Calendar of Events

Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

February 2021 Feb 2021
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Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Asheville Outlets Hosts Healthy Food Drive with MANNA FoodBank
Feb 9 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Help neighbors in need. As food insecurity continues to rise in Western North Carolina, Asheville Outlets will host a healthy food drive with MANNA FoodBank February 2-14, 2021. Items of need include: green tea, low-sodium canned vegetables, canned tuna and chicken, low salt nuts, no sugar added fruits, shelf stable milk, whole grain pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, canola & olive oil, peanut butter, low sodium soups, canned and dried beans, low sugar cereals, granola bars and popcorn. Collection bins will be located in the Asheville Outlets food court. To make a monetary donation visit ManaFoodBank.org. For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

Read more
Categories: Community Fundraisers Health & Wellness
Modeling Your Business
Feb 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Community College

Welcome to the Small Business Center (SBC) located at Blue Ridge Community College, part of the Small Business Center Network (SBCN). Blue Ridge Community College Campuses and the SBC are located in Flat Rock and Brevard, North Carolina.

SBCN is comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina, that supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of local training, counseling, and resource information.

Local SBC training, confidential counseling, and resource information is offered at no cost due to funding from the State of North Carolina.
Services provided by the Small Business Center can be customized to suit your specific business needs.

Each week we offer a program on starting and growing a business to answer all your question about requirements and resources offered  through the federal, state, region, county, and local cities.

No cost due to sponsor support

Your business model is the backbone of your venture and is critical to its sustainability. Build a Business Model Canvas and define your key partners, activities, and resources. You’ll contrast these to your customer segments, channels, and relationships, thereby creating your Unique Value Proposition. Underpinned with cost structure and revenue streams, this core model will ensure your business’ future success.

Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Education
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Buncombe County Public Health Launches New Dashboard COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Feb 10 all-day
Online

 

Buncombe County Health & Human Services has launched a new dashboard that will be updated on a weekly basis, every Wednesday by 2 p.m. So far BC Public Health has administered 12,403 vaccines. We are currently receiving 1,950 vaccines weekly, and there are 2,035 first-dose appointments scheduled this week. Our schedulers are currently calling people on the waitlist between numbers 4,000 and 6,000.

Read more
Categories: Community Health & Wellness
COVID-19 GRANTS One Buncombe Grant Fund
Feb 10 all-day
Online w/ Mountain BizWorks

One Buncombe Launches Monday

Attention “Gig” Workers! – This grant program will support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses re-open and rehire Living Wage employees. It is designed to support businesses who have had a hard time accessing relief grant capital and will prioritize funding people of color-owned, woman-owned, and sole-proprietor businesses.

The mission of the grant funds is to support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses in their ability to re-open and rehire employees.

The One Buncombe Grant Fund helps small for-profit businesses reopen and rehire staff through grants. Please note that funds are limited and not all who apply will be awarded. The eligible grant amount will be based on firm size:

  • Up to $2,500 for solopreneurs or single-member organizations
  • Up to $5,000 for firms with up to 25 full-time equivalent employees

  • Program Timeline

    • February 8: The application window opens
      • All applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered equally. There is no benefit to rushing an application.
    • February 8: Self-scheduled one-on-one application assistance opens
    • February 9:The first webinar will take place at 2 pm
    • February 11:The second webinar will take place at 9:30 am
    • February 26: Technical support around submitting your application will conclude at 5 pm
    • February 28: The application window closes at 11:59 pm
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Community
COVID-19 Testing in Buncombe County
Feb 10 all-day
Various locations in Buncombe County

COVID-19 Testing in Buncombe County

Para leer este artículo en español, haga clic aquí.

COVID-19 Testing General Information

Think you have been exposed to COVID?

Testing is widely available at urgent cares, federally qualified health centers, and through some primary care providers for those who need it however, it remains important to focus on the prevention of COVID first and foremost to keep the virus from spreading further into the community and to loved ones.

