Give!Local 2021 We have been chosen along with 45 other area nonprofits to participate in Give!Local again this year – 100% of your donation goes to your chosen nonprofit. Literacy Together (Literacy Council of Buncombe County)  Literacy Together’s mission is to transform lives and communities through the power of literacy. We serve students in four programs: Adult Literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Youth Literacy and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. INCENTIVES  Donors who give $50-$99 will receive a $5 coupon for Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café. Donors who give $100 and up will receive a $15 coupon for Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café. The coupons will be available for pickup at Malaprop’s one week after the donation is processed. They will be redeemable for in-store purchases at Malaprop’s through the end of February and would need to be used in one visit. Donations of $50 or more receive coupons to Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe. Thank you to Mountain Xpress, Blue Mountain Pizza, and our friends Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe for their support!  To donate click below. Thank you! GIVE LOCAL

Created by Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener^SM (BCEMG) volunteers, the guide provides a complete month-by-month description of what to do (and not to do), along with tips on invasive species, mulching, composting, and creating bird- and pollinator-friendly habitats.

This quick reference makes the perfect holiday gift for the gardeners in your life, whether they are old hands, new to gardening, or new to gardening in the mountains. A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains will get them off to the right start and keep their gardens growing all year long. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that funds raised through this publication go to support the many educational and outreach programs provided by BCEMG volunteers.

How to order: Send $12 (checks payable to Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener) to Cooperative Extension Office, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville, N.C. 28806, ATTN:  Buncombe County Master Gardener. Include mailing address for shipping and a phone number, in case we have a question about your order.

Copies are available at the office for pick up for $10.  Please note that due to COVID-19 the office may not be fully staffed at all times. So please call in advance. 828-255-5522.

Buncombe County is committed to building a healthy, safe, well-educated, and thriving community that is equitable and sustainable. Investments in our community start with 8 core grant programs supporting organizations working in support of the Buncombe 2025 Strategic Plan focus areas and goals.

The application cycle for 2022-2023 grants is now open with grant deadlines throughout the spring. Grant awards will be available for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are critical to our grants processes, and Buncombe County encourages participation from organizations led by and providing service to people of color/BIPOC individuals.

Read more to see if the following opportunities might be right for your organization. Learn more about these grant opportunities at www.buncombecounty.org/grants.

Affordable Housing Services Program

Affordable Housing funding is intended to ensure comprehensive opportunities for affordable and safe housing as a foundation for healthy and thriving families and neighborhoods. Goals include: increasing the stock of affordable housing; preserving the existing housing stock; reducing substandard housing; and supporting homeownership initiatives, such as down payment assistance and weatherization programs. Applications open Dec. 13, with an application deadline of Feb. 11, 2022.

Aging Services Funding

The Aging Services grants are made in alignment with the Buncombe County Aging Plan, which reflects the vision of an age-friendly community where older adults are safe, well, and engaged. The goals of the plan are to: prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults; prevent financial fraud and scams; improve health and wellbeing among older adults; improve and support financial wellbeing among older adults; improve and support caregiver wellbeing; increase older adults’ access to transportation; improve older adults’ access to services and supports; and increase age-friendly capability of Buncombe County. Funding includes State/Federal Home and Community Care Block Grant as well as local County dollars. Applications open Jan. 18, 2022 with an application deadline of Feb. 21, 2022. 

Community Recreation Grants

The purpose of the Buncombe County Recreation Services Grants Program is to provide funding to qualified organizations within Buncombe County interested in partnering with our Department to carry out our mission through the promotion of recreational fitness, health and wellness initiatives as well as community-based activities and capital improvements that increase recreational opportunities for the communities served. Grant awards will build momentum for long-term change in the community in alignment with the Buncombe 2025 plan. Applications open Feb. 7, 2022 with an application deadline April 1, 2022.

Early Childhood Fund

The overall goal of the fund is to ensure that every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days including access to quality early childhood education. Funding is earmarked to support early care and education for children birth through kindergarten, including infants/toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarteners. Funding will be allocated for projects working toward increasing slots for enrollment, increasing quality, developing/diversifying the early childhood workforce, supporting families, and enhancing the effectiveness of the overall system of early care and education. Applications open Dec. 13, with an application deadline of Feb. 11, 2022. 

Isaac Coleman Grants

These grants are targeted investments for organizations working to improve equitable opportunity. Our goal with this investment is to rebuild the health, safety, and self-sufficiency in our communities. No new applications will be taken for the 2022-2023 grant year. In June 2020, the Board of Commissioners approved 3-year grants. Funding will be extended for current grantees until June 30, 2023, subject to budget availability and project performance. 

Juvenile Crime Prevention Program

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Division of Juvenile Justice partners with Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils in each county to galvanize community leaders, locally and statewide, to reduce and prevent youth involvement with the juvenile justice system. The intent is to provide community-based alternatives to youth development centers and to provide community-based programming, treatment, counseling or rehabilitation services for youth involved in, or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system. Applications open in January, 2022 (exact dates TBD).

Strategic Partnership Grants

Strategic Partnership Grants fund nonprofit organizations with programs that promote a healthy, safe, well-educated, and thriving community with a sustainable quality of life. Funded projects must align with Buncombe 2025 Strategic Plan focus areas: Educated & Capable Community; Environmental & Energy Stewardship; Resident Well-Being; and a Vibrant Economy. Applications open Dec. 13, with an application deadline of Feb. 11, 2022.

