In this difficult time for all of us, the only thing BMC has to fight back with is our music. Please enjoy BMC Artistic Director Keith Lockhart leading the Brevard Music Center Orchestra in Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 (Movement IV: Molto allegro) at Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium. For the remaining exuberant and introspective movements of the composer’s last symphony – and more BMC musical moments from past seasons – please visit youtube.com/brevardmusiccenter.

– Connect Beyond Festival 2020 organizers announced today that the festival, slated for April 3-5, 2020, is officially postponed. With recent developments surrounding COVID-19 nationally and in North Carolina, we cannot in good conscience move forward with the festival as scheduled. The safety of our guests and participants is our number one priority.

Connect Beyond Festival’s annual weekend-long event, as well as similar micro-events on both coasts, intends to return in 2020. For our fans, tickets will be refunded upon request by visiting our website page and filling out a quick form to initiate the process before Sunday, April 12, 2020. For guests interested in attending our rescheduled future event at a later date, all remaining ticket holders will be offered (1) additional ticket of equal value to their original purchase.

COVID-19 Relief Funds Available to Farmers starting April 3rd The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is part of the massive economic rescue package passed by Congress last week to address urgent needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Incorporated businesses, sole proprietors, single-member LLCs, self-employed individuals, and nonprofits are all eligible to apply for this relief. Apply Here

Organic Growers School

COVID-19 Updates for Business With the rapid update of information at the Federal, State, and local levels, we will be issuing these special edition updates each Thursday, in addition to our regular Tuesday, E-News. Visit our COVID-19 Updates Page March 26th Issue of COVID-19 Updates for Businesses

In this four-part class taught by M. Paige Taylor, explore composition and color using digital photography! Through a series of weekly assignments, hone your observation skills, apply framing and cropping with intention, and use color with purpose. APRIL 9, 16, 23, & 30—Thursdays, 6–8pm Registration deadline: April 8 $75 Museum Members, $85 non-members THIS PROGRAM WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM. SPACE IS LIMITED; TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE OR CALL 828.253.3227 X122. Matthew Pillsbury, Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, Paris, 2008, printed 2013, archival ink on paper, 39 ⅜ × 31 ½ inches, Collection of the Asheville Art Museum. Museum purchase with funds provided by the Nat C. Myers Photography Fund, 2012.44.99. © Matthew Pillsbury

EPA RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

EPA’s Coronavirus website provides key EPA resources and links to additional information about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Read the most up-to-date information about EPA actions, disinfectants, drinking water and waste water, and other resources.
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus

Disinfectants that meet EPA’s criteria for use against coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). When purchasing a disinfectant product, check if its EPA registration number is included on this list. If it is, you have a match and the product can be used against SARS-CoV-2.

• List of Disinfectants for use Against Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
• Frequently Asked Questions about Disinfectants for use Against Coronavirus
  https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/frequently-asked-questions-about-list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
• TWEET: EPA’s list of disinfectants for use against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is searchable, sortable, and contains more than 350 products.
  https://twitter.com/EPARegion8/status/1243307367229317120

Information on drinking water and wastewater. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) and drinking water and wastewater
  https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-drinking-water-and-wastewater
• Flush Only Toilet Paper!  Flushing only toilet paper helps ensure that the toilets, plumbing, sewer systems, and septic systems will continue working properly.
  https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-encourages-americans-only-flush-toilet-paper

Resources related to COVID-19 in other languages:

• Español: https://espanol.epa.gov/espanol/enfermedad-del-coronavirus-2019-covid-19
• Other languages: https://www.epa.gov/lep

As we enter into an even vaster understanding of just how interdependent we are and how fast something travels between us all, we can appreciate the power of our interconnectedness. This can be seen in the thousands of cases in which a virus has impacted so much of our lives from travel, business, wellness and gatherings.
Fantastic Fungi is all about our interconnectedness and the common issues that we face as a species. We know that our biggest defense from these viruses is our own sense of wellbeing, our own immunity and the ability to live from a place of health and wellness both individually and collectively.

Fantastic Fungi Day:
More Global Than Ever

Watch Fantastic Fungi… At Home!

The messages of this film could not be any timelier, from the need to reconnect and understand the intelligence of nature, to partnering with fungi and our natural world to shift our consciousness. How prepared are we to face the pressing issues we have in our world?

We are facing a serious challenge, yet like the mycelium network we are adaptable. As a response to the worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus, we ask each community to take responsibility for establishing the best practice for them. We also know that we need to respond as mycelium and provide innovative ways of addressing these new challenges.