Find testing near you:

  • If you DO NOT HAVE a healthcare provider who offers testing for COVID-19 and you need to get tested, there are several ways to find testing near you.
  • Visit the Find My Testing Place website to find a clinic or pop up testing site near you.
  • People in Buncombe County can access testing by completing the Buncombe County Self-Checker online. If you need testing, you can set up an appointment at one of the county’s open-air, drive-through sites. People can also call the Ready Team at (828) 419-0095 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday to be pre-screened for testing at these sites. A Ready Team member will call you within 2 business days to schedule your appointment.
  • You can call the Buncombe County nurse line at (828) 250-5300 to find out where you can get tested (Press OPTION #1 to speak with a nurse) from 8 am to 5:30 pm.
  • Community Testing Site Information

    Please read: You must schedule an appointment for community test sites.

    Buncombe County offers drive-thru COVID-19 community testing at specified locations throughout the county. Community testing provides an easy and efficient way for those who live, work, or attend school in Buncombe County to get tested for COVID-19.

    Testing at the fixed sites is available by appointment only. Here are the steps to sign up for community testing at one of the Buncombe County community testing sites:

    Step 1: Complete the Buncombe County COVID-19 Self-Checker.  The self-checker will tell you whether or not you need to be tested. You can access the self-checker here. You can also call the Ready Team at (828) 419-0095 and they will help you to complete the self-checker.

    Step 2: If your self-checker results indicate that you need to be tested and you do not have a primary care provider who is providing COVID-19 testing or you cannot get tested at an urgent care, you will need to register for the testing site. You can register online or by calling the Ready Team. You must complete the registration form and wait for a call back (next step).

    Step 3: Once you have completed the registration, the Ready Team will call you within 2 business days to schedule your appointment. They will call from this number: (828) 419-0095. Do not show up at the testing site without an appointment. 

    Step 4: Show up at the testing site at your scheduled date and time.

    Step 5: Wait for your testing results or access them online. Your test result will be available within 48 hours. While you are waiting for your test result, you should act as if you have COVID and reduce or eliminate your contact with others until your test results return.

    • While waiting for your test result, please follow the instructions in the “Steps for People After COVID-19 Testing” handout that you received at the testing site and attached below. This handout also tells you what to do once you get your test result.
    • A Buncombe County employee will call you with your test result.
          OR
    • You can register with our lab partner, Genova Diagnostics, to check on your results online. Please do not call Genova for your results.

    To get your results from the lab partner, Genova Diagnostics*:

    • Register for the Genova Diagnostics myGDX Patient Resource Center at https://www.gdx.net/prc.
    • To access your result, you will be asked to enter the last 5 digits of your social security number to verify your identity. If you do not have a social security number, enter any 5 numbers and you will be able to get your result by providing different identifying information.
      * You may see a note on Genova’s website about a 10 day delay in releasing results to patients, but this does not apply to COVID testing through our sites.

    Testing site locations in Buncombe County are at the Buncombe County Sports Park on Thursdays and on Sundays at the AB Tech Allied Health Building. Please pre-register for testing at these locations by completing the Self-Checker or by calling the Ready Team at (828) 419-0095. Please check the calendar below for testing site times and dates. 

    Important: Please check Buncombe County’s Facebook page for site cancellations due to weather. 

Read more
Categories: Community Health & Wellness
North Carolina’s Modified Stay at Home Order Extended to Feb. 28th
Feb 10 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order, requiring people to be at home from 10 pm – 5 am, will be extended. Face covering requirements and restrictions on individuals gathering in both indoor and outdoor settings are still in place. Executive Order No. 189 will be in effect through at least Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
The Governor also announced the extensions of executive orders for “to-go” or delivery sales of mixed beverages and evictions moratorium – Executive Order No. 190  and Executive Order No. 191.
Read more
Categories: Community Health & Wellness
Shiloh Peace Garden Food Pantry + PPE Supplies for those In Need
Feb 10 all-day
Shiloh Peace Garden

Community Collaboration Helps Neighbors in Time of Need

Food insecurity has risen significantly across the country due to pandemic-related job losses and struggles, and in Buncombe County local food pantries are popping up to help feed neighborhood families.

A collaborative, community-led project between Bountiful Cities, St. James AME Church, East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, and Shiloh Community Association has neighbors helping neighbors to get non-perishable food and personal protective equipment (PPE) right where it’s needed most.

To serve people in need in the community, there are two new food pantries located at St. James AME Church and the Shiloh Peace Garden. Both pantries were handmade by Asheville local, Max Mandler of Mandler Construction. The pantry at St. James AME is dedicated to the memory of Bernadette Thompson, a longtime community activist and faithful member of the church for many years, and features artwork by local artist Jenny Pickens.