Tipping Point Grants

These are small grants to help amplify community efforts. These grants will either fuel what is already happening or allow the development of local projects. The idea is that by onloading positive factors and offloading negative factors, the scales can tip toward greater community resiliency. Projects should be led by an individual or community-based group, connected to a specific neighborhood or geography, and grounded in cultural identity and sense of place. Applications open Dec. 13, with an application deadline of Feb. 11, 2022. 

Visit www.buncombecounty.org/grants for full details including application information, previously funded projects, performance reporting, and funding committee materials.

WORK OF THE WEEK Jeff Koons’s One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank (Spalding Dr. J Silver Series) is currently on view in the Museum’s Artistic Tribute: Representation of the Athlete exhibition. Keira Ezzo, summer 2021 communications – multimedia storytelling intern, shares her take on this work for our Work of the Week. Read more about this work on the blog.

ENGAGE WITH THE MUSEUM FROM HOME

• 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.
• Catch up on past virtual programs, 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.

Check back often for new content that provides inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

Asheville Gallery of Art

December 2021 Exhibit

“Joyful Light”

Each of us would benefit by having more joy and light into our lives and our world, after the last two difficult years. The December exhibit at the Asheville Gallery of Art focuses on visual images that remind us to welcome the joy and light of the season into our hearts and homes.

“Joyful Light” runs from December 1-31 during gallery hours, 11am-6pm, and features works by numerous artists in a variety of mediums. A gathering to meet the artists will be held on First Friday, December 3 from 5-8pm at the gallery at 82 Patton Avenue. Please join us during this special time of year to view the wonderful medley of offerings!

Patricia Veatch – “Merry Berry”, Oil
“Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. I love Christmas most of all for the opportunity to be with family and share our traditions. After a very isolated zoom Christmas last year, our family is going to celebrate with gusto!”

Sally Lordeon – “Sunlight Thru the Trees”, Acrylic

“As the days shorten, we are reminded of nature’s eternal gift of gleaming sunlight that shines through the thickest forest and brings us the joy of another beautiful day.”

Raquel Egosi – “Terpsichore”, Acrylic

“While mostly abstract, this painting is inspired by the dynamic flow of the joy of dance, the exuberance of life, and the creativity of performance and stage lights.”

Robin Altman – “Mountain Sunflower”, Acrylic
“This little painting is a reminder to get up each day with the intent to shine a light on the world in some way. Just as nothing stops nature, we must stand up and be counted.”

The Asheville Gallery of Art is open 7 days a week. For more information about this show, contact the gallery at (828) 251-5796, visit the gallery website at www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com, or go to the gallery’s Facebook page.

Join us for our virtual holiday sale. Trees, wreaths, holiday decor, ornaments and so much more! Easy ordering and contactless pick up.

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the county-wide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Jan. 3, 2022. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, 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. “Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases continue to increase after a high level plateau. The percent positivity is now consistently above 5% again, and we are likely to see a further increase after the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders. “Transitioning to living with COVID-19 means doing what we can now to reduce transmission and burden of new infections. Our goal is to dampen as much as possible any surge we may see during this holiday season with the hope of achieving decreasing case rate and spread as we enter the new year.”

November 5, 2021 – January 9, 2022: 47th Annual Christmas at Biltmore

Holidays arrive at America’s largest home in style. More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt chose the holiday season as the time to unveil his new home to family and friends. This year’s Christmas at Biltmore promises another extravagant celebration, complete with dozens of Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland and lights. Festive menus in estate restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.

Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover 35 (and possibly more) beautifully decorated Christmas trees situated at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area. Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: A Black Mountain Christmas, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. Come join us! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or on-line at svcmblackmountain.org.

Growing Minds has announced a new Jumpstart Grant for farm to school projects. Pre-K through 12 schools, homeschool groups, teacher and nutrition education programs, and community organizations serving children and families within the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina may apply for $500-$1,000 to provide children with positive local food and agriculture experiences. Eligible projects include edible school gardens, farm field trips, local food taste tests, or meals. In addition to funding, grantees may request supplemental training and/or technical assistance from the Growing Minds staff to help implement their project.

Grant applications are due Jan. 15, 2022.

Reparations Applications Are Open – #2 – YouTube

Various times

His masterworks have been displayed around the world for over a century… but never like this. Described as “an unforgettable multi-sensory experience,” Van Gogh Alive is a powerful and vibrant symphony of light, color, sound, and scent that compels you to leave the world behind and immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s paintings. Simultaneously enchanting, entertaining, and educational, Van Gogh Alive stimulates all the senses and opens the mind.

Holiday Season Volunteering

During the holiday season, our volunteer shifts usually fill up very quickly. If you are interested in volunteering during the holidays, please contact us as early as possible (at least 6-8 weeks in advance). Due to increased call and email volumes at this time, please allow for 4-5 business days to receive a reply.

Hunger does exist year-round, and we often have a greater need for volunteers during January and February. If you have flexibility in your volunteering schedule, please consider volunteering after the holidays.

It’s Memorable, Fast, and Easy! Also, 15% of your purchase will directly be applied to Full Moon Farm, not only will mom be getting great wines, but you will also be supporting a great cause.

Use code GBFULLMOON19 at checkout to donate 15% to Full Moon Farm.