire about any benefits. You will be connected with a case workers that will work to connect you with everything you are eligible for.
• Information on COVID-19 related Housing and Utility Assistance
• Information on Food Assistance
• Apply for Benefits Online
• Do you Qualify for Medicaid?
• Information on the STEP Program for Continuing Education
• Emergency Assistance through Eblen Charities
• More information on Economic Services/Public Assistance

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), has reopened all adventure activities and river outposts for the 2021 season featuring new food and beverage venues, expanded courses, and the return of events and live entertainment to main resort campus in Bryson City.

• Launched whitewater rafting on seven rivers in the Southeast and aerial adventures to high demand
• Two new food and beverage venues launching on NOC’s 500-acre campus including a renovated coffee and donut shuttle bus as well as a beer venue featuring New Belgium beer and custom beer blends
• Expanded courses at NOC’s Paddling School for kayakers to learn new skills and experience Southeastern rivers
• Full calendar of live music from local and regional bands, and the return of events like Women’s Paddlefest and river releases
• Relia’s Lost Kitchen dinner series kicking off this month with a sold out Orin Swift Wine Dinner; more to follow through October.

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.

NC Households Can Get Assistance with Monthly Internet Bills From Federal Programs The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program provides households with a discount of up to $50 a month off of a household’s internet bill. That increases to $75 a month for those living on tribal lands. Eligible households can also get a one-time discount of $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer through participating providers. The program’s enrollment is now open for qualifying households. A household qualifies if the household’s income is at or less than 135 percent of federal poverty guidelines. A household can also qualify if at least one member: Participates in a federal benefits program, such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Lifeline Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program, Lost a job or a significant amount of income in the past year, Received a Federal Pell Grant, or Is part of an internet service provider’s low-income or COVID-19 program.

Unique outdoor sculptural works by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, known as “Stick Man,” will reside in Antler Hill Village. Renowned worldwide for his monumental creations, Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. The visual appeal of these large-scale artworks may be appreciated up close as guests are encouraged to walk through and around the creations, affording the opportunity to admire the artistry and technical skills required to make the sculptures.

The City of Asheville has partnered with Asheville GreenWorks to launch the Adopt-A-Spot program. Businesses, organizations, or individuals can choose a City-owned piece of property that they wish to adopt. The responsibility of the adopter will be to maintain either an edible or pollinator garden in this location. The program provides recognition of adopters through dedicated signage at the site. Make a positive impact on Asheville by promoting stewardship of publicly owned places.

Types of Spots to Adopt

Work at Tanglewood! Want to work at Tanglewood this summer? We’re looking for Instructors, Teacher Assistants, Junior Teacher Assistants, and Stage Managers! More information can be found in each application link, and those can all be found HERE!

You can help ensure resilience throughout the region by continuing to support our conservation efforts when you make a gift today. Conservation of wildlife corridors, high elevation habitat, prime soils, headwater streams, and watersheds helps secure a landscape resilient to climate change. You can help protect, steward and restore the special places in the Southern Appalachians, forever.

Raffle 1: The winner and three guests will receive a private tour of the YMI Cultural Center, view its archives (which date back tot he 1800s), then have dinner in this remarkable place. Raffle 2: Win a dozen pieces of East Fork pottery in the glaze of your choice, including the ones they no longer sell. Each raffle ticket costs $5.00 and you can but as many as you like. Enter now until May 27th an Noon. Buy Tickets Here! 100% of your donations benefit Asheville’s YMI Cultural Center, one of the United States’ oldest Black cultural centers, promoting Black excellence through community engagement, advocacy, leadership development and economic justice.

In February 2021, Buncombe County received an additional $1.75 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to continue building on efforts in collaboration with local leaders and the community to rethink the local criminal justice system, safely reduce Buncombe County’s jail population, and eliminate racial inequities. Community engagement is an essential component of justice system reform, and the Safety Justice Challenge (SJC) is seeking 10 community members to serve on a workgroup. This is a paid opportunity.

Community Members Needed

Community engagement for the Safety Justice Challenge is about involving people who are directly and indirectly affected by government policies and practices. The SJC Community Engagement Workgroup is seeking 10 community members to serve on the workgroup. For this workgroup, a community member is someone who is impacted by the justice system and is not affiliated with, or being paid by an organization to participate in the workgroup. Community members will receive a stipend funded by the MacArthur Foundation grant.

