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What are Neighborhood Matching Grants?
The Neighborhood Matching Grants Program (NMG) helps Asheville’s neighborhood-based organizations fund various improvement projects by providing a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of up to $5,000. The program is designed to strengthen relationships between neighbors, cultivate the spirit of volunteerism, and create projects for the benefit of their communities.
The City of Asheville’s goal is to:
- Build neighborhood capacity and increase civic participation
- Empower neighborhoods to self-determine improvement projects
- Create and strengthen partnerships between the City and community groups
Who can apply?
Eligible recipients of NMG funds must meet the following requirements:
- Must represent a specific geographic location within Asheville city limits
- Completed or in the process of completing their “Neighborhood Registration Form”
- Are a neighborhood-based organization (Neighborhood Associations, Homeowners Associations, Neighborhood Coalition, and Resident Organizations in Tax Credit Funded Communities)
What types of projects can be funded?
Asheville’s Neighborhood Matching Grants program aims to fund projects or programs that produce shared benefits with the goal of improving the neighborhood’s quality of life. Any project that is submitted must meet the following criteria:
- Be achievable within 12 months on contract execution
- Occur within Asheville’s city limits
- Provide a public benefit and be accessible to all members of the community
- Be planned, organized and implemented by community members
- Must provide a dollar-for-dollar match
- At least 50% of the match must be matched in volunteer hours
- Cash, in-kind donation of goods or services can be used to make up the other 50% match
Neighborhoods are encouraged to submit creative project ideas. There are a variety of projects that can be supported with NMG including: landscaping, murals. community art, cultural festivals, traffic calming, public safety, marketing and branding, organizational development and more.
How can your neighborhood apply?
Applications will be open for submission March 27 – May 27, 2023.
You can apply for a Neighborhood Matching Grant by following these steps:
- Confirm your neighborhood’s eligibility.
- Review the NMG Program Policies.
- Select your neighborhood’s project.
- Submit a completed application.
- Register as a Vendor with the City of Asheville.
Have questions?
eer hours, in-kind donation of goods or services)\
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.
Integrated theme:
Understanding Socio-economic Value of Climate Data, Prediction, Information, and Services
The 20th Annual Climate Prediction Applications Science Workshop (CPASW) brings together a diverse community to share developments in research and application of weather and climate information for societal decision-making. Participants will include researchers, service producers, resource managers, planners, practitioners, social scientists, and others making weather and climate-sensitive decisions.
NOAA’s National Weather Service Climate Services Branch, National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies (NCICS), and many other climate services partners are collaborating in the organization of the 2023 CPASW. For this year’s theme, we especially invite participants in the areas of social science, climate extension and communication, climate-informed decision making, and developers/providers that specialize in decision support.
The Workshop will address the following Focus Areas:
Linking Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBES) to Climate Services
- Products and Tools (GIS, surveys, etc.)
- Analysis, findings, and recommendations including methods for adding economic value to climate products
- Applications of SBES
- Service equity
- Subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) decisions
- Climate change planning and risk mitigation
- Climate information services for infrastructure
Improving Data, Prediction, and Attribution to Understand and Communicate the Risk of Extreme Events and Response Strategies
- Impact on economy and risk management of changing nature of extreme events
- Data to decisions, including datasets and database quality control and management (applying data to facilitate improved decision making decisions)
- Applications of modern technologies
- Cloud utilities (e.g., NODD – NOAA Open Data Dissemination, LCAT – Local Climate Analysis Tool, etc)
- AI-driven decision-making tools
Weather, water, and climate extremes are a unifying issue across all of these focus areas contributing to significant impacts on the economy and society. Applications of climate information at various timescales, including sub-seasonal to seasonal and beyond, help inform preparedness activities for disruptive events and long-term changes, supporting resilient communities and their economies. Infusing social, behavioral, and economical sciences will provide better guidance for applications of climate science for provision of the most impactful services for society.
An optional sustainability
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations Holidays call for hours
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center
85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
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- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
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- Dawn – Dusk
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
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- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
-
- Library open hours
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in
two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
Library open hours
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
-
- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
-
- Dawn – Dusk
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
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-
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- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
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During this action-packed hour, we will weave together an array of Eliada stories, milestones, and successes centered on this year’s theme: Gather and Grow. Please note change of date to May 11th, 2023. All donations will go to benefit the children and youth of Eliada, now in its 120th year of helping children succeed.
Eliada relies on the generosity of our community and its businesses. If your business is looking to support Eliada, please consider purchasing a Table Sponsorship. Promote your business at Lunch of a Lifetime and digitally, and get 8 tickets to attend for a great meal and greater stories.
