Calendar of Events

Update Jan. 4, 2022

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the countywide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Feb. 16, 2022. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Town of Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin.

In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, and per the CDC definition, the County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity remains in the moderate category, and the death rate remains in the substantial category.

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency is encouraging residents to get their homes tested for Radon during National Radon Action Month.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless.  Radon is released harmlessly from the ground into outdoor air, but it can accumulate and reach harmful levels when trapped in homes and buildings.

Testing is the only way to know if a home has an elevated level of radon. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend taking action to fix your home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or more. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs.  Taking action to reduce your exposure to radon is a long-term investment in your families’ health and your home.

The NC Radon Program is offering discounted short-term radon test kits for residents of North Carolina. Other short-term radon test kits can also be purchased online for as little as $18 and are available at most home improvement and hardware stores. Additional information can be found at epa.gov/radon.

Membership is the cornerstone of the Asheville Downtown Association. By renewing or joining, you are adding your voice to a collective of business, nonprofits and individuals working together for a thriving downtown. Benefits include:

• Inclusion of your business’ profile in our online business directory
• Member news and events featured on our website and in our newsletter
• Business referrals through our website, phone calls and drop-in visitors
• Collective advocacy on issues that affect doing business downtown
• Placement of your brochures in our high-traffic brochure rack
• Networking opportunities at our Member Mixers

Public health has realized for some time that many people are experiencing some level of pandemic fatigue or COVID-19 fatigue as described by the American Medical Association. We’re all weary of the restrictions and guidance about wearing masks and physical distancing. No one imagined that 21 months after the beginning of the pandemic that we’d be facing our most severe phase with the current Omicron variant. Despite the challenges we face today, we will prevail through this current surge and hope to see a significant decline with cases in the next 3 or 4 weeks if current projections hold true. Here are the essential pieces of information you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones in the weeks ahead. The risk of contracting COVID-19 today is higher than it has ever been before. The Omicron variant has proven to be incredibly contagious, and it is usually quantified as being 3 to 4 times more infectious than the Delta variant. We have surpassed our prior peak with the Delta variant and this current surge may eventually triple or quadruple the volume of cases that we’re experiencing now. Look at our daily new cases rate per 100,000 (7 day rolling average) to gauge the volume and rapid expansion of cases. (See table in photos.) In the United States today, there are states with daily new case rates approaching 400, Rhode Island is at 504. In North Carolina today, there are counties with daily new case rates that are now approaching 400. It is reasonable to assume that local case increases will follow this same pattern. Do I need to do something different to protect myself and others during this surge? The short answer is yes. We all need to change and adapt our strategies for the Omicron variant. Here are several key steps you can take to better protect yourself and others: If you are vaccinated and eligible for a booster, please consider getting that booster as soon as possible. The original vaccination series (2 doses of Moderna or Pfizer or 1 dose of J & J vaccine) is not as effective against the Omicron variant as the Delta variant. A booster significantly increases your level of vaccine protection. More breakthrough cases are happening with the Omicron variant, but vaccinations are still highly effective at reducing hospitalizations and deaths. Being up to date with a booster also prevents you from being placed in quarantine should you be exposed to a positive case. If you are unvaccinated, please consider consulting with your physician about your risk factors and the benefits of vaccination. It might not prevent you from getting infected with COVID-19 but will lessen your chances of severe health outcomes. Our 2 local hospitals report that 90% of hospitalized patients are unvaccinated. Vaccinations are still the most effective way to protect yourself. Get the facts from your usual trusted medical professional. Also consider a different approach with face coverings whether you are vaccinated or not. These remain a primary recommendation to provide another layer of protection, particularly for indoor public settings. The Omicron variant spreads more easily, and we have multiple documented cases where people aren’t even aware of how they became exposed. Even very minor time-limited exposures can result in a positive case. Ideally, upgrade your mask type from a cloth face covering to a surgical mask or KN95 mask. These latter 2 options provide more protection for you when around others. Public health does not recommend an N95 mask for the general public. These are still only necessary for those in healthcare or extreme exposure environments. If you are symptomatic stay home, self-isolate and seek testing. Testing availability and supply are limited at this time. If you have symptoms and are unable to get tested assume you are positive for COVID-19 or the flu and self-isolate. Obtain a test as soon as you are able. Close contact should wear masks in all interactions. If close contacts become symptomatic, they too should immediately isolate and obtain a test, if possible. These simple strategies can help us achieve the objectives we originally established with many public health partners as part of our pandemic response plan. Reduce the transmission of disease, protect the most vulnerable and prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. We will be challenged on all fronts in the coming days. We ask for your help to achieve the best possible outcomes during this difficult phase. Thank you for everything you are already doing to keep yourself and others safe. It matters. Better days are ahead. Steve Smith Health Director, Henderson County Department of Public Health Graph: courtesy of Henderson County Department of Public Health

Update Jan. 4, 2022

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the countywide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Feb. 16, 2022. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Town of Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin.