Please see the attachment for a complete timeline and application information. The application deadline has been extended until May 28, 2021.

Workgroup activities will include:

• Continuing to plan, facilitate, and host activities such as town halls, focus groups, listening session, criminal justice info sessions, and community meetings
• Reviewing content and material related to public education campaigns, information sessions, and community meetings
• Developing communication strategies between community and criminal justice system organizations

About the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

The current grant brings the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s total investment in Buncombe County to $3.55 million to date, and is part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, a $246 million national initiative to reduce over-incarceration and advance racial equity in local criminal justice systems by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.

Visit buncombecounty.org/justiceservices to learn more about the Safety Justice Challenge in Buncombe County.

The CDC released updated guidance for individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Per the guidance, fully vaccinated people can: Resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States Refrain from testing following a known exposure, if asymptomatic, with some exceptions for specific settings Refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic Refrain from routine screening testing if feasible For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to: Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations

he Visit NC Farms Phone App, developed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, connects millions of North Carolina residents and visitors to farmers and local food – one community at a time.

The Visit NC Farms App connects the dots in communities across North Carolina. Using cell phone technology, residents and visitors can find farms closest to them with products and activities that interest them.

Visitors can use the app to explore farms, farmers markets and local restaurants that are off the beaten path and unique to each community. Beginning June 1, 2021 Buncombe County Soil & Water District will be accepting applications for listings on the VisitNCFarms app. The app will launch in September 2021.

Interested in joining the app? Contact Buncombe County Soil & Water District at (828) 250-4785 today!

FAQ:

Why should I list my farm on the Visit NC Farms App?

• Showcasing your farm on the app allows you to reach a broader audience of potential customers and repeat patrons.
• You’ll be listed among an expansive and ever-growing collection of agriculture-based offerings.
• With both a map and a list view, users will be able to easily find the farm closest to them or filter based on offerings.
• Your farm listing will feature a brief summary, engaging imagery, and push button shortcuts to call, visit your website, or get directions.
• User and member feedback ensures that the app stays relevant and up to date.
• Your farm listing gives you access to real-time marketing opportunities through push notifications to app users.

Why should my community invest in the Visit NC Farms App?

• There are significant social, economic and environmental benefits to promoting Agritourism in your community. It’s the perfect way to educate people about your community.
• Agritourism experiences show off the social dimension of agriculture. When consumers connect with the families and farmers growing their food, they leave more likely to advocate for and spend more on local foods.
• As a benefit to participation, communities involved in the app received branded premium items to promote user interest in the app and North Carolina agritourism.
• The Visit NC Farms app is affordable, scalable and replicable.
• 77% of all Americans now own a smart phone of some kind. (92% of 18-29 year olds)
• In a Covid-19 economy, consumers are turning to local farms for food. Local farms are pivoting to meet the surge in demand. The Visit NC Farms App is ensuring they get connected.
• 59% of travelers say they will avoid crowds on their next leisure trip, and almost 30% of North Carolinians are more interested in traveling closer to home. This makes nearby rural and outdoor attractions the most likely destinations in the near future. Consider the app as a marketing tool to drive NC residents to the agriculture economy in their own backyards!

How is the app growing in North Carolina?

• The pilot project was launched by Orange County in the fall of 2017. After their investment and initial success, the app expanded to other counties.
• The project is now live or in development with 37 North Carolina counties. Recent additions now in the development phase include Durham, Guilford, and Alamance counties.
• User engagement increased 52% and user downloads increased 41% in March as consumers concerned about health and safety turned to local farms for fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
• The Visit NC Farms App is now reaching nearly 10,000 active users (and counting).
• Data from active app users provides crucial information to better meet app user needs and stakeholder goals.
• “The key is for rural communities to recognize that they have valuable assets, one of which is the very nature of rural life. In an increasingly congested and impersonal world, there is great appeal to a close-knit community. The qualities associated with rural life are particularly conducive to the creation of entrepreneurial ecosystems and the free flow of information, skills and resources…”
• Don Macke has nearly 40 years of community economic development and policy experience, is the co-founder of the Lincoln, Nebraska-based Center for Rural Entrepreneurship and director of the center’s entrepreneurial communities solution area.

How is the app promoted?

