Calendar of Events

Healthcare.gov is Open with Record-Low Premiums
New Savings Mean More People Qualify for Quality, Affordable Health Insurance

Free Help Is Available
Trained navigators are ready to help local people – at no cost – who would like help reviewing the plans and signing up. Make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov (for Spanish-speakers Cuidadodesalud.gov) are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage and cannot be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products and short-term limited duration plans pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits. HealthCare.gov is the only website where North Carolina consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage.

Pisgah Legal and other enrollment partners of WNC participating organizations give local people free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services. Pisgah Legal Services is a member of the North Carolina Navigators Consortium.

Since 1978, nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services has provided free civil legal aid to help people with low incomes seek justice and meet their basic needs including preventing homelessness, stopping domestic violence and securing health care. PLS provides a broad array of free legal services. Last year Pisgah Legal served more than 20,000 people across the mountain region.

PLS has offices in Asheville, Burnsville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Highlands/Cashiers, Marshall, Newland, Rutherfordton and Spruce Pine. Pisgah Legal employs staff attorneys and relies heavily on the pro bono legal services of approximately 300 volunteer attorneys.

Join the virtual event at the City of Asheville’s YouTube Channel, then click on the video at the top of the page marked “Live Now.”

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Laura Tugman, Ph.D. is the Chief of Mental Health Services at Charles George VAMC. Join us for a story of a woman veteran and her military family. There will also be readings from the Brothers and Sisters Like These writing group.

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

This is exciting! Five of our women are joining together for a holiday market. We have a potter, photographer, mosaic tile artist, soap and lip balm creator and a massage therapist. You can do some early holiday shopping, drink some wine, get a chair massage, visit with your friends, and support local women artists– all at one event! This is a drop in event, so no attendance limit. Everyone who wants to attend is welcome.

What we’re about

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020

No Appointment Necessary – Pfizer, Moderna and J&J Vaccines Available

Mobile clinic located behind Sportsman’s Warehouse.

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020.

The 75 Annual Holiday Parade returns to Downtown Asheville on Saturday, Nov. 20. The parade begins at 11am at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and S. Charlotte St. It moves north to Patton Avenue, then west on Patton Avenue ending at South French Broad. The parade features local businesses, nonprofits, school/youth programs, and of course, Santa Claus.

The parade impacts many downtown streets. Please be sure to notify your staff about the parade since access will be affected.

Entries: We have a limited number of spots still available to be part of the parade. If you’re interested, please email [email protected] for more information.

Volunteering: We need a few more volunteers to make the parade happen. You can help with lineup, walk (or bike) with the parade, help with egress and more. Email [email protected] for more information.

Update: Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Booster Vaccines Now Available

To strengthen and extend protections against severe illness, North Carolinians who have been fully vaccinated with the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines may now be eligible to receive a booster dose.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have authorized and recommended “booster” vaccine shots to provide continued protection.

Moderna: If you were vaccinated more than 6 months ago with the Moderna COVID-19 shot, boosters are now available for people: 

• 65 years or older,
• 18 years or older who:
  • live or work in a nursing home or long-term care facility, have underlying medical conditions; or,
  • who work in high-risk settings like healthcare workers, teachers and childcare providers or food workers.
  • live or work in a place where many people live together (for example, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, migrant farm housing, dormitories or other group living settings in colleges or universities).

The Moderna booster is a smaller dose than what is given in the first two shots. Be sure to let your provider know you want the booster.

Johnson & Johnson: It is recommended that anyone 18 or older who was vaccinated more than 2 months ago with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster dose.

Pfizer: Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) booster shots continue to be available to anyone at high risk for serious illness or exposure, and who received their second dose at least six months ago.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has now authorized the distribution of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters in addition to Pfizer COVID-19 boosters. Not all vaccines may be available at every vaccine location.

To find a COVID-19 booster visit MySpot.nc.gov to search vaccine locations near you. The BCHHS COVID Vaccination Clinic at 40 Coxe Avenue is open Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm.

Additionally, individuals are now able to receive any brand of COVID-19 vaccine for their booster shot. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. Limited preliminary evidence suggests that booster doses of one of the two mRNA vaccines—Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech—more effectively raise antibody levels than a booster dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. NCDHHS encourages you to speak with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have questions about what booster is right for you.

Have questions about whether your personal medical conditions or job might make you eligible? Talk to a doctor, pharmacist or nurse about whether you should get a booster.

Read more in the NCDHHS press release here.

In North Carolina, children ages 5-11 years old are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Buncombe County Health and Human Services is committed to equity and efficiency as we roll out vaccines for 5-11-year-olds. We are partnering with schools, community organizations, and other vaccine providers to administer the vaccine to the youngest members of our community.

Getting younger children vaccinated can protect them from COVID-19 and prevent interruption of in-person learning and activities. Additionally, community transmission can be further decreased as more people get vaccinated. If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to a medical provider to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine.