In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, and per the CDC definition, the County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity remains in the moderate category, and the death rate remains in the substantial category.

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency is encouraging residents to get their homes tested for Radon during National Radon Action Month.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless.  Radon is released harmlessly from the ground into outdoor air, but it can accumulate and reach harmful levels when trapped in homes and buildings.

Testing is the only way to know if a home has an elevated level of radon. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend taking action to fix your home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or more. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs.  Taking action to reduce your exposure to radon is a long-term investment in your families’ health and your home.

The NC Radon Program is offering discounted short-term radon test kits for residents of North Carolina. Other short-term radon test kits can also be purchased online for as little as $18 and are available at most home improvement and hardware stores. Additional information can be found at epa.gov/radon.

Membership is the cornerstone of the Asheville Downtown Association. By renewing or joining, you are adding your voice to a collective of business, nonprofits and individuals working together for a thriving downtown. Benefits include:

• Inclusion of your business’ profile in our online business directory
• Member news and events featured on our website and in our newsletter
• Business referrals through our website, phone calls and drop-in visitors
• Collective advocacy on issues that affect doing business downtown
• Placement of your brochures in our high-traffic brochure rack
• Networking opportunities at our Member Mixers

Public health has realized for some time that many people are experiencing some level of pandemic fatigue or COVID-19 fatigue as described by the American Medical Association. We’re all weary of the restrictions and guidance about wearing masks and physical distancing. No one imagined that 21 months after the beginning of the pandemic that we’d be facing our most severe phase with the current Omicron variant. Despite the challenges we face today, we will prevail through this current surge and hope to see a significant decline with cases in the next 3 or 4 weeks if current projections hold true. Here are the essential pieces of information you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones in the weeks ahead. The risk of contracting COVID-19 today is higher than it has ever been before. The Omicron variant has proven to be incredibly contagious, and it is usually quantified as being 3 to 4 times more infectious than the Delta variant. We have surpassed our prior peak with the Delta variant and this current surge may eventually triple or quadruple the volume of cases that we’re experiencing now. Look at our daily new cases rate per 100,000 (7 day rolling average) to gauge the volume and rapid expansion of cases. (See table in photos.) In the United States today, there are states with daily new case rates approaching 400, Rhode Island is at 504. In North Carolina today, there are counties with daily new case rates that are now approaching 400. It is reasonable to assume that local case increases will follow this same pattern. Do I need to do something different to protect myself and others during this surge? The short answer is yes. We all need to change and adapt our strategies for the Omicron variant. Here are several key steps you can take to better protect yourself and others: If you are vaccinated and eligible for a booster, please consider getting that booster as soon as possible. The original vaccination series (2 doses of Moderna or Pfizer or 1 dose of J & J vaccine) is not as effective against the Omicron variant as the Delta variant. A booster significantly increases your level of vaccine protection. More breakthrough cases are happening with the Omicron variant, but vaccinations are still highly effective at reducing hospitalizations and deaths. Being up to date with a booster also prevents you from being placed in quarantine should you be exposed to a positive case. If you are unvaccinated, please consider consulting with your physician about your risk factors and the benefits of vaccination. It might not prevent you from getting infected with COVID-19 but will lessen your chances of severe health outcomes. Our 2 local hospitals report that 90% of hospitalized patients are unvaccinated. Vaccinations are still the most effective way to protect yourself. Get the facts from your usual trusted medical professional. Also consider a different approach with face coverings whether you are vaccinated or not. These remain a primary recommendation to provide another layer of protection, particularly for indoor public settings. The Omicron variant spreads more easily, and we have multiple documented cases where people aren’t even aware of how they became exposed. Even very minor time-limited exposures can result in a positive case. Ideally, upgrade your mask type from a cloth face covering to a surgical mask or KN95 mask. These latter 2 options provide more protection for you when around others. Public health does not recommend an N95 mask for the general public. These are still only necessary for those in healthcare or extreme exposure environments. If you are symptomatic stay home, self-isolate and seek testing. Testing availability and supply are limited at this time. If you have symptoms and are unable to get tested assume you are positive for COVID-19 or the flu and self-isolate. Obtain a test as soon as you are able. Close contact should wear masks in all interactions. If close contacts become symptomatic, they too should immediately isolate and obtain a test, if possible. These simple strategies can help us achieve the objectives we originally established with many public health partners as part of our pandemic response plan. Reduce the transmission of disease, protect the most vulnerable and prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. We will be challenged on all fronts in the coming days. We ask for your help to achieve the best possible outcomes during this difficult phase. Thank you for everything you are already doing to keep yourself and others safe. It matters. Better days are ahead. Steve Smith Health Director, Henderson County Department of Public Health Graph: courtesy of Henderson County Department of Public Health

Update Jan. 4, 2022

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the countywide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Feb. 16, 2022. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Town of Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin.