Community members will find both pantries stocked with non-perishable, nutritious food and free masks, hand sanitizers, cleaning supplies, and other items that will assist individuals in staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Upkeep and stocking the pantry will be a joint effort among the sponsoring organizations and the community-at-large. Thanks to CARES funding, Buncombe County government was able to help with initial supply efforts. The pantries will be open seven days a week and are set up to be self-serve. Everyone is welcome to utilize the pantries for both food and PPE needs.

Read more
Categories: Community Health & Wellness
St. James AME Church Food Pantry + PPE Supplies for those In Need
Feb 10 all-day
St. James AME Church

Community Collaboration Helps Neighbors in Time of Need

Food insecurity has risen significantly across the country due to pandemic-related job losses and struggles, and in Buncombe County local food pantries are popping up to help feed neighborhood families.

A collaborative, community-led project between Bountiful Cities, St. James AME Church, East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, and Shiloh Community Association has neighbors helping neighbors to get non-perishable food and personal protective equipment (PPE) right where it’s needed most.

To serve people in need in the community, there are two new food pantries located at St. James AME Church and the Shiloh Peace Garden. Both pantries were handmade by Asheville local, Max Mandler of Mandler Construction. The pantry at St. James AME is dedicated to the memory of Bernadette Thompson, a longtime community activist and faithful member of the church for many years, and features artwork by local artist Jenny Pickens.

Community members will find both pantries stocked with non-perishable, nutritious food and free masks, hand sanitizers, cleaning supplies, and other items that will assist individuals in staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Upkeep and stocking the pantry will be a joint effort among the sponsoring organizations and the community-at-large. Thanks to CARES funding, Buncombe County government was able to help with initial supply efforts. The pantries will be open seven days a week and are set up to be self-serve. Everyone is welcome to utilize the pantries for both food and PPE needs.

Read more
Categories: Community Health & Wellness
What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast
Feb 10 all-day
Online w/ Henderson County Chamber
What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast with Johnson Price Sprinkle Partner, Rollin Groseclose
New PPP 1st and 2nd draw loans are now available, but there are still a lot of questions surrounding requirements, eligibility and payback. Rollin Groseclose, Partner at Johnson Price Sprinkle was a recent podcast guest and gave guidance on PPP.

Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Community
WNC Nature Center Critter Covid Masks
Feb 10 all-day
Online w/ WNC Nature Center

May be an image of 1 person, standing and outerwear

We’ve been getting rave reviews about our Nature Center masks!
“I am an aficionado of masks now, and this is a superior mask.”
“The best mask I own. I feel protected.”
Our masks come in a variety of sizes for youth and adults. Purchase yours in person at the Gift Shop, located in the barn, or online at http://wildwnc.org/gift-shop!
Read more
Categories: Community Family Fun Health & Wellness
BCHHS Opens Wait List for Adults 65 and Older and All Health Care Workers
Feb 10 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
BCHHS

 

Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) has launched a COVID-19 wait list for individuals in the first two phases of the state’s vaccination priority list: adults 65 and older and all health care workers. Individuals can sign up for the wait list by calling (828) 250-5000 or by going to www.buncombeready.org. As vaccines are received from the state, representatives from the Ready Team will contact individuals on the wait list via phone and email to schedule their appointments. This is a different process from scheduling appointments to date, and BCHHS will no longer open up appointments for direct scheduling by the public.

Vaccine supplies remain much lower than demand, so wait list opportunities are only available at this time to those active groups identified by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). As new phases become active, those wait lists will be opened up. View the phases here: https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/vaccines/NCDHHS-Vaccine-Infographic.pdf. While Buncombe County has bolstered its web and phone infrastructure, we anticipate that phone and web traffic to be heavy, and we ask the community to continue to be patient.

a graphic that explains how to sign up for the waitlist

Vaccine supplies are distributed weekly from the state and are currently very limited. More appointments will be added as vaccines become available. As we move through the wait list, our staff will make two attempts to reach individuals using the contact information on the wait list registration. If individuals cannot be reached after first attempt, they will remain in their position on the list and a second attempt will be made as appointments remain available or in the event appointments fill, when additional appointments are available. The second attempt may not occur on the same day if appointments fill completely. For planning purposes, individuals will receive a call from the Ready Team at (828) 419-0095. If an individual misses their call, they can call  (828) 250-5000 with their wait list number provided in the voicemail or email, and if an appointment is available, it will be scheduled. After two unsuccessful attempts, individuals lose their position on the waitlist and will be moved to the end of the waitlist for available appointments. Please know demand is incredibly high, and staff is working to contact those who sign up as quickly as possible.

