Buncombe County’s residents, especially those living in and at the edge of poverty, have been able to access valuable, life-saving emergency assistance benefits through Eblen Charities. For many years now, Eblen Charities has partnered with Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) to administer the Emergency Assistance, Crisis Intervention, and Low Income Energy Assistance programs. Due to an increase in need from our neighbors and challenges with processing benefits between state and partner agency systems, BCHHS transitioned the administration of these programs from Eblen Charities to the County on November 13, 2023.

We recognize that this a change for our community as Eblen Charities has provided this assistance for many years and has been a vital resource for our neighbors in crisis. BCHHS began answering calls and processing online applications on November 13, 2023. Beginning December 1, 2023, with the start of Low Income Energy Assistance application processing, BCHHS will start taking in-person requests at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville.

Low Income Energy Assistance provides a one-time annual vendor payment to help eligible families pay their heating expense. Households containing a person age 60 or older or disabled receiving services can apply starting December 1, 2023. All households can apply starting January 1, 2024. Low Income Energy Assistance applications are accepted until March 31, 2024 or until funds are exhausted.

To qualify for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet income requirements.
• Be responsible for its heating costs.

The Crisis Intervention Program serves individuals and families who are experiencing or are in danger of experiencing a heating- or cooling-related crisis.

To qualify for the Crisis Intervention Program, households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet the income requirements.
• Have an energy related crisis.
• Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis.

For those who have previously received Low Income Energy Assistance Program assistance, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin notifying eligible households by mail beginning November 19, 2023. Households will have 10 days to report any changes to their household. Applicants can report changes by contacting the BCHHS office or by making changes to the form that was mailed to you and return it to BCHHS, located at 40 Coxe Ave. in Downtown Asheville. If no changes are reported, the information from last year will be used to process this year’s automated Low Income Energy Assistance payment.

If you are interested in applying for these Energy Assistance benefits, you can quickly apply online at www.epass.nc.gov. If you would like to apply over the phone, have general questions about energy assistance, or need to check on the status of your case, please call us at (828) 250-6330. Beginning December 1, 2023, you may also visit us in person at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville. Please bring your parking ticket with you inside of the building for free parking.

Buncombe County also will administer Emergency Assistance, which Buncombe County Social Work Services distributes as funds become available to our community. To apply for Emergency Assistance, go online to epass.nc.gov, call Buncombe County at 828-250-6330, or apply in person at 40 Coxe Ave.

BCHHS will continue to partner with Eblen Charities to assist families and individuals in our community during times of crisis and hardship. For more information on the services that are available in our community, visit www.buncombecounty.org/hhs.

Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding. 

Applications due by:

• November 30, 2023
• January 30, 2024
• March 30, 2024

If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!

Did you know that just one blood donation can help save up to three lives? The American Red Cross is currently experiencing an emergency blood shortage and reports the nation is facing the lowest number of blood donations in 20 years. If you would like to help, you can donate blood at the upcoming 14th Annual Battle of the Badges, a friendly competition between Buncombe County and Asheville first responders.

Last year, Battle of the Badges was able to collect a total of 160 units of blood that helped change the lives of patients in need. Help us match or exceed that goal during this year’s blood drive.

• Battle of the Badges Blood Drive 2024
• Wednesday, Feb. 21
• 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St., in Asheville

You can schedule an appointment at   RedCrossBlood.org and enter “avlbattleofbadges” or call 800-RED-CROSS

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Sign up to greet voters at the Friendship Community Center during Early Voting!

Poll greeting is an important way you can help make sure voters fill out their entire ballot, even our important local races.

The shifts are 2 hours long, but please consider 1) signing up for two shifts at a time on as many days as possible; and 2) signing up for an empty shift first until they’re all filled with at least one volunteer. Early Voting begins on February 15th and will continue through March 2nd.

All Poll Greeters are encouraged to attend a Poll Greeter Training. Here is the link to sign up for the training: https://mobilize.us/s/oazSHJ

Thanks so much for agreeing to welcome and inform voters, and to encourage them to join our efforts.

Sponsored by NC Cooperative Extension and the Transylvania County Library, Living in the Mountains is a five-part educational series exploring the unique challenges and opportunities of living in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Part Five: Wildlife Control for Your Landscape

Living in harmony with nature means a lot more than just putting out bird feeders. In fact, sometimes that’s a bad idea! In this presentation, we’ll discuss how to get along with the moles, voles, deer, birds, bats, bears, and other varmints that might come to visit your home here in the mountains. This will include deer-resistant plants and strategies to keep critters out of your garden.

This event will take place in person, in the Library’s Rogow Room.  Can’t make it in person?  Join the program via Zoom.