In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, and per the CDC definition, the County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity remains in the moderate category, and the death rate remains in the substantial category.

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency is encouraging residents to get their homes tested for Radon during National Radon Action Month.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless.  Radon is released harmlessly from the ground into outdoor air, but it can accumulate and reach harmful levels when trapped in homes and buildings.

Testing is the only way to know if a home has an elevated level of radon. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend taking action to fix your home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or more. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs.  Taking action to reduce your exposure to radon is a long-term investment in your families’ health and your home.

The NC Radon Program is offering discounted short-term radon test kits for residents of North Carolina. Other short-term radon test kits can also be purchased online for as little as $18 and are available at most home improvement and hardware stores. Additional information can be found at epa.gov/radon.

Join us for an acorn processing adventure. Learn the ins & outs of one of the oldest traditions of food acquisition.

* This is an in-person class happening in Asheville, NC. Due to location policies, participants will be asked to wear a mask indoors. If you’re feeling ill, please stay home & contact us as soon as possible to request a refund so your ticket can be made available to others. Make sure to purchase a ticket beforehand – this will sell out.

We will be on a nutty ride together in this class. Learn the ins & outs of one of the oldest traditions of food acquisition. You will obtain a clear understanding of all the steps involved in this somewhat complex & incredibly rewarding process. Plus you can process & taste an ancient food which is basically impossible to buy. This class will have hands-on opportunities for those interested.
🌳
Our presentation covers:
1) Oak identification
2) Acorn selection
3) Storage
4) Cracking & shelling
5) Winnowing + grinding
6) Cold & hot leaching
7) Recipes
🐿
This is a slightly advanced food to forage, but anyone can do it. You will definitely be feeling more connected with Oaks by the end of it. Looking forward to connecting over one of the most abundant and delicious foods on the planet.
🍄
About your instructor:
Bryan is an avid forager and permaculturist who leads events on wild food foraging, land stewardship and ecotherapy. He holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology which he fuses with his passion for Earth-care to facilitate therapeutic nature-connection experiences. He has practiced & studied foraging extensively with many top-level teachers across the country. His mission is to build healing ecosystems to bring communities into a balanced relationship with the Earth and one another.

Update Jan. 4, 2022

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the countywide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Feb. 16, 2022. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Town of Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin.

In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, and per the CDC definition, the County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity remains in the moderate category, and the death rate remains in the substantial category.

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency is encouraging residents to get their homes tested for Radon during National Radon Action Month.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless.  Radon is released harmlessly from the ground into outdoor air, but it can accumulate and reach harmful levels when trapped in homes and buildings.

Testing is the only way to know if a home has an elevated level of radon. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend taking action to fix your home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or more. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs.  Taking action to reduce your exposure to radon is a long-term investment in your families’ health and your home.

The NC Radon Program is offering discounted short-term radon test kits for residents of North Carolina. Other short-term radon test kits can also be purchased online for as little as $18 and are available at most home improvement and hardware stores. Additional information can be found at epa.gov/radon.

Update Jan. 4, 2022

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the countywide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Feb. 16, 2022. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Town of Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin.

In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, and per the CDC definition, the County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity remains in the moderate category, and the death rate remains in the substantial category.

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency is encouraging residents to get their homes tested for Radon during National Radon Action Month.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless.  Radon is released harmlessly from the ground into outdoor air, but it can accumulate and reach harmful levels when trapped in homes and buildings.

Testing is the only way to know if a home has an elevated level of radon. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend taking action to fix your home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or more. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs.  Taking action to reduce your exposure to radon is a long-term investment in your families’ health and your home.

The NC Radon Program is offering discounted short-term radon test kits for residents of North Carolina. Other short-term radon test kits can also be purchased online for as little as $18 and are available at most home improvement and hardware stores. Additional information can be found at epa.gov/radon.

Membership is the cornerstone of the Asheville Downtown Association. By renewing or joining, you are adding your voice to a collective of business, nonprofits and individuals working together for a thriving downtown. Benefits include:

• Inclusion of your business’ profile in our online business directory
• Member news and events featured on our website and in our newsletter
• Business referrals through our website, phone calls and drop-in visitors
• Collective advocacy on issues that affect doing business downtown
• Placement of your brochures in our high-traffic brochure rack
• Networking opportunities at our Member Mixers