Please be sure contact information is accurate before submitting. Individuals should not sign up for the waitlist more than once.

Second dose information

Individuals who received their vaccines prior to Jan. 20 will be contacted individually by a Ready Team member with next steps including date, time and location of next dose. Those who receive their vaccines on or after Jan. 20 will receive a card with next steps at the time of their first vaccination. Persons in need of a second dose do not need to go online or call to schedule that appointment.

COVID-19 testing is still widely available and can be accessed at www.buncombeready.org.

 

Read more
Categories: Community Health & Wellness
Business Morning Update
Feb 10 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Online w/ Henderson County Chamber
This monthly event, co-sponsored with Blue Ridge Community College’s Small Business Center, the City of Hendersonville Main Street program, and the Hendersonville Merchants & Business
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking
Asheville FIT 50 Challenge
Feb 10 @ 9:00 am
Online w/ Asheville Parks and Rec.

Asheville FIT 50 Challenge
Looking for a little motivation to get moving? Join our challenge and get fit today! Walk, run, or roll 50 miles in 60 days to feel great and get a prize.
Rules:
-Every participant must register for the challenge
-Obtain 50 miles by running, walking or rolling by April 1, 2021 (60 days)
-You can track miles through your daily steps. 3500 steps equals one mile
-We’d like to see your progress! Post a pic of your miles/steps in our facebook post about the challenge (you can do this by uploading a picture of the tracking form we provide to everyone or a screenshot of your mileage from smartwatch or in phone health app)
-Forms of tracking include Smart watch/step watch, phone app, or pedometer(will be provided if needed)
-You are more than welcome to go over the 50 mile challenge and you are also encouraged to do so.
-Once you have completed the 60 day challenge, send proof of your mileage to [email protected] and your address.
Participants:
-Each registered participant will receive a free “Asheville FIT 50 t-shirt”
-The top 5 mileage participants will also receive an Asheville Parks & Rec goodie bag!
Read more
Categories: Health & Wellness
Free transportation to COVID-19 Immunization Clinics throughout Henderson County
Feb 10 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Henderson County

Fre

You have a spot – Need a lift?

WCCA cares about our community’s health! Apple Country Transportation is offering free rides to Henderson County vaccination sites for Covid-19 immunizations. A pre-scheduled vaccination appointment is required. Call Apple Country Transportation at (828) 698-8571 for more info and schedule a ride today!

Seniors (65+) in Henderson County can schedule an immunization appointment in one of 4 ways:
1) Pardee UNC Health: Call (828) 694-8222 or visit: www.pardeehospital.org/covid-19
2) Advent Health: Visit: www.AdventHealthNC.com
3) Henderson County Health Dept: Call (828) 585-4700

Once a vaccine appointment is scheduled, individuals may contact Apple Country Transportation
at (828) 698-8571 to schedule to immunization clinic sites in Henderson County including East
Henderson High School, Blue Ridge Community College, Apple Valley Middle, North Henderson
High School and other community sites as they become available.

Read more
Categories: Community Health & Wellness
Nominations for the 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Now Open
Feb 10 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Community
Urgent Need for Blood Donations: Asheville Center
Feb 10 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Blood Connection

TBC Rewards

PLEASE SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY: Asheville Center – Donate Blood – The Blood Connection

 

Platelet Information

Mon-Tues: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wed-Fri: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sat-Sun: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm

To make an appointment call: 984.222.1101

General Information

Mon-Tues: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wed-Fri: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat-Sun: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Phone: 828-585-8060

Read more
Categories: Community Donations Health & Wellness
Urgent Need for Blood Donations: Hendersonville Center
Feb 10 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Blood Connection

TBC Rewards

PLEASE SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY: Hendersonville Center – Donate Blood – The Blood Connection

 

General Information

Mon-Tues: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wed-Fri: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat-Sun: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Phone: 828-233-5301

Platelet Information

Mon-Tues: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wed-Fri: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sat-Sun: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm

Make an appointment: 854-429-1700

Drop-ins also welcome

Read more
Categories: Community Donations Health & Wellness
Reich LLC Mobile Drive
Feb 10 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Reich LLC

TBC Rewards

Sharing Life. Saving Lives.

