1. Bricks-And-Mortar

2. Public Education

3. Planning, Survey and Designation

Are you looking for a great way to get involved with your community and make a difference? Board, committee, and commission members aid the governing process by keeping Buncombe County in touch with the ideas and attitudes of our community. They help provide direction for the allocation of funds, the provision of human services, protection of residents, property, and our natural resources.

Public input is vitally important to the success of our County, and right now Buncombe County has vacancies on a number of boards and commissions. Learn more about vacancies, deadlines to apply, and the application process at buncombecounty.org/transparency.

Featured Board & Commission vacancies

Justice Resource Advisory Council: Leveraging best practices to increase system efficiency, promote public safety & community wellness.

Are you interested in the inner workings of Buncombe County’s criminal justice system? The Justice Resource Advisory Council (JRAC) is seeking one at-large community member.

JRAC is a collaborative initiative and advisory body with leadership from Buncombe County and representatives from the criminal justice and court system focusing on systemic planning and coordination for crucial needs in the criminal justice system. JRAC examines potential improvements to the system, sets priorities, makes recommendations, and guides their implementation. Top priorities are:

• Jail population reduction
• Diverting individuals with mental illness and substance abuse into treatment
• Increasing court efficiency
• Data integration
• Community engagement
• Addressing racial and ethnic disparities
• Juvenile justice
• Re-entry support

The JRAC meets the first Friday of February, April, June, August, October, and December at 12:30 p.m. at 200 College Street Ground Floor, unless otherwise announced.  Apply online here.

Current Buncombe County Boards & Commissions vacancies

• Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee: 1 vacancy, Deadline Jan. 11, 2022
• Agricultural Advisory Board: 1 vacancy, Until filled
• Justice Resource Advisory Council: 1 vacancy (community member at-large) Until filled
• Homeless Initiative:  1 vacancy; Until filled
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC):  1 vacancy (1 person under the age of 21 years or a member of the public representing the interests of families of youth at-risk of justice involvement); 1 vacancy (member of faith community); 1 vacancy (community member at-large); 1 vacancy (representative of Parks & Recreation) Until filled
• Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee: Ongoing need
• Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee: Ongoing need

Immerse yourself in our new exhibition series, Legends of Art & Innovation—featuring three different large-scale, multi-sensory events—created and produced by Grande Experiences using the very latest in immersive technology to illuminate the remarkable lives of Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci and their timeless masterpieces of art and design.

Each individual component of this must-see series offers fascinating ties to George Vanderbilt’s collection of treasures on display in his magnificent family home, Biltmore House.

Celebrate International Women’s Day 2022
with
The MakeHER Market at Reynolds Village

The MakeHER Market returns on Saturday, March 5th in celebration of International Women’s Day in a new location at Reynolds Village in North Asheville.

The debut event was held in 2019 as a way to highlight and create connections between the talented community of Asheville female entrepreneurs. International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated worldwide in early March to honor the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Among its missions, IWD 2022 strives to “imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.”

The 2022 MakeHER Market will raise money for HelpMate and feature 20 female, independent creatives, makers and designers and their unique, hand crafted goods. Fair Trade coffee, jewelry and home décor as well as locally made art, accessories and botanicals will be available to purchase. Created and organized by Fair Trade companies Incite Coffee Co. and Maadili Collective, as well as Hello, Gorgeous! Professional Bra Fitting & More, all women-owned, local Asheville companies. In addition to shopping for local vendor goods, guests can donate to the Hello Gorgeous! Bra Drive for HelpMate, a year-round program to provide courageous survivors with bra fittings and gently loved, cleaned, and curated bras. The MakeHER Market event aims to honor the empowerment and enterprising ventures of diverse women locally and abroad.

All participating vendors will be fully vaccinated against Covid 19 and the event will follow the Buncombe County mandates for Covid protocols for all guests.

Event hours are 11am to 5pm, admission is free and families are welcome.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeHERmarket

WHAT: The MakeHER Market
WHERE: 61 North Merrimon Avenue, Suite 107, North Asheville
WHEN: Saturday, March 5th, 11-5pm. Rain or shine.

#IWD2022 #BreaktheBias

“We Rise: Elevate, Educate, Celebrate” offers art and travel lovers a unique opportunity to expand their collections and experiences, while celebrating the shared vision of a community that sees the potential of ALL children. Proceeds directly support OpenDoors students moving to and through college by providing increased access to education, enrichment, and other thriving resources. The Art Affair is OpenDoors’ largest annual fundraiser, attracting hundreds of passionate donors every year with its highly anticipated art auction. Tickets go on sale Jan. 21.

Highlights:

• Live and mobile auctions featuring exceptional artwork and experiences donated by area artists and supporters

• Annual “To & Through” scholarship and Laureate of the Year awards

• A fresh, creative arts presentation by OpenDoors students

• New! VIP UNC/Duke Watch Party

• Food and signature drinks from WNC’s top chefs and mixologists

• Live entertainment by top-notch regional musicians and DJs

• OpenDoors of Asheville’s mission is to strengthen community by eliminating the race-based opportunity and achievement gaps for students through education.

Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education. Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!   In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.   This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.    Have someone in mind?

If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s to be ready…
Sign up for BC Alerts, and you’ll get emergency information sent directly to you in real time.

Buncombe County residents have a new, customizable solution for receiving notification and emergency alerts. Buncombe County Government is in the initial phase of migrating to the CodeRED community notification system to send important alerts and time-sensitive messages to staff members and residents. Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures and schedule changes, and other county service information.

Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert (not case sensitive) to 99411 or visit buncombecounty.org/codered to sign up for the new system.

The ‘Queen’ Boys are back with The Music of Tom Petty. You filled the houses in 2019 for their Eagles/Beatles concert, 2020’s The Music of Queen, and their 2021 SOLD OUT outdoor Stadium Concert. Now they’re back to bring you the iconic music of Tom Petty. “American Girl,” “Free Fallin,” “Breakdown,” “Don’t Do Me Like That,” “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” and so many more will fill the Leiman Mainstage! Join us for a rockin’ night with these enduring tunes and the incredible artists that will have you swooning and hungry for more!

Dates: Feb. 24-March 5
Tickets: Starting at $40
Location: 2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC 28731

The Music of Tom Petty runs from Thursday, Feb. 24 – Saturday, March 5 at Flat Rock Playhouse’s Leiman Mainstage. Tickets range from $40 to $60. Student prices are available for ages 18 and under. For more ticket information, call the Flat Rock Playhouse Box Office at 828.693.0731 or purchase online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org

Flat Rock Playhouse Leiman Mainstage is located at 2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC, 28731.

Ticket link: https://purchase.flatrockplayhouse.org/overview/2992/

Various times

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

Your voice can help decide the future of an upcoming mixed-use, mixed-income housing project in Buncombe County. Buncombe County owns a 137-acre tract of land adjacent to the French Broad River and Pisgah National Forest and will use it to increase affordable housing opportunities, a priority that aligns with the 2025 Strategic Plan and community feedback. Later this year, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will decide between five potential scenarios for the County-owned land, and community input is an important part of that process. One way to provide input is the Ferry Road Project survey which only takes about five minutes to complete and will provide valuable insight on the future of this property. Buncombe County is also hosting a virtual meeting about potential plans for Ferry Road that will feature a Q&A session and opportunity for feedback. That virtual meeting is March 3 from 5-7 p.m., and you can register here.