Incredible Towns of WNC invites you to WNC’s largest free and independent Business Networking group, Incredible Business Networking (IBN) for IBN Biz Lunch – Asheville, on the first Tuesday of each month, at Suwana Asian Cuisine, 45 Tunnel Rd., beginning at 11:30.

IBN Biz Lunch – Asheville is open to all. Never any dues, fees, restrictions, exclusions, or membership requirements. Just buy your lunch if you are hungry and support our host restaurant.

Bring a stack of business cards, and if you like, a door prize to add to our drawing at the end of the meeting.

The meeting will consist of 1 minute introductions by every guest, a discussion of future networking opportunities in the area, a roundtable business needs and solutions segment, a time for gratitude and testimonials, door prizes, and some open networking before and after the meeting.

Our meetings are free because of the generosity and support of our IBN Sponsors:
The Super Signguy
Biz Radio US
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC
One Health Direct Primary Care
Southern Quality Company

This is a monthly meeting at Friends and Fiberworks. Whatever handwork you enjoy, bring it! It is always fun to see what everyone is working on. We ask those not vaccinated to wear a mask. And as things continue to change, please be prepared to respect store requirements regarding masks. Be sure to RSVP!

Spring Musical

Finding Nemo KIDS

2nd-4thGrades

Tuesdays

2:30pm-4:00pm

2/6, 2/13, 2/20. 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/9, 4/16, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14

No Class: 4/2 Spring Break, 4/23 Early Release

Dress Rehearsal: 5/7 2:30-4:00pm

Performance: 5/14/2024 3:30pm

Tuition: $300

Students will learn all about teamwork as they work together with their classmates and a professional Teaching Artist to perform scenes and songs from a short musical. Each actor will receive their own part with lines and songs to learn. Class time will be used for rehearsal and a performance complete with costumes and props will take place on the final class day.

In Person at Glen Arden Elementary School

50 Pinehurst Cir, Arden, NC 28704

Ribbon Cutting Advanced Dermatology + Skin Surgery

Join us for a lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.

Join us for a lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.

Come down the Pack Memorial Library and play with LEGOs!
Show off your building skills and make new friends with other LEGO maniacs.

Please leave your personal LEGOs at home, because we’ve got plenty.

Volunteers are needed to attend all Buncombe County Board of Elections board meetings. Our presence demonstrates our support for the board, reduces the likelihood of intimidation by election deniers and will insure the board proceedings are documented in a timely manner.

We have a number of members attending these meetings, and they alternate who will be taking notes. Please sign up if you’re willing to attend and take a turn with note-taking.

As the March 5th primary nears, you’ll see that the hours of board meetings are long and we are not expecting anyone to stay beyond 2 hours. We are encouraging our attendees to coordinate shifts with each other. Please sign up for the days you can attend and plan for some flexibility please.

This is such an important contribution to protecting our democracy and honoring Buncombe County’s excellent Board of Elections!

Dates: February 6-April 16

Grades: 3rd-5th Grade
Day & Time: Tuesdays 4:30-5:45

This 10-week class is designed for curious young performers eager to explore the “FUN”-damentals of acting. Through high-energy theatre games, improvisation, pantomime, storytelling, and ensemble-based activities, students will hone their theatre skills, build meaningful connections with other young artists, and discover their creative potential! Showcase what you learned at the end of class performance for friends and family.  With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times! We will end the semester with a performance for family and friends at our end of session Spring Fling on Saturday April 20!

Instructor: Christa Matth

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Learn how to prevent drug facilitated sexual assault and intervene as a bystander in our online community training session!

Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) + Bystander Intervention Techniques Community Training

Join us for an online community training on Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) and Bystander Intervention Techniques. Learn how to identify and prevent DFSA incidents, and gain the skills to intervene as a bystander. This training aims to create a safer community by equipping individuals with knowledge and strategies to combat sexual assault. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference!

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Vancouver Canucks

“BOB DYLAN’S SONGS HAVE NEVER SOUNDED SO HEARTBREAKINGLY PERSONAL AND UNIVERSAL.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY is the Tony Award^®-winning new musical that the Chicago Tribune declares is “a Broadway revelation!”

Written and directed by celebrated playwright Conor McPherson and featuring Tony Award^®-winning orchestrations by Simon Hale, Girl From the North Country reimagines 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan as they’ve never been heard before, including “Forever Young,” “All Along The Watchtower,” “Hurricane,” “Slow Train Coming,” and “Like A Rolling Stone.”