Read more
Categories: Community Donations Health & Wellness
Asheville Outlets Hosts Healthy Food Drive with MANNA FoodBank
Feb 10 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Help neighbors in need. As food insecurity continues to rise in Western North Carolina, Asheville Outlets will host a healthy food drive with MANNA FoodBank February 2-14, 2021. Items of need include: green tea, low-sodium canned vegetables, canned tuna and chicken, low salt nuts, no sugar added fruits, shelf stable milk, whole grain pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, canola & olive oil, peanut butter, low sodium soups, canned and dried beans, low sugar cereals, granola bars and popcorn. Collection bins will be located in the Asheville Outlets food court. To make a monetary donation visit ManaFoodBank.org. For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

Read more
Categories: Community Fundraisers Health & Wellness
Planet Fitness – Arden Mobile Drive
Feb 10 @ 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Planet Fitness - Arden

TBC Rewards

Sharing Life. Saving Lives.

Read more
Categories: Community Donations Health & Wellness
Free Covid Testing for Uninsured
Feb 10 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Brevard Music Center

Free Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing

The Brevard Music Center in association with the Pisgah Health Foundation announces a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site for everyone – the insured and uninsured, those on Medicare and Medicaid – everyone!

Keystone Laboratory of Asheville will administer the COVID-19 tests and antibody tests, with results typically available within 5 business days depending on volume.

When: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please no early arrivals.

Where: Brevard Music Center Main Parking lot (entrance on Music Camp Road off Probart Street)

Who: Anyone who wants a test.

How:

  • Appointments are not necessary. Participants will be served in the order of their arrival.
  • Participants can choose to be tested for COVID-19 via nasal swab or have the COVID-19 antibody test via blood sample.
  • Participants will receive their test results at the contact information provided at check-in, typically within 5 business days depending on volume.

What:

  • A driver’s license is helpful, but not required.
  • A doctor’s order is not required.
  • If you have private insurance, please bring your insurance card with you.
  • If you have Medicare or Medicaid, please bring your card with you.
  • If you do not have insurance, you will be asked to sign an affidavit stating so.
  • Please wear a mask and stay in your vehicle while on BMC’s campus.
  • If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please seek medical attention from your medical provider, urgent care, or the hospital.
  • Please leave pets at home.

Questions: Please email [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Read more
Categories: Community Health & Wellness
Medicare Educational Webinar
Feb 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Online Webinar

Join our Free Medicare Educational Webinar – How Medicare works – Part A,B,C and Prescription Part D, Medigap, Medicare Advantage. Learn, Take Notes, Ask Questions. We are here to help! Call us at 704-448-9997 for more information or register online.

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Categories: Health & Wellness Workshops
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Buncombe County Public Health Launches New Dashboard COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Feb 11 all-day
Online

 

Buncombe County Health & Human Services has launched a new dashboard that will be updated on a weekly basis, every Wednesday by 2 p.m. So far BC Public Health has administered 12,403 vaccines. We are currently receiving 1,950 vaccines weekly, and there are 2,035 first-dose appointments scheduled this week. Our schedulers are currently calling people on the waitlist between numbers 4,000 and 6,000.

Read more
Categories: Community Health & Wellness
COVID-19 GRANTS One Buncombe Grant Fund
Feb 11 all-day
Online w/ Mountain BizWorks

One Buncombe Launches Monday

Attention “Gig” Workers! – This grant program will support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses re-open and rehire Living Wage employees. It is designed to support businesses who have had a hard time accessing relief grant capital and will prioritize funding people of color-owned, woman-owned, and sole-proprietor businesses.

The mission of the grant funds is to support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses in their ability to re-open and rehire employees.

