At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Employment Opportunities at Blue Ridge Community College

The College has jobs that fall within four categories: full-time professional, full-time faculty, part-time faculty or adjunct instructors, part-time support staff, and temporary positions.

To be considered for employment at Blue Ridge Community College, complete an official employment application indicating the position title and position number.

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!

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.

Rehabilitation – Smith McDowell House, Roof Replacement    Years of planning went into the roof replacement project recently completed at the Smith-McDowell House.  The copper used was manipulated by hand, giving the finished roof a more historically authentic look.  Over the next few years, the copper will take on a beautiful patina for all to enjoy.   Western North Carolina Historical Association, Owner Huber and Associates, Contactor Emily Kite, Architect Click here to watch! Adaptive Reuse – Leo’s House of Thirst   This modest beauty has been everything from a residence to a dentist’s office and is now Leo’s House of Thirst.  We love a rehabilitation that shows that even simple buildings can be saved and turned into something special! Drew Wallace, Owner Drew Wallace and Leila Amiri, Concept and Design Brent Campbell, Architect Joel Osgood, Landscape architect Drom, Construction Click here to watch! Restoration – Biltmore Stable, Glass Replacement   This project brought its own set of challenges including having glass replacement panels with unique texture made to match the originals and undertaking the project while guests were present at the Estate.  The result was well worth the effort! The Biltmore Company Huber and Associates Meltdown Glass Associated Scaffolding Click here to watch!

As registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund opens, the SBA has issued guidance on what to expect next. What to expect next: As outlined by Congress, the SBA will focus their reviews on the priority applications that have been submitted. Applicants who have submitted a non-priority application will find their applications remain in a Review status while the priority applications are processed during the first 21 days. Applicants in this status should not anticipate any outreach from the SBA during this period. Following a successful application submission, all applications will first enter a stage called “IRS verification”. This process may take up to seven days and allows the SBA to validate your application submission. If you have questions about the award calculation, see the program guide, pages 7–9. The 4506T form is signed with your application during the e-sign process. You do not need to submit an additional 4506T. If you are entering a state in the address section(s) use the abbreviation in capital letters (e.g., PA, TX, ME, WA, etc.). For application support, you may submit a message using the platform inbox. For quick answers, this may be your best route. As a reminder, per federal award program guidelines that require the same and equal information be provided to each applicant, SBA’s team members are limited on responses they can provide to applicants, including specific questions regarding RRF eligibility, potential award amount, and other detailed information.

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!