Artsville and the Ferguson YMCA Partner as a New Arts Resource for Candler

Announcing Expressionistic Landscape Watercolors by Cynthia Llanes

Saturday, January 13 thru Monday, March 4

Seeking a spot to bring art exhibits, discussions and workshops to Candler, Artsville Collective
has partnered with the Ferguson Family YMCA for a full schedule of year-round events. Kicking
off 2024 will be watercolors from Cynthia Llanes, an expressionistic landscape artist whose work
has become a favorite in the region and commissioned paintings appear in many collections.
The exhibit “Fluid Expressions” seeks to celebrate the sheer joy and excitement that
watercolor brings to the creative process, offering insight into the unique characteristics
of watercolor as a medium. Says Llanes, “Fluid Expressions” invites viewers to revel in
the joy of watercolor and its uncanny ability to capture subtle nuances in landscapes.”
To hear more from Llanes about her work and what captivates her in nature, meet her
at the Ferguson Y for a group presentation, demo and discussion on Monday,
February 5 from 11 am to noon. To learn more from area artists, circle the first
Monday of every other month when Artsville Collective sponsors Art Talks at the
Candler Y.
Llanes’ career as a committed art-preneur has built her brand dramatically since
showing at Artsville Collective in the RAD in 2022. Her versatility in oil and watercolor is
displayed in depth at her new space in the River Arts District. Cynthia Llanes Fine Art
Gallery and Studio is located at Riverview Station, 191 Lyman, Second Floor Studio 324
or cynthiallanesartist.com.
It is not necessary to be a Y member to attend art exhibits and talks and all are
encouraged to bring friends. More than a place to exercise, the YMCA is a community
resource for folks of all ages and backgrounds. The Candler Y also offers nutrition
consulting, childcare, discussions, outdoor activities, and family events. Visit the
Ferguson Family YMCA at 31 Westridge Market Place, Candler NC 28715 or call
828-575-2940.

Buncombe County’s residents, especially those living in and at the edge of poverty, have been able to access valuable, life-saving emergency assistance benefits through Eblen Charities. For many years now, Eblen Charities has partnered with Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) to administer the Emergency Assistance, Crisis Intervention, and Low Income Energy Assistance programs. Due to an increase in need from our neighbors and challenges with processing benefits between state and partner agency systems, BCHHS transitioned the administration of these programs from Eblen Charities to the County on November 13, 2023.

We recognize that this a change for our community as Eblen Charities has provided this assistance for many years and has been a vital resource for our neighbors in crisis. BCHHS began answering calls and processing online applications on November 13, 2023. Beginning December 1, 2023, with the start of Low Income Energy Assistance application processing, BCHHS will start taking in-person requests at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville.

Low Income Energy Assistance provides a one-time annual vendor payment to help eligible families pay their heating expense. Households containing a person age 60 or older or disabled receiving services can apply starting December 1, 2023. All households can apply starting January 1, 2024. Low Income Energy Assistance applications are accepted until March 31, 2024 or until funds are exhausted.

To qualify for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet income requirements.
• Be responsible for its heating costs.

The Crisis Intervention Program serves individuals and families who are experiencing or are in danger of experiencing a heating- or cooling-related crisis.

To qualify for the Crisis Intervention Program, households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet the income requirements.
• Have an energy related crisis.
• Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis.

For those who have previously received Low Income Energy Assistance Program assistance, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin notifying eligible households by mail beginning November 19, 2023. Households will have 10 days to report any changes to their household. Applicants can report changes by contacting the BCHHS office or by making changes to the form that was mailed to you and return it to BCHHS, located at 40 Coxe Ave. in Downtown Asheville. If no changes are reported, the information from last year will be used to process this year’s automated Low Income Energy Assistance payment.

If you are interested in applying for these Energy Assistance benefits, you can quickly apply online at www.epass.nc.gov. If you would like to apply over the phone, have general questions about energy assistance, or need to check on the status of your case, please call us at (828) 250-6330. Beginning December 1, 2023, you may also visit us in person at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville. Please bring your parking ticket with you inside of the building for free parking.

Buncombe County also will administer Emergency Assistance, which Buncombe County Social Work Services distributes as funds become available to our community. To apply for Emergency Assistance, go online to epass.nc.gov, call Buncombe County at 828-250-6330, or apply in person at 40 Coxe Ave.