Purchase a Corporate Table Sponsorship here
We also love and need support from our wonderful community and everyone in it. If you would like to purchase a full table (8 tickets) or individual tickets, then please join us and bring your friends to learn more about Eliada Homes.
Purchase a Full Table (8 tickets) here
Purchase Individual tickets here
• WHY: To learn more about our mission and raise funds which will provide shelter, residential treatment, education, and life skills for children and young adults at Eliada. Helping children and teens in crisis develop the skills they need to overcome life’s obstacles and become productive adults helps ensure the future of our community. But we cannot do it without your support.
• MISSION: Helping Children Succeed
• SERVICE AREA: State of North Carolina – Eliada serves more than 500 children annually through 5 key programs that provide a place to live, education, special education, food and clothing, and intensive therapy to children who need these services. While most children are from Buncombe and surrounding counties, Eliada serves children from all corners of NC.
Based on research done by The Trevor Project, “LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.” The documentary will give viewers a diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South while also recognizing the vital role that affirming allies play in promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention amongst individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. The hope is to promote collective growth in our communal understanding of the unique stories, adversities, and resiliency of LGBTQ+ people in the South.
This documentary is presented by The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program at ECU Health Medical Center in partnership with Mission Hospital and LA FLECHA FILM CO.
Funding for this project is provided by the NC DHHS Comprehensive Prevention Suicide Grant and Pitt County SADD.
Catch up with Dem Women!
Who should attend: Members and Friends of DWBC
Come out the third Thursday night for these FREE monthly improv jam sessions. What better place to test out your improv skills than in a low stakes setting among friends.
The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.
The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.
In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.
Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.
In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.
The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.
Since 2018, the Arts Build Community grant supports innovative, arts-based projects that inspire diverse groups of participants to be more active, involved, and civically-engaged by creating together. Grants range from $1,000-2,500.
Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit.
Description & Eligibility
Organizations must have been in operation for at least one year and be physically located in Buncombe County. Priority is given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need.
The arts must be centered in the proposed project. Funds may be used to cover expenses such as art supplies, professional artists’ fees and travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music and equipment rental.
Funds are for projects taking place from July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024. This can be a reimbursement for projects occurring during this funding period that have already taken place or for projects that have not yet occurred. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2024.
The City is seeking public input on the College Patton Bike Lane Project design through an online survey. Your responses will remain anonymous and will help City staff make updates to the plan that best accommodate all needs on the corridors. Staff will collect survey responses through Tuesday, June 5, 2023, and will share input received from this survey in an update to the City Council Planning and Economic Development Committee and on the City’s project page.

This project proposes to add buffered bike lanes in the core of Downtown on College Street between Spruce Street and Pritchard Park and on Patton Avenue between Pritchard Park and Biltmore Avenue.
Goals for this project include: creating protected east-west bicycle connections downtown that would connect to the larger bicycle network and creating a safer, more inviting multimodal environment downtown for everyone including bicyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles (including delivery trucks).
In addition to the proposed bike lanes, this project also includes restriping high-visibility crosswalks and reconfiguring loading zones throughout the project area.

This project is supported by City Councils 2036 Vision of Transportation and Accessibility. This Vision ensures whether you drive a car, take the bus, ride a bike or walk, that getting around Asheville is easy. Public transportation should be widespread, frequent, and reliable. Sidewalks, greenways, and bike facilities can get us where we want to go safely and keep us active and healthy. This Vision ensures it is easy to live in Asheville without a car and still enjoy economic, academic, and social success.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.
Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.
Garden Helpline Hours
March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October – (ends October 26th)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.

If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.
The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility requirements
Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.
For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.
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News from BCTDA
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) is accepting Phase I applications for the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) until Wednesday, May 17. Nonprofits and government partners are invited to submit proposals for major tourism capital projects with $8 million available for award this grant cycle.
The BCTDA has invested nearly $60 million in 46 community capital projects since 2001, including sports and recreational facilities, performing arts and entertainment venues, greenways and trails, and museums and other cultural amenities. These investments are powered by visitors through the lodging tax collected from their stay at hotels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts in the County. The application portal as well as more information on the TPDF grant process, evaluation criteria, and FAQs, can be found at ashevillecvb.com/product-development/.
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) recently renovated fitness centers at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers – and community members can enjoy use of cardio equipment, exercise machines, free weights, open gym time, and more through June 30, 2023. During this time, APR will waive membership and daily pass fees so more people can access the necessities for a regular fitness routine. Locals can sign up online or at either community center to receive a fitness center key fob that can be scanned at either location.
