Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Sunday, June
7, 2020
Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process
Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca or call 828-210-3404.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”
As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”
When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month. “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.
Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.
Monday, June
8, 2020
Absentee Ballot Information: June 23 Second Primary Election
NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation Launches “Brothers And Sisters Like These” Podcasts
POC-led Organizations to give to in NC
All branches Madison County Libraries Reopen June 8.
All branches of the Madison County Library are scheduled to reopen June 8. New procedures, including acrylic shields and social distancing markers, will be in place at every circulation desk. Library staff will be wearing masks when not behind the shields and will undergo temperature checks twice-a-day, according to Kim Bellofatto, director of the Madison County Library. While patrons will be encouraged to follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control regarding the wearing of face masks when in public, they will not be forced to do so.
Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Free Lunches at Ferguson YMCA
Name Change Clinic
Literacy Changing Lives Tour
The second primary election will take place on Tuesday, June 23. Eligible voters include:
- Registered Republicans
- Unaffiliated voters that voted Republican in March
- Unaffiliated voters that did not vote in March
Absentee by-mail voting is taking place now.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and response the North Carolina State Board is reminding North Carolinians that all voters can vote by mail during every election, casting a ballot without leaving the comfort of home. No excuse is necessary. The State Board Office and Task Force are discussing ways to make voting by mail easier, while making sure that the 100 county boards of elections stand ready to process an expected increase in mail-in ballots. If you, or someone you know, will be unavailable to vote in person, there is information you need to know to ensure your vote is counted.
For active duty military, their family members, and U.S. citizens living abroad:
You will need to go to FVAP.gov or ncsbe.gov/voting-options/military-overseas-voting and follow the absentee ballot instructions to receive an absentee ballot. If you have questions about that process, you can call us at (828) 250-4222.
For all others wishing to receive an absentee ballot:
Anyone else wishing to request an absentee ballot may do so for any reason as long as they complete a 2020 North Carolina Absentee Ballot Request Form and return it one of the following ways:
- Mail it to: P.O. Box 7468, Asheville, NC 28802
- Hand deliver it to the dropbox located in the entryway of our office at 77 McDowell St., Asheville, 28801
Special Note: Military and overseas voters may email to [email protected] or fax (828) 250-6262 a signed copy of this form.
Deadline to return the completed Absentee Ballot Request Form is Tuesday, June 16, at 5 p.m.
Once your N.C. Absentee Ballot Request Form has been received, an absentee ballot will be sent out. Absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, June 23, 2020, and received by Friday, June 26, at 5 p.m. They may also be returned in person to our office (by 5 p.m. on June 23) but only by the voter or a near relative. For more information about absentee voting, visit the North Carolina Board of Elections website.
Near relative exceptions
From June 17 to June 22, a voter’s near relative may come into the office to fill out an absentee request form for a voter who is sick or disabled who did not previously request an absentee ballot. The request will be processed immediately and the ballot handed to the near relative to take to the voter. These ballots have the same deadlines as stated above.
The following qualify as a near relative: spouse, brother, sister, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, in-laws, stepparent, stepchild, or verifiable legal guardian.
Session Law 2019-239 made several changes to the absentee voting process. Changes include:
- An absentee request form is now valid only if returned to the county board of elections by the voter, the voter’s near relative or legal guardian, or a Multi-partisan Assistance Team (MAT).
- The absentee request form must be mailed or delivered in person to the voter’s county board of elections. Unlike past elections, request forms may not be emailed or faxed.
- If a voter needs help completing the request form due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write, and a near relative or legal guardian is not available, the voter may get help from another person, who must list their name and address on the form.
For any additional information or questions contact us at (828) 250-4200.
Brothers and Sisters Like These
[email protected]
Brothers and Sisters Like These is a veteran’s writing group, featuring members who share stories and poems with each other and the public around our state as a part of their healing. The group is part of the NC Veteran’s Writing Alliance Foundation. Each of these groups has the goal of supporting veterans as they heal from their war experiences.
-
We want to amplify the work of BIPOC-led organizations and businesses across our region, and ask for you to support them with your attention and money.
During this time, it is NOT helpful to ask people of color what they need or how you can help. Direct financial contributions speak LOUDLY and are one of the best ways you can show your support.