The experience of homelessness is especially hard on women. Homelessness experienced by women is made unique by their disproportionate experiences of gender-based violence including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, human trafficking, and sexual assault, and is experienced by both cisgender (those who identify with the gender assigned them at birth) and transgender women. Over time, women’s wealth compounds at a lower rate compared to men’s due to persistent pay gaps, resulting in higher rental burdens and housing instability. Though younger women are facing higher rates of first-time homelessness, gendered wealth disparities also force older women, no longer able to afford the cost of living, into homelessness. Older women face more chronic health conditions and, on average, die 35 years prematurely. Due to longstanding systemic racism and sexism, women’s homelessness is disproportionately experienced by BIOPC and LGBTQIA communities.

Sign up to greet voters at the Friendship Community Center during Early Voting!

Poll greeting is an important way you can help make sure voters fill out their entire ballot, even our important local races.

The shifts are 2 hours long, but please consider 1) signing up for two shifts at a time on as many days as possible; and 2) signing up for an empty shift first until they’re all filled with at least one volunteer. Early Voting begins on February 15th and will continue through March 2nd.

All Poll Greeters are encouraged to attend a Poll Greeter Training. Here is the link to sign up for the training: https://mobilize.us/s/oazSHJ

Thanks so much for agreeing to welcome and inform voters, and to encourage them to join our efforts.

Sing with our Choir at a progressive church

Come join us! Contact Mark Acker for more information ([email protected]).

Rehearsals on Wednesday’s, 3:30-4:45

Sign up to greet voters at the Friendship Community Center during Early Voting!

Poll greeting is an important way you can help make sure voters fill out their entire ballot, even our important local races.

The shifts are 2 hours long, but please consider 1) signing up for two shifts at a time on as many days as possible; and 2) signing up for an empty shift first until they’re all filled with at least one volunteer. Early Voting begins on February 15th and will continue through March 2nd.

All Poll Greeters are encouraged to attend a Poll Greeter Training. Here is the link to sign up for the training: https://mobilize.us/s/oazSHJ

Thanks so much for agreeing to welcome and inform voters, and to encourage them to join our efforts.

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) will host a community meeting to discuss the process that led to the difficult decision to not open the outdoor pool in Malvern Hills Park this year. Asheville residents are invited to attend. 

• Wednesday, February 21, 2024 

• 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. 

• Lucy S. Herring Elementary School, 98 Sulphur Springs Road

City of Asheville officials previously announced the 90 year-old pool can no longer be repaired to safely serve the community. APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt gave a presentation and answered questions from City Council members during an agenda briefing on February 8.  Slides from the presentation are available online and the meeting can be viewed on the City of Asheville’s YouTube channel (presentation begins at 1:25:30).

As part of the larger APR system, the forthcoming community-created parks and recreation comprehensive plan, Recreate Asheville: Shaping Our City’s Parks, will inform future investments in Malvern Hills Park and other recreation facilities in the city. Development of the plan is currently entering its second phase of engagement with additional public feedback opportunities in March including community workshops on March 28. The completed plan is scheduled for presentation to City Council in June 2024.

Asheville Parks & Recreation

With its oldest parks dating to the 1890s, Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. With 10 miles of paved greenways and numerous natural surface trails, its complete portfolio acts as the foundation of a vibrant hub for the people of Asheville to connect with their neighbors and explore the natural beauty of a livable and walkable city.

Sign up to greet voters at the Friendship Community Center during Early Voting!

Poll greeting is an important way you can help make sure voters fill out their entire ballot, even our important local races.

The shifts are 2 hours long, but please consider 1) signing up for two shifts at a time on as many days as possible; and 2) signing up for an empty shift first until they’re all filled with at least one volunteer. Early Voting begins on February 15th and will continue through March 2nd.

All Poll Greeters are encouraged to attend a Poll Greeter Training. Here is the link to sign up for the training: https://mobilize.us/s/oazSHJ

Thanks so much for agreeing to welcome and inform voters, and to encourage them to join our efforts.

Weekly mountain music JAM with
players in a round, where the session is focused on regional fiddle tunes and songs, You are welcome to come and listen or to
learn and join in. This event supports the Henderson County Junior Appalachian Musician (JAM) Kids Program, Free but
donations are accepted.

Buncombe County’s residents, especially those living in and at the edge of poverty, have been able to access valuable, life-saving emergency assistance benefits through Eblen Charities. For many years now, Eblen Charities has partnered with Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) to administer the Emergency Assistance, Crisis Intervention, and Low Income Energy Assistance programs. Due to an increase in need from our neighbors and challenges with processing benefits between state and partner agency systems, BCHHS transitioned the administration of these programs from Eblen Charities to the County on November 13, 2023.