There are many ways for anyone 5 years of age and older to get a COVID-19 vaccination in Buncombe County. It is advisable to check with your doctor’s office or local pharmacy to see if the COVID-19 vaccine is available near you. While this is an exciting time for our children’s health, there will be many opportunities to access the vaccine. Please be patient with vaccine providers as they work to administer vaccines to this population.

Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in Buncombe County

• Walgreens, Ingles, and other local pharmacies
  • Check with your local pharmacy to inquire about pediatric vaccines.
• ArtSpace Charter (Friday, Nov 5 only) and the Edington Center (Starting Nov 6)
  • Click here for upcoming pediatric vaccination events in Buncombe County through StarMed.
• Medical Provider
  • Check-in with your medical provider or your child’s pediatrician to inquire about vaccines.
• NCDHHS Vaccine Finder:
  • www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov

Buncombe County Health & Human Services Vaccine Clinic

Administration of pediatric doses will begin on Friday, November 5th, 2021 at 40 Coxe Avenue. The clinic hours will be November 8, 9, 10, & 12 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Please note: The 40 Coxe will be closed on November 11 in observance of the Veterans Day Holiday). After that, the regular hours of the clinic will be Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Please bring your parking ticket with you to your appointment so you can get it validated on the way out.

November – December Saturday School Outreach Events

Below is the Buncombe County Health and Human Services outreach schedule for vaccination events. Outreach events will take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the following Buncombe County schools:

• Nov. 13 – Asheville Middle School [English] [Spanish]
• Nov. 20 – North Buncombe High School [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 4 – Clyde A. Erwin High (BCHHS) [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 4 – T.C. Roberson High School (MAHEC/FEMA) [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 11 – Charles D. Owen High (BCHHS) [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 11 – A.C. Reynolds High School (MAHEC/FEMA) [English] [Spanish]

Outreach events are open to everyone 5 and older, no appointment is necessary. You will be asked to complete a brief registration form upon arrival. If you need your booster, please bring your vaccination card so your booster can be documented appropriately. All vaccines will be available at these events. Please bring your insurance card if you have one.

In addition to beautiful, locally-made crafts, an assortment of homemade baked goods and other handmade items will be offered at the BPO DOES Holiday Craft Show and Bake Sale – just in time for the holidays! And don’t forget to pick up your tickets for our Saturday afternoon raffles! Proceeds to benefit the DOES charities, including our Blue Ridge Community College Scholarship Fund.

Healthcare.gov is Open with Record-Low Premiums
New Savings Mean More People Qualify for Quality, Affordable Health Insurance

Free Help Is Available
Trained navigators are ready to help local people – at no cost – who would like help reviewing the plans and signing up. Make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov (for Spanish-speakers Cuidadodesalud.gov) are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage and cannot be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products and short-term limited duration plans pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits. HealthCare.gov is the only website where North Carolina consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage.

Pisgah Legal and other enrollment partners of WNC participating organizations give local people free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services. Pisgah Legal Services is a member of the North Carolina Navigators Consortium.

Since 1978, nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services has provided free civil legal aid to help people with low incomes seek justice and meet their basic needs including preventing homelessness, stopping domestic violence and securing health care. PLS provides a broad array of free legal services. Last year Pisgah Legal served more than 20,000 people across the mountain region.

PLS has offices in Asheville, Burnsville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Highlands/Cashiers, Marshall, Newland, Rutherfordton and Spruce Pine. Pisgah Legal employs staff attorneys and relies heavily on the pro bono legal services of approximately 300 volunteer attorneys.

Vintage Market Days, Doors open at 10am daily, Vintage Market Days® is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market
featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies,
seasonal plantings and a little more,

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020

No Appointment Necessary – Pfizer, Moderna and J&J Vaccines Available

Mobile clinic located behind Sportsman’s Warehouse.

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020.

Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers tailgate markets. Several markets in Buncombe County will offer holiday markets or extended seasons in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and bread, these markets feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.

The 75 Annual Holiday Parade returns to Downtown Asheville on Saturday, Nov. 20. The parade begins at 11am at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and S. Charlotte St. It moves north to Patton Avenue, then west on Patton Avenue ending at South French Broad. The parade features local businesses, nonprofits, school/youth programs, and of course, Santa Claus.

The parade impacts many downtown streets. Please be sure to notify your staff about the parade since access will be affected.

Entries: We have a limited number of spots still available to be part of the parade. If you’re interested, please email [email protected] for more information.

Volunteering: We need a few more volunteers to make the parade happen. You can help with lineup, walk (or bike) with the parade, help with egress and more. Email [email protected] for more information.

In addition to beautiful, locally-made crafts, an assortment of homemade baked goods and other handmade items will be offered at the BPO DOES Holiday Craft Show and Bake Sale – just in time for the holidays! And don’t forget to pick up your tickets for our Saturday afternoon raffles! Proceeds to benefit the DOES charities, including our Blue Ridge Community College Scholarship Fund.

Vintage Market Days, Doors open at 10am daily, Vintage Market Days® is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market
featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies,
seasonal plantings and a little more,

Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers tailgate markets. Several markets in Buncombe County will offer holiday markets or extended seasons in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and bread, these markets feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.

Nov. 14, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.