Some Organizations Include:
- Asheville Black Lives Matter
- BeLoved Asheville
- Center for Participatory Change
- Men and Women United for Youth and Families
- RAFI USA Farmers of Color Network
- WNC Workers Center
POC-led Farms & Food Businesses include:
- The Harriet Tubman Freedom Farm
- Lionpaw Botanicals
- Ms. Quitas Kitchen
- Off Grid in Color
- Oliver’s Agroforest
- Rayburn Farms
- Sankofa Farms
- Smallcakes
- Southside Community Garden
- Sweet Thangs
- Sylvanaqua Farms
- Transplanting Traditions
- Tiger Bay Cafe
If there are others we have missed and should be added to this list, please let us know! Send suggestions to Emily Bell, [email protected]
![a store front at day: Named the Best Small Library in America by Library Journal in 2018, the Madison County Public Library is one of just six in North Carolina to offer some services during the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic.]({"default":{"load":"default","w":"80","h":"34","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB13OeBs.img?h=338&w=799&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"},"size3column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"26","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB13OeBs.img?h=264&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"},"size2column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"26","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB13OeBs.img?h=264&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"}})
Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process
Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca or call 828-210-3404.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”
As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”
When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month. “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.
Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.
FREE LUNCHES for anyone 18 years of age and under at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Simply drive up to our front door and let us know how many lunches you need, no questions asked.
For additional food for your family, pick up a FREE box of fresh produce at our Mobile Markets. Calendars are online at ymcawnc.org/nutritionprograms.
Join us for another free legal name change clinic. We will supply you with all of the paperwork needed for the name change and help you answer any questions you may have while navigating this often confusing process. It’s easier with friends!
Our clinic is free, but there are different costs associated with the name change process that you will pay to different agencies along the way, and they are as follows:
Fingerprint fees: $10 each (you’ll need 2 sets)
State background check: $14
FBI background check: $18
Name change petition: $120
Notary fees: vary by location
There is also a charge for a new copy of your birth certificate, but that depends on what state you were born in. To find that info, check https://www.vitalchek.com.
Not all fees are due at the same time in the name change process. Fingerprints are the first step in the process which you then send off for the the state and FBI background checks. The federal background check can take up to 3 months to return, so you will have a little time to get the filing fee for the name change petition together.
If you feel like you would be more comfortable with an escort to the ID Bureau for fingerprinting or to the courthouse to file papers, please let us know in advance of the clinic date so that we can make the proper arrangements.
Would you like to learn more about how literacy changes our students’ lives?
Please join us for coffee and a one-hour tour of the Literacy Council.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES for 2020
Friday, January 10 – 9am | Monday, February 10 – 4pm | Friday, March 13 – 9am
Monday, April 13 – 4pm | Friday, May 8 – 9am | Monday, June 8 – 4pm
Tuesday, June
9, 2020
NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation Launches “Brothers And Sisters Like These” Podcasts
POC-led Organizations to give to in NC
Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Free Lunches at Ferguson YMCA
103.3 Asheville FM Radio Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” Commemorate George Floyd
Tuesday Early Jam
Brothers and Sisters Like These
[email protected]
Brothers and Sisters Like These is a veteran’s writing group, featuring members who share stories and poems with each other and the public around our state as a part of their healing. The group is part of the NC Veteran’s Writing Alliance Foundation. Each of these groups has the goal of supporting veterans as they heal from their war experiences.
-
We want to amplify the work of BIPOC-led organizations and businesses across our region, and ask for you to support them with your attention and money.
During this time, it is NOT helpful to ask people of color what they need or how you can help. Direct financial contributions speak LOUDLY and are one of the best ways you can show your support.
Some Organizations Include:
- Asheville Black Lives Matter
- BeLoved Asheville
- Center for Participatory Change
- Men and Women United for Youth and Families
- RAFI USA Farmers of Color Network
- WNC Workers Center
POC-led Farms & Food Businesses include:
- The Harriet Tubman Freedom Farm
- Lionpaw Botanicals
- Ms. Quitas Kitchen
- Off Grid in Color
- Oliver’s Agroforest
- Rayburn Farms
- Sankofa Farms
- Smallcakes
- Southside Community Garden
- Sweet Thangs
- Sylvanaqua Farms
- Transplanting Traditions
- Tiger Bay Cafe
If there are others we have missed and should be added to this list, please let us know! Send suggestions to Emily Bell, [email protected]
Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process
Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca or call 828-210-3404.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”
As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”
When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month. “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.
Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.
FREE LUNCHES for anyone 18 years of age and under at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Simply drive up to our front door and let us know how many lunches you need, no questions asked.