We recognize that this a change for our community as Eblen Charities has provided this assistance for many years and has been a vital resource for our neighbors in crisis. BCHHS began answering calls and processing online applications on November 13, 2023. Beginning December 1, 2023, with the start of Low Income Energy Assistance application processing, BCHHS will start taking in-person requests at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville.

Low Income Energy Assistance provides a one-time annual vendor payment to help eligible families pay their heating expense. Households containing a person age 60 or older or disabled receiving services can apply starting December 1, 2023. All households can apply starting January 1, 2024. Low Income Energy Assistance applications are accepted until March 31, 2024 or until funds are exhausted.

To qualify for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet income requirements.
• Be responsible for its heating costs.

The Crisis Intervention Program serves individuals and families who are experiencing or are in danger of experiencing a heating- or cooling-related crisis.

To qualify for the Crisis Intervention Program, households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet the income requirements.
• Have an energy related crisis.
• Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis.

For those who have previously received Low Income Energy Assistance Program assistance, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin notifying eligible households by mail beginning November 19, 2023. Households will have 10 days to report any changes to their household. Applicants can report changes by contacting the BCHHS office or by making changes to the form that was mailed to you and return it to BCHHS, located at 40 Coxe Ave. in Downtown Asheville. If no changes are reported, the information from last year will be used to process this year’s automated Low Income Energy Assistance payment.

If you are interested in applying for these Energy Assistance benefits, you can quickly apply online at www.epass.nc.gov. If you would like to apply over the phone, have general questions about energy assistance, or need to check on the status of your case, please call us at (828) 250-6330. Beginning December 1, 2023, you may also visit us in person at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville. Please bring your parking ticket with you inside of the building for free parking.

Buncombe County also will administer Emergency Assistance, which Buncombe County Social Work Services distributes as funds become available to our community. To apply for Emergency Assistance, go online to epass.nc.gov, call Buncombe County at 828-250-6330, or apply in person at 40 Coxe Ave.

BCHHS will continue to partner with Eblen Charities to assist families and individuals in our community during times of crisis and hardship. For more information on the services that are available in our community, visit www.buncombecounty.org/hhs.

Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding. 

Applications due by:

• November 30, 2023
• January 30, 2024
• March 30, 2024

If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!

Sign up to greet voters at the Friendship Community Center during Early Voting!

Poll greeting is an important way you can help make sure voters fill out their entire ballot, even our important local races.

The shifts are 2 hours long, but please consider 1) signing up for two shifts at a time on as many days as possible; and 2) signing up for an empty shift first until they’re all filled with at least one volunteer. Early Voting begins on February 15th and will continue through March 2nd.

All Poll Greeters are encouraged to attend a Poll Greeter Training. Here is the link to sign up for the training: https://mobilize.us/s/oazSHJ

Thanks so much for agreeing to welcome and inform voters, and to encourage them to join our efforts.

Two days of educational programs, trade show featuring over 40 vendors and the annual meeting of the NC Tomato Growers Association

This is the largest commercial vegetable grower event in the region with a high quality educational program put together by vegetable extension specialist/agents at NC State University. We hope that you take advantage of this opportunity to learn about current issues associated with vegetables and take time with the representatives from agricultural companies and other businesses that support our industry during our 2-day trade show.

• New education track for small farms/direct market growers/organic production
• A sponsored lunch and awards program will be included at noon on Thursday.
• Pesticide credits will be available for attendees. (X,O, D, N)
• NC Private Applicator Recertification Class (V)
• Fumigation Recertification Class (Z)
• There will be a trade show again this year with a large number of sponsors and exhibitors setting up their displays for attendees to visit. Interested vendors should register early.
  

  SPONSORS/EXHIBITORS

  We welcome sponsors for our event. Sponsorships give you the opportunity to showcase your business and allow us to make this a special conference for attendees. Sponsorships also support scholarships. Details are included on the sponsorship ticket descriptions in the “get tickets” link above. If you need to be invoiced and send a check, please contact Ellen Moss at [email protected].

  SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

  This year we will be holding a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction to support our scholarship fund. Raffle prices are $10/each or 12 for $100. During the conference see the Registration Desk to purchase your raffle tickets or for more information. Drawing will occur at the Tomato Growers Association Luncheon on Thursday. You Must Be Present to Win! If you are not interested in purchasing a raffle ticket or bidding on the silent auction, but would still like to support the scholarship fund, donations are greatly appreciated! Your generosity ensures that NCTGA continues to support future generations of farmers with an endowment fund used to offer merit/need-based scholarships. You can make a donation through this Eventbrite page via the donations ticket button. Details are included in the “get tickets” link above. If you need to be invoiced and send a check, or need a receipt for a tax deduction please contact Ellen Moss at [email protected].