The One Buncombe Grant Fund helps small for-profit businesses reopen and rehire staff through grants. Please note that funds are limited and not all who apply will be awarded. The eligible grant amount will be based on firm size:

  • Up to $2,500 for solopreneurs or single-member organizations
  • Up to $5,000 for firms with up to 25 full-time equivalent employees

  • Program Timeline

    • February 8: The application window opens
      • All applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered equally. There is no benefit to rushing an application.
    • February 8: Self-scheduled one-on-one application assistance opens
    • February 9:The first webinar will take place at 2 pm
    • February 11:The second webinar will take place at 9:30 am
    • February 26: Technical support around submitting your application will conclude at 5 pm
    • February 28: The application window closes at 11:59 pm
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Community
COVID-19 Testing in Buncombe County
Feb 11 all-day
Various locations in Buncombe County

COVID-19 Testing in Buncombe County

Para leer este artículo en español, haga clic aquí.

COVID-19 Testing General Information

Think you have been exposed to COVID?

Testing is widely available at urgent cares, federally qualified health centers, and through some primary care providers for those who need it however, it remains important to focus on the prevention of COVID first and foremost to keep the virus from spreading further into the community and to loved ones.

Find testing near you:

  • If you DO NOT HAVE a healthcare provider who offers testing for COVID-19 and you need to get tested, there are several ways to find testing near you.
  • Visit the Find My Testing Place website to find a clinic or pop up testing site near you.
  • People in Buncombe County can access testing by completing the Buncombe County Self-Checker online. If you need testing, you can set up an appointment at one of the county’s open-air, drive-through sites. People can also call the Ready Team at (828) 419-0095 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday to be pre-screened for testing at these sites. A Ready Team member will call you within 2 business days to schedule your appointment.
  • You can call the Buncombe County nurse line at (828) 250-5300 to find out where you can get tested (Press OPTION #1 to speak with a nurse) from 8 am to 5:30 pm.
  • Community Testing Site Information

    Please read: You must schedule an appointment for community test sites.

    Buncombe County offers drive-thru COVID-19 community testing at specified locations throughout the county. Community testing provides an easy and efficient way for those who live, work, or attend school in Buncombe County to get tested for COVID-19.

    Testing at the fixed sites is available by appointment only. Here are the steps to sign up for community testing at one of the Buncombe County community testing sites:

    Step 1: Complete the Buncombe County COVID-19 Self-Checker.  The self-checker will tell you whether or not you need to be tested. You can access the self-checker here. You can also call the Ready Team at (828) 419-0095 and they will help you to complete the self-checker.

    Step 2: If your self-checker results indicate that you need to be tested and you do not have a primary care provider who is providing COVID-19 testing or you cannot get tested at an urgent care, you will need to register for the testing site. You can register online or by calling the Ready Team. You must complete the registration form and wait for a call back (next step).

    Step 3: Once you have completed the registration, the Ready Team will call you within 2 business days to schedule your appointment. They will call from this number: (828) 419-0095. Do not show up at the testing site without an appointment. 

    Step 4: Show up at the testing site at your scheduled date and time.

    Step 5: Wait for your testing results or access them online. Your test result will be available within 48 hours. While you are waiting for your test result, you should act as if you have COVID and reduce or eliminate your contact with others until your test results return.

    • While waiting for your test result, please follow the instructions in the “Steps for People After COVID-19 Testing” handout that you received at the testing site and attached below. This handout also tells you what to do once you get your test result.
    • A Buncombe County employee will call you with your test result.
          OR
    • You can register with our lab partner, Genova Diagnostics, to check on your results online. Please do not call Genova for your results.

    To get your results from the lab partner, Genova Diagnostics*:

    • Register for the Genova Diagnostics myGDX Patient Resource Center at https://www.gdx.net/prc.
    • To access your result, you will be asked to enter the last 5 digits of your social security number to verify your identity. If you do not have a social security number, enter any 5 numbers and you will be able to get your result by providing different identifying information.
      * You may see a note on Genova’s website about a 10 day delay in releasing results to patients, but this does not apply to COVID testing through our sites.

    Testing site locations in Buncombe County are at the Buncombe County Sports Park on Thursdays and on Sundays at the AB Tech Allied Health Building. Please pre-register for testing at these locations by completing the Self-Checker or by calling the Ready Team at (828) 419-0095. Please check the calendar below for testing site times and dates. 

    Important: Please check Buncombe County’s Facebook page for site cancellations due to weather. 