For additional food for your family, pick up a FREE box of fresh produce at our Mobile Markets. Calendars are online at ymcawnc.org/nutritionprograms.
Wednesday, June
10, 2020
Absentee Ballot Information: June 23 Second Primary Election
NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation Launches “Brothers And Sisters Like These” Podcasts
POC-led Organizations to give to in NC
Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Free Lunches at Ferguson YMCA
The second primary election will take place on Tuesday, June 23. Eligible voters include:
- Registered Republicans
- Unaffiliated voters that voted Republican in March
- Unaffiliated voters that did not vote in March
Absentee by-mail voting is taking place now.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and response the North Carolina State Board is reminding North Carolinians that all voters can vote by mail during every election, casting a ballot without leaving the comfort of home. No excuse is necessary. The State Board Office and Task Force are discussing ways to make voting by mail easier, while making sure that the 100 county boards of elections stand ready to process an expected increase in mail-in ballots. If you, or someone you know, will be unavailable to vote in person, there is information you need to know to ensure your vote is counted.
For active duty military, their family members, and U.S. citizens living abroad:
You will need to go to FVAP.gov or ncsbe.gov/voting-options/military-overseas-voting and follow the absentee ballot instructions to receive an absentee ballot. If you have questions about that process, you can call us at (828) 250-4222.
For all others wishing to receive an absentee ballot:
Anyone else wishing to request an absentee ballot may do so for any reason as long as they complete a 2020 North Carolina Absentee Ballot Request Form and return it one of the following ways:
- Mail it to: P.O. Box 7468, Asheville, NC 28802
- Hand deliver it to the dropbox located in the entryway of our office at 77 McDowell St., Asheville, 28801
Special Note: Military and overseas voters may email to [email protected] or fax (828) 250-6262 a signed copy of this form.
Deadline to return the completed Absentee Ballot Request Form is Tuesday, June 16, at 5 p.m.
Once your N.C. Absentee Ballot Request Form has been received, an absentee ballot will be sent out. Absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, June 23, 2020, and received by Friday, June 26, at 5 p.m. They may also be returned in person to our office (by 5 p.m. on June 23) but only by the voter or a near relative. For more information about absentee voting, visit the North Carolina Board of Elections website.
Near relative exceptions
From June 17 to June 22, a voter’s near relative may come into the office to fill out an absentee request form for a voter who is sick or disabled who did not previously request an absentee ballot. The request will be processed immediately and the ballot handed to the near relative to take to the voter. These ballots have the same deadlines as stated above.
The following qualify as a near relative: spouse, brother, sister, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, in-laws, stepparent, stepchild, or verifiable legal guardian.
Session Law 2019-239 made several changes to the absentee voting process. Changes include:
- An absentee request form is now valid only if returned to the county board of elections by the voter, the voter’s near relative or legal guardian, or a Multi-partisan Assistance Team (MAT).
- The absentee request form must be mailed or delivered in person to the voter’s county board of elections. Unlike past elections, request forms may not be emailed or faxed.
- If a voter needs help completing the request form due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write, and a near relative or legal guardian is not available, the voter may get help from another person, who must list their name and address on the form.
For any additional information or questions contact us at (828) 250-4200.
Brothers and Sisters Like These
[email protected]
Brothers and Sisters Like These is a veteran’s writing group, featuring members who share stories and poems with each other and the public around our state as a part of their healing. The group is part of the NC Veteran’s Writing Alliance Foundation. Each of these groups has the goal of supporting veterans as they heal from their war experiences.
-
We want to amplify the work of BIPOC-led organizations and businesses across our region, and ask for you to support them with your attention and money.
During this time, it is NOT helpful to ask people of color what they need or how you can help. Direct financial contributions speak LOUDLY and are one of the best ways you can show your support.
Some Organizations Include:
- Asheville Black Lives Matter
- BeLoved Asheville
- Center for Participatory Change
- Men and Women United for Youth and Families
- RAFI USA Farmers of Color Network
- WNC Workers Center
POC-led Farms & Food Businesses include:
- The Harriet Tubman Freedom Farm
- Lionpaw Botanicals
- Ms. Quitas Kitchen
- Off Grid in Color
- Oliver’s Agroforest
- Rayburn Farms
- Sankofa Farms
- Smallcakes
- Southside Community Garden
- Sweet Thangs
- Sylvanaqua Farms
- Transplanting Traditions
- Tiger Bay Cafe
If there are others we have missed and should be added to this list, please let us know! Send suggestions to Emily Bell, [email protected]
Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process
Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca or call 828-210-3404.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”
As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”
When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month. “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.
Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.
FREE LUNCHES for anyone 18 years of age and under at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Simply drive up to our front door and let us know how many lunches you need, no questions asked.
For additional food for your family, pick up a FREE box of fresh produce at our Mobile Markets. Calendars are online at ymcawnc.org/nutritionprograms.
Thursday, June
11, 2020
More Online w/ Asheville Museum at Home
NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation Launches “Brothers And Sisters Like These” Podcasts
POC-led Organizations to give to in NC
Voting in the June 23 Second Primary Election: What You Need to Know
Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Free Lunches at Ferguson YMCA
- Explore the Collection and exhibitions virtually on our website.
- Get to know our staff and volunteers, take deeper dives into artwork with our Works of the Week, and more on the Museum blog.
- Relive the grand reopening parties, check out artist interviews, and learn about the history of Pack Square on our YouTube channel.
- Play “I Spy” with your kids using artwork from our Collection.
- Color our Collection (kids and adults) with downloadable coloring sheets and note cards.
- Follow us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
We’ll update this page with virtual tours, children’s activities, and more, as we continue to develop content to provide inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.
Brothers and Sisters Like These
[email protected]
Brothers and Sisters Like These is a veteran’s writing group, featuring members who share stories and poems with each other and the public around our state as a part of their healing. The group is part of the NC Veteran’s Writing Alliance Foundation. Each of these groups has the goal of supporting veterans as they heal from their war experiences.
-
We want to amplify the work of BIPOC-led organizations and businesses across our region, and ask for you to support them with your attention and money.
During this time, it is NOT helpful to ask people of color what they need or how you can help. Direct financial contributions speak LOUDLY and are one of the best ways you can show your support.
Some Organizations Include:
- Asheville Black Lives Matter
- BeLoved Asheville
- Center for Participatory Change
- Men and Women United for Youth and Families
- RAFI USA Farmers of Color Network
- WNC Workers Center
POC-led Farms & Food Businesses include:
- The Harriet Tubman Freedom Farm
- Lionpaw Botanicals
- Ms. Quitas Kitchen
- Off Grid in Color
- Oliver’s Agroforest
- Rayburn Farms
- Sankofa Farms
- Smallcakes
- Southside Community Garden
- Sweet Thangs
- Sylvanaqua Farms
- Transplanting Traditions
- Tiger Bay Cafe
If there are others we have missed and should be added to this list, please let us know! Send suggestions to Emily Bell, [email protected]
The upcoming Second Primary Election is on Tuesday, June 23. Buncombe County Election Services wants to make sure you have all the information you need. Below is information about Early Voting, absentee ballots, finding out if you’re registered, sample ballots, and more. If you have additional questions, contact Election Services at (828) 250-4200.
Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process
Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca or call 828-210-3404.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”
As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”
When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month. “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.
Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.
FREE LUNCHES for anyone 18 years of age and under at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Simply drive up to our front door and let us know how many lunches you need, no questions asked.
For additional food for your family, pick up a FREE box of fresh produce at our Mobile Markets. Calendars are online at ymcawnc.org/nutritionprograms.
Friday, June
12, 2020
Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Asheville Outlets Hosts American Red Cross Blood Donation Drive
Free Lunches at Ferguson YMCA
In This Together: closer with music and conversation
Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process
Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca or call 828-210-3404.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”
As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”
When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month. “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.
Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.
The need for blood donations continues! Asheville Outlets will host a blood donation drive in partnership with the American Red Cross, Friday, June 12, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm between Famous Footwear and VF Factory Outlet.
Donors are asked to register in advance, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/give and entering the sponsor code Ashevilleoutlets. The American Red Cross will establish additional safety guidelines to ensure all donors are socially distanced.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the coronavirus (COVID-19) does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives.
For more information visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.
FREE LUNCHES for anyone 18 years of age and under at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Simply drive up to our front door and let us know how many lunches you need, no questions asked.
For additional food for your family, pick up a FREE box of fresh produce at our Mobile Markets. Calendars are online at ymcawnc.org/nutritionprograms.
Check out our new weekly segment called In This Together, something to help bring us a little closer with music and conversation in a time when we need to be apart. Hosted by Daniel Gilliam and Teddy Abrams, with each show we’ll virtually gather with notable figures, musicians and you. You can listen Fridays at 3pm on 90.5 WUOL or watch live on Facebook.