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Presenter: Mary Alice Ramsey, Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteer

“As the Garden Sleeps, the Gardener Plans”.  Join Mary Alice Ramsey as she presents Planning Your VegeGarden. Mary Alice has been growing vegetables in her home garden for years. She will highlight the basics of vegetable gardening planning, how to create the right-size garden and how to select which vegetables to grow. She will share information on garden tools and structures, seed and plant sources, getting started and keeping records.

Mary Alice’s Garden has been included in the Gardens of Fairview tours each spring and her garden was featured in Southern Living magazine in August of 2017.

Registration: The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. This will be an indoor program. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522

Presenter: Mary Alice Ramsey, Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteer

“As the Garden Sleeps, the Gardener Plans”.  Join Mary Alice Ramsey as she presents Planning Your Vegetable Garden. Mary Alice has been growing vegetables in her home garden for years. She will highlight the basics of vegetable gardening planning, how to create the right-size garden and how to select which vegetables to grow. She will share information on garden tools and structures, seed and plant sources, getting started and keeping records.

Mary Alice’s Garden has been included in the Gardens of Fairview tours each spring and her garden was featured in Southern Living magazine in August of 2017.

Registration: The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. This will be an indoor program. Please dress appropriate for the weather.

If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

Sign up to greet voters at the Friendship Community Center during Early Voting!

Poll greeting is an important way you can help make sure voters fill out their entire ballot, even our important local races.

The shifts are 2 hours long, but please consider 1) signing up for two shifts at a time on as many days as possible; and 2) signing up for an empty shift first until they’re all filled with at least one volunteer. Early Voting begins on February 15th and will continue through March 2nd.

All Poll Greeters are encouraged to attend a Poll Greeter Training. Here is the link to sign up for the training: https://mobilize.us/s/oazSHJ

Thanks so much for agreeing to welcome and inform voters, and to encourage them to join our efforts.

Sign up to greet voters at the Friendship Community Center during Early Voting!

Poll greeting is an important way you can help make sure voters fill out their entire ballot, even our important local races.

The shifts are 2 hours long, but please consider 1) signing up for two shifts at a time on as many days as possible; and 2) signing up for an empty shift first until they’re all filled with at least one volunteer. Early Voting begins on February 15th and will continue through March 2nd.

All Poll Greeters are encouraged to attend a Poll Greeter Training. Here is the link to sign up for the training: https://mobilize.us/s/oazSHJ

Thanks so much for agreeing to welcome and inform voters, and to encourage them to join our efforts.

Sign up to greet voters at the Friendship Community Center during Early Voting!

Poll greeting is an important way you can help make sure voters fill out their entire ballot, even our important local races.

The shifts are 2 hours long, but please consider 1) signing up for two shifts at a time on as many days as possible; and 2) signing up for an empty shift first until they’re all filled with at least one volunteer. Early Voting begins on February 15th and will continue through March 2nd.

All Poll Greeters are encouraged to attend a Poll Greeter Training. Here is the link to sign up for the training: https://mobilize.us/s/oazSHJ

Thanks so much for agreeing to welcome and inform voters, and to encourage them to join our efforts.

Please come and support Chef Bailey and Our Voice at this lovely dinner on February 22, 2024, at The Mule.

Produced by Shay & Company in Partnership with Devil’s Foot Beverage Company

Stay Tuned for Menu Details

Buncombe County is taking steps to convert underutilized County-owned properties into affordable housing. In March 2023 the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners prioritized sites for potential development of affordable housing, including 50-52 Coxe Avenue.

The public is invited to participate in the next round of community meetings to help determine the future of the Coxe Avenue property. Participants will have the opportunity to review multiple development options proposed for the site and share their feedback with the Affordable Housing Development team.

Please join us for the Democratic Women of Buncombe County general meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month.

Who should attend: Anyone who supports electing democratic women to office.

Sign up to greet voters at the Friendship Community Center during Early Voting!

Poll greeting is an important way you can help make sure voters fill out their entire ballot, even our important local races.

The shifts are 2 hours long, but please consider 1) signing up for two shifts at a time on as many days as possible; and 2) signing up for an empty shift first until they’re all filled with at least one volunteer. Early Voting begins on February 15th and will continue through March 2nd.

All Poll Greeters are encouraged to attend a Poll Greeter Training. Here is the link to sign up for the training: https://mobilize.us/s/oazSHJ

Thanks so much for agreeing to welcome and inform voters, and to encourage them to join our efforts.

In the late 19th century, the church became a gathering place for Black communities and impacted the development of what’s now considered soul food. Fried chicken, fried fish, sweet potato pie, sweet tea, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and more were served during Emancipation celebrations and church gatherings. Celebrate a century since Stephens-Lee High School opened its doors at this dinner sponsored by school alumni and the East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association with down-home cooking passed down through generations. Advance registration is requested to help with planning. Please call (828) 350-2058 for more info.