Join Us From The Safety of Wherever You Are.

In response to the Coronavirus we have decided to expand our reach and open the gates to the ever expanding movement of this film and provide an opportunity to people all around the world, no matter where you are located, to participate in Fantastic Fungi Day! Yes, we are creating an opportunity for everyone, wherever you are to view the film as well as tune into the post-screening Q&A. We have the ability to shift the way we are living in this world. Now is the time to tap into nature’s intelligence and come together as a worldwide audience seeking connection, hope and solutions.

With love and gratitude,
Louie, Paul and the FF Team

Last night, over 350 people joined our volunteer call “Activism in a Disrupted World”. That’s one of the biggest volunteer calls we have seen in a long time — showing how many of us need community and action right now.  We spoke about the challenge, opportunity, and choice we’re facing right now and what’s next for the Greenpeace volunteer community.  I know for me, between the sense of community I felt and the opportunity to take action — that was something I really needed last night.

These are unprecedented times. The legislation being passed right now and the effects COVID-19 will have on our communities will permanently change our world. It feels like there is so much happening that we can’t control — but we can still create change and protect so much of what’s important. In fact, it’s often in times of disruption that what was once impossible becomes possible. Now more than ever, we need to be coming together (virtually) and taking action.

That is why we are launching a series of Greenpeace Action Calls. We want to make sure you have what you need to continue your activism — even from home. So we’ll be holding volunteer calls, trainings, and actions every week for you to join. We’re starting with Take Action Tuesday — a place to come together, learn together, and take action together.

Sign up today and get updates on calls like Take Action Tuesday!

WHAT: Get updates on Greenpeace’s Volunteer Action Calls
WHEN: The first call is on Tuesday, March 31 — then other calls throughout the month of April
WHERE: Join from home — from your computer or phone!
HOW: Sign up for alerts and to see the call calendar!

Take Action Tuesdays is a virtual volunteer call where we will take action collectively (and remotely) while also connecting and supporting one another during this time. It is critical that we support one another and continue the fight for a more just and livable future. Next week we will hear from campaigners about where we are with Congress and the unprecedented legislation that is on the table. We’ll learn how to make an effective call to congress and then try it out together — and debrief how it went. If you are looking for ways to take action right now — or just to see a few more faces in your day — this is the call for you.

By signing up for these calls, you will be connected with a community committed to building each other up and taking action during this time. We’ll update you on when calls are happening and ways to continue to take action. RSVP for next week’s calls today.

Get Growing! Thankfully during this time of social distancing, we don’t need to distance from the garden or farm. Here are some resources to help: Gardening Basics Ask Ruth Gardening Blog Series Ask Tom Farming Blog Series Participate in our Online Spring Gardening Series Workshop More Resources for Growers & Consumers during Covid 19 Visit Our Covid 19 Resource Page

Henderson County Launches Live Streaming Updates for Residents Henderson County will host a live-streaming update for residents each Tuesday beginning April 7th for updates and information regarding COVID-19. The live stream will be featured on the County’s webpage (www.hendersoncountync.gov) and the video will be posted to the County’s FaceBook page and YouTube Channel for replay. Emailed questions will be addressed during the update as time allows. Questions can be submitted to [email protected] by Noon each Monday prior to the udates.

A Few Farm Store Updates…

• Moving forward, our hours will be Wednesday – Sunday, 1pm – 4pm.
• We will be accepting orders via online only. https://www.hickorynutgap.com/product-category/home-delivery/?utm_source=Farm+General+Interest&utm_campaign=ad50dba514-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_25_12_35&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c6a6d890c6-ad50dba514-34117913 We will not be accepting orders over the phone.
• Orders placed after 7am will be available for pickup the following business day.
• We are shipping orders and also offering drive-through pickup from the Farm Store.
• The deli and kitchen will be closed until further notice.

Many farms across North and South Carolina have added on-farm pickups, home delivery & online pre-orders to accommodate for social distancing in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. Please see the listings below for more information, and check out our interactive Google Map for farm locations near you!

Are you a farmer interested in being listed? Email [email protected]

Please:

• DO NOT show up at farms without prior permission.
• Follow specific instructions provided by each farm.
• Stay home if you are feeling ill.