• Each community has access to marketing materials including posters, banner stands, buttons, stickers and window clings. Website badges are created for participating sites.
• The app is promoted by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Marketing Division. Welcome and Visitor Centers across the state, the State farmers markets and other statewide venues will share the app messaging.
• Being a part of the app is cooperative advertising. Each farm or community partner also promotes the app to their lists and followers so your audience grows exponentially.
• North Carolina Farm Bureau is supporting this effort across the state.
• As the app grows, the marketing efforts will expand as well. Think billboards!

How much does it cost?

• Thanks to the generous donations from Farm Bureau Insurance and Farm Bureau we are able to offer this service to any farms, local stores, farmers markets, and local restaurants for FREE!

SAHC is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 service year. Application deadline May 31 May 31:  Application Deadline June 1 – June 11:  Interviews Scheduled June 14 – June 25:  Interviews Conducted June 28 – July 2:  Offers Made September 1:  First Day of Service Overview, Eligibility, & Compensation Project Conserve individually places members in service with one of our host site organizations working to protect the unique natural resources of the southern Blue Ridge Mountain region. Full-time (1700-hour) positions will serve 11-months from September  through July. During their terms of service, members will promote conservation through education, volunteerism and direct environmental service. Members participate in required trainings and service days each month with the full Project Conserve team. Trainings may cover a broad range of topics including conflict resolution, forest management, trail construction, invasive plant identification, environmental education, volunteer management, and disaster preparedness.

Para ver esta presentación en español haga clic en: https://youtu.be/edDO_Jl3LUM

Even if you don’t think you are eligible, there are funds and services available for residents of Buncombe County for COVID-19 relief, housing assistance, food, medical, children, employment, you name it. These conversations can be complicated, so let’s make it simple, Let’s Talk about what these services are, who can benefit from them, and how. Join us for Let’s Talk: Getting Back on Your Feet with Economic Services.

Buncombe County Health and Human Services has programs for those who need assistance getting back on their feet as a result of COVID, or through life’s unexpected circumstances. Programs consist of providing residents with free rent, food, energy and utility assistance, health assistance, employment training, emergency assistance, and more.

Check out the video above, below are links with more information about the services provided:

• First, call (828) 250-5500 if you want to inquire about any benefits. You will be connected with a case workers that will work to connect you with everything you are eligible for.
• Information on COVID-19 related Housing and Utility Assistance
• Information on Food Assistance
• Apply for Benefits Online
• Do you Qualify for Medicaid?
• Information on the STEP Program for Continuing Education
• Emergency Assistance through Eblen Charities
• More information on Economic Services/Public Assistance

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), has reopened all adventure activities and river outposts for the 2021 season featuring new food and beverage venues, expanded courses, and the return of events and live entertainment to main resort campus in Bryson City.

• Launched whitewater rafting on seven rivers in the Southeast and aerial adventures to high demand
• Two new food and beverage venues launching on NOC’s 500-acre campus including a renovated coffee and donut shuttle bus as well as a beer venue featuring New Belgium beer and custom beer blends
• Expanded courses at NOC’s Paddling School for kayakers to learn new skills and experience Southeastern rivers
• Full calendar of live music from local and regional bands, and the return of events like Women’s Paddlefest and river releases
• Relia’s Lost Kitchen dinner series kicking off this month with a sold out Orin Swift Wine Dinner; more to follow through October.

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.

NC Households Can Get Assistance with Monthly Internet Bills From Federal Programs The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program provides households with a discount of up to $50 a month off of a household’s internet bill. That increases to $75 a month for those living on tribal lands. Eligible households can also get a one-time discount of $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer through participating providers. The program’s enrollment is now open for qualifying households. A household qualifies if the household’s income is at or less than 135 percent of federal poverty guidelines. A household can also qualify if at least one member: Participates in a federal benefits program, such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Lifeline Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program, Lost a job or a significant amount of income in the past year, Received a Federal Pell Grant, or Is part of an internet service provider’s low-income or COVID-19 program.

Unique outdoor sculptural works by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, known as “Stick Man,” will reside in Antler Hill Village. Renowned worldwide for his monumental creations, Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. The visual appeal of these large-scale artworks may be appreciated up close as guests are encouraged to walk through and around the creations, affording the opportunity to admire the artistry and technical skills required to make the sculptures.