BCHHS will continue to partner with Eblen Charities to assist families and individuals in our community during times of crisis and hardship. For more information on the services that are available in our community, visit www.buncombecounty.org/hhs.

Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding. 

Applications due by:

• November 30, 2023
• January 30, 2024
• March 30, 2024

If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!

Baker Exhibit Center

In an age of complex environmental challenges, why not look to the ingenuity of nature for solutions? The forms, patterns, and processes found in the natural world—refined by 3.8 billion years of evolution—can inspire our design of everything from clothing to skyscrapers. This approach to innovation, called biomimicry, is becoming increasingly popular.

Nature’s Blueprints is supported in part by The North Carolina Arboretum Society, The Laurel of Asheville, RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide, and Smoky Mountain Living Magazine.

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Buncombe County Environmental Health is hosting a FREE course for pool operators, owners, and any others who are involved in the day-to-day operation of a public pool, spa, or other body of water or are tasked with filling out the paperwork annually.

Topics that will be covered:

• How to avoid getting your annual application sent back.
• How to avoid a revisit fee and permit-action items specific to North Carolina.
• Common permit conditions.
• Industry changes and what they mean for you.
• How to properly fill out your safety data sheet:
  • How to properly measure your sump.
  • How to determine a flow reduction, if needed.
  • How to determine that your drain covers work with your pool.

The training will be in person at 200 College St. Asheville, NC 28801. It will be broken up into two sections with the latter to work on your individual datasheet with in-person help from an Environmental Health staff member. Please note that this course is NOT a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) training course. 

Please register for one of the two courses (you may register multiple people at once):

February 7, 2024, from 9 a.m. – noon. Registration closes on January 19, 2024

February 14, 2024, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Registration closes on January 26, 2024

To ensure a conducive learning environment for all, the number of registrants is limited, so registration is first come, first served. Once registration has closed, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know whether or not your registration has been accepted. The course agenda will be attached to emails sent to registrants attending the course.

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Explore These Nostalgic, Heavily Layered, Mixed-Media Pieces It’s always exciting to receive new work from one of our artists. The anticipation of unboxing to see the months and sometimes years of work come together in a finished piece. This was no exception with the many works by Angela Johal, including her rare large-scale collages. While painting, Johal listens to music, and most of the time it’s 1970s rock. In her collages, the influence of her 1960s and 70s childhood is evident with the use of vintage advertisements of vehicles and beauty products, along with images of planets that recall the Space Age period. She effectively uses repetition and geometry in a similar way to her acrylic painting process. Eye of the Universe mixed media 48 x 48 in Most of these works are collages using a variety of media including different types of paper. These pieces by Johal are incredibly mesmerizing due to the subject matter, color palette, and exploration of scale within the elements of the composition. It’s difficult to allow the eye to pause as it wants to keep exploring the space. The straight lines intersecting effectively directs us from one area of the piece to another. Variations on a Theme No. 43 acrylic on canvas 60 x 60 inches This is one of Johal’s largest acrylic paintings to date. When one is in the presence of this painting, a sense of peace washes over them. While extremely active, each shape and color is placed intentionally to create unity and a feeling of harmony. Seven Tenths mixed media 48 x 48 inches Available Work

Historians estimate that skilled Black artisans outnumbered their white counterparts in the antebellum South by a margin of five to one. However, despite their presence and prevalence in all corners of the pre-industrial trade and craft fields, the stories of these skilled workers go largely unacknowledged.

Borrowing its title from a Black culture and politics magazine of the same name, Hammer and Hope celebrates the life and labor of Black chairmakers in early America. Featuring the work of two contemporary furniture makers – Robell Awake and Charlie Ryland – the pieces in this exhibition are based on the artists’ research into ladderback chairs created by the Poynors, a multigenerational family of free and enslaved craftspeople working in central Tennessee between the early nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Through the objects featured in Hammer and Hope, Awake and Ryland explore, reinterpret, and reimagine what the field of furniture-making today would look like had the history and legacy of the Poynors – and countless others that have been subject to a similar pattern of erasure – been celebrated rather than hidden. Hammer and Hope represents Awake and Ryland’s attempts, in their own words,  “at fighting erasure by making objects that engage with these long-suppressed stories.”‍

Robell Awake and Charlie Ryland are recipients of the Center for Craft’s 2022 Craft Research Fund Artist Fellowship. This substantial mid-career grant is awarded to two artists to support research projects that advance, expand, and support the creation of new research and knowledge through craft practice.