WNC for the Planet is a proud supporter of Earth Day Network’s effort to build the world’s largest environmental movement to drive transformative change for people and planet. WNC for the Planet will  feature virtual opportunities for environmental education, advocacy and community events for people of all ages. Engagement opportunities will be offered across Western North Carolina well beyond the City of Asheville by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue, Asheville GreenWorks and other organizations.

Join WNC for the Planet partners to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Those interested in learning more about virtual Earth Month opportunities can visit www.WNCforthePlanet.org.

Those involved include:

Asheville GreenWorks

Conserving Carolina

Friends of the Smokies

MountainTrue

RiverLink

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

Yoga
Kelly Gilmore Yoga
Great Abiding Yoga w/ Tara (Becky) Eschenroeder
Restorative Yoga w/ Costanzo Family
Sierra Hollister
Kids Yoga with Eden Toan

Yoga is a great way to calm your mind and connect back to yourself. Our amazing Healing Arts coordinator, Sonya Costello, put together this family-friendly yoga class that you can do from anywhere! Get your family together, take a deep breath and find your inner peace. Watch the video here!

Video Table of Contents

Audio Table of Contents

Meditation Youtube videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBvKHTs0CRwWfYoBmlVd2eg?mc_cid=c289d7ac95&mc_eid=7ea4a42efd

Supported through LEAF

COVID-19 RAPID RECOVERY LOANS AVAILABLE

Mountain BizWorks and its partners are taking steps to ensure business owners and entrepreneurs have the resources they need to get through the coronavirus crisis.

Coloring is great way to combat stress and anxiety. Download and print these free coloring sheets and note cards featuring works from Collection artist Lorna Blaine Halper. During this time of social distancing, we can’t think of a better way to show someone you care than sending them a card via snail mail. Use our coloring template or craft your own!

Here are five awesome library resources you can use from anywhere.

For any service that asks for a User ID or PIN, your User ID is your library card number (with no spaces) and your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number. If you have a Buncombe County or Asheville City school ID card, your ID is your card number and your PIN is the last four digits of your ID number.

Ebooks and Audio Books:

We have thousands of ebooks and audio books on the North Carolina Digital Library you can download to any device. Get the free Libby app from your app store and you are ready to go. Digital materials automatically return themselves at the end of the loan period, so there are never any overdue fines.

• Adult ebooks and audio books you can download right now
• Teen books you can download right now
• Children’s books you can download right now

Magazines:

We have a large collection of recent popular magazines on the NCDL. Your User ID and PIN stay the same.

• Magazines you can download right now

Online Streaming Video:

For streaming video, you can use the North Carolina Digital Library, or Films on Demand on NC Live.

• NCDL Streaming Videos
• Films on Demand

Tutorials and Courses:

Get unlimited access to an online library of high-quality instructional videos taught by industry experts on the latest software tools and skills with LinkedIn Learning. Learn a whole course or just the section you need. Topics include Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Web design, Social Media, Business and Career Skills and much more.

• Log into LinkedIn Learning

Want to learn another language? Mango Languages is an online language-learning system teaching actual conversation skills for a wide variety of languages. Mango uses real-life situations and actual conversations to more effectively teach a new language.

• Log into Mango

Local History Buffs:

If you love local history, our North Carolina Room at Pack Library has an extensive collection of materials available online that bring the past to life. The photograph collection documents over 200 years of Buncombe County history.

• Check out the NC Collection

You can email the library for help with any of these resources at [email protected].

Want to access our online resources but don’t have a library card? While library branches are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we’re issuing and renewing library cards by email.

1. Email [email protected] and ask for a library card. You need to be a Buncombe County resident to get a card.
2. We’ll respond with instructions on how to email a copy or photo of your local ID.
3. We’ll send you back a library card number and PIN that you can use for all digital resources. The physical card will be mailed to you at a later date.

We’ll issue new cards by email as long as library branches are closed to the public. We can also renew cards by email.

Ease your isolation and connect to our global community by grabbing a copy of “Mic Cheka” from the LEAF ONEmic on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. 

Studio engineers & youth from LEAF International Haiti, Tanzania & AVL ONEmic studios came to Asheville to participate in a masterclass at Echo Mountain Studios. The group learned & embraced valuable studio production skills that they took back home to share with their ONEmic communities and incorporate them into the production of their own music. It was the perfect opportunity to help jumpstart the group’s careers in production as each of them has shown years of dedication to the craft.

Join LEAF in supporting the creative talents of global youth using music production as their most valuable resource in preserving their cultures.