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Categories: Community Health & Wellness
NATIONAL 211 DAY Helps NC Find Local Health + Human Services Amid Global Pandemic
Feb 11 all-day
Online w/ United Way of Henderson County

United Way of Henderson County (UWHC) encourages residents to spread the word about this vital service
that helps millions of people across North America, and thousands of people in Henderson
County each year. 211 is a free, confidential information and referral system that connects
callers and online visitors at any time of day or night with the local health and human services
they need.

Every day, clients contact NC 211 to access free and confidential crisis and emergency
counseling, food, healthcare and insurance assistance, housing and utility payment assistance,
employment services, veteran services, and childcare and family services. NC 211 is also a part
of the NC State Emergency Response Team. When activated during a disaster, NC 211
becomes the public information portal for disaster related information. Governor Cooper
activated NC 211 as part of the state’s response to COVID-19 on March 18, 2020, and it
continues to serve as a vital resource for pandemic related information.

Dial 2-1-1 to reach call centers 24 hours a day, with language translation available, so that
anyone can speak with a real person at any time of day. Residents may also access more than
19,000 resources via nc211.org to get connected and get help.

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Categories: Community Health & Wellness
NC Vaccine opens to PreK-12 workers Feb. 24
Feb 11 all-day
Online

This is your spot for the information you need to take your shot against COVID-19.

Learn about vaccine safety and effectiveness, find your vaccine group and your local vaccination center, and keep up with the most current information. North Carolina’s goal is to get everyone vaccinated as quickly, safely and equitably as possible. But you may have to wait until the federal government provides North Carolina with enough vaccine. Supply is very limited now but should get better soon.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. outlined a timeline for Group 3 frontline workers becoming eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, beginning with anyone working in child care or in PreK – 12 schools on February 24, including teachers, bus and van drivers, custodial and maintenance staff, and food service workers, will be eligible first. This includes staff in child care centers and homes, Head Start Programs, Preschool and PreK programs, traditional public schools, charter schools and private schools. (See Deeper Dive for additional detail.) Detailed information about each vaccine group is online at YourShotYourSpot.nc.gov (English) or vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish).

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Categories: Community Health & Wellness
North Carolina’s Modified Stay at Home Order Extended to Feb. 28th
Feb 11 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order, requiring people to be at home from 10 pm – 5 am, will be extended. Face covering requirements and restrictions on individuals gathering in both indoor and outdoor settings are still in place. Executive Order No. 189 will be in effect through at least Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
The Governor also announced the extensions of executive orders for “to-go” or delivery sales of mixed beverages and evictions moratorium – Executive Order No. 190  and Executive Order No. 191.
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Categories: Community Health & Wellness
Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Feb 11 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Based on member interest, we are exploring adding a new Professional Networking Group specifically for veterans. Our Professional Networking Groups are dedicated member professionals who gather weekly to develop relationships, learn about each member’s business, and share leads and business ideas. Only one representative per industry is permitted.

For this group, participants would be a business that is veteran-owned or someone in a management position attending who is a veteran.

If interested, please contact Member Development Specialist Jessica Kanupp at [email protected] for more information. 
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Categories: Business and Networking Community
Shiloh Peace Garden Food Pantry + PPE Supplies for those In Need
Feb 11 all-day
Shiloh Peace Garden

Community Collaboration Helps Neighbors in Time of Need

Food insecurity has risen significantly across the country due to pandemic-related job losses and struggles, and in Buncombe County local food pantries are popping up to help feed neighborhood families.

A collaborative, community-led project between Bountiful Cities, St. James AME Church, East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, and Shiloh Community Association has neighbors helping neighbors to get non-perishable food and personal protective equipment (PPE) right where it’s needed most.

To serve people in need in the community, there are two new food pantries located at St. James AME Church and the Shiloh Peace Garden. Both pantries were handmade by Asheville local, Max Mandler of Mandler Construction. The pantry at St. James AME is dedicated to the memory of Bernadette Thompson, a longtime community activist and faithful member of the church for many years, and features artwork by local artist Jenny Pickens.

Community members will find both pantries stocked with non-perishable, nutritious food and free masks, hand sanitizers, cleaning supplies, and other items that will assist individuals in staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Upkeep and stocking the pantry will be a joint effort among the sponsoring organizations and the community-at-large. Thanks to CARES funding, Buncombe County government was able to help with initial supply efforts. The pantries will be open seven days a week and are set up to be self-serve. Everyone is welcome to utilize the pantries for both food and PPE needs.

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Categories: Community Health & Wellness