“Our team is committed to creating spaces in which everyone feels welcome,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “We are in the community building business. The gyms and fitness rooms at these two locations are filled with everything you’d expect from other top-notch fitness facilities and dedicated to body positivity and accessible wellness. By waiving the cost to use them for the first six months of the year, we hope more friends and neighbors will be able to connect with each other and maintain healthy lifestyles.”
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) recently renovated fitness centers at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers – and community members can enjoy use of cardio equipment, exercise machines, free weights, open gym time, and more through June 30, 2023. During this time, APR will waive membership and daily pass fees so more people can access the necessities for a regular fitness routine. Locals can sign up online or at either community center to receive a fitness center key fob that can be scanned at either location.
“Our team is committed to creating spaces in which everyone feels welcome,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “We are in the community building business. The gyms and fitness rooms at these two locations are filled with everything you’d expect from other top-notch fitness facilities and dedicated to body positivity and accessible wellness. By waiving the cost to use them for the first six months of the year, we hope more friends and neighbors will be able to connect with each other and maintain healthy lifestyles.”
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations Holidays call for hours
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center
85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
-
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
-
- Dawn – Dusk
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
-
- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
-
- Library open hours
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in
two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
Library open hours
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
-
- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
-
- Dawn – Dusk
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
-
-
-
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
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Chloe Kemp is an award-winning, best-selling author and intuitive shamanic energy healer. Her inspirational teaching memoir, Wisdom Keeper: My Extraordinary Journey to Unlock the Sacred Within, has won multiple awards, including GOLD WINNER: Memoir by a Female—2022 Living Now Book Awards—Books for Better Living.
Chloe’s intuitive shamanic energy healing sessions last approximately 1-1/2 hours. Available appointments begin at 11 am. She prefers to only do one session per day. Chloe lives in Mexico and will only be offering in-person healing sessions in Asheville on May 6 – May 12.
Once you book your session, Chloe will give you information on how to prepare for it. https://www.chloekempwisdomkeeper.com/healing
HEALING TESTIMONIES
“I can honestly say my life has changed for the better in a blink of an eye. I can not begin to express how grateful I am to you for giving me the tools I’ve been looking for my whole life. My session with you was amazing!”—P.S., San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
You are a true healer. I always feel blessed to be in your presence; you continually remind me of the Divine. I definitely felt a shift during and after our session and there’s no doubt it had something to do with the positive results I received at my doctor’s appointment. Every little touch — from the music, crystals, rattle, feather, and even the cards for affirmations afterwards — created such a safe and sacred place for me. You are a beacon of light and love.”—K.M., USA
“The intense healing I received from Chloe helped to open me up to past life traumas and grief and to clear karma so that my current life can progress without continuing to carry burdens from the past. I feel lighter and free to better continue this life’s journey as a Lightworker. I felt surrounded by a healing golden light. In the days and nights after, I experienced vivid dreams and visions that helped to process past grief and prepare me for the work that is to come. I highly recommend this healing experience for anyone — especially all Lightworkers, Star Seeds and Indigos.”—C.P., Registered Nurse, USA
“Wow! Your ability to tap into my past life and clear the stabbing wound literally feels like you removed a knife from my stomach! I feel like I just had an amazing, empowering energy transformation. Thank you for providing a relaxing and safe environment for my energy soul healing. I am amazed that you could channel such powerful energy. I feel like I can now understand and move past my karmic struggle in that lifetime.” —A.J. USA
Celebrate all mothers and mother figures a little early with a delicious meal.
Come buy beautiful native plants grown by the BGA and local vendor! We will have a wide variety of native flowers, shrubs, and trees to add to your garden. This is a benefit event for the BGA, Asheville’s unique native plant sanctuary, which is supported by memberships, donations, and volunteers. BGA members get a 10% discount on BGA-grown plants, sold at the gazebo, and memberships are available during the sale. Your plant purchases will support local pollinators, as well! Free parking and planting advice on site. Come early for the best selection of unusual native plants!
URL:
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/1660839-2?pid=10412
Celebrate Wanderful’s 10th birthday by getting together with your girlfriends, celebrate sisterhood, and talk all things travel, of course.
Because it’s Wanderful’s 10th birthday, we’ve decided to invite everyone to this event for free. Stop by and say “hi” at our Asheville, NC meet up on Friday, May 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Crave Dessert Bar.
Network with incredible travel-loving women in your local community and maybe even win a fun giveaway (including a Wanderful membership). Attendees will also have access to incredible membership discounts.
Members, to thank you for your friendship (and because we love you all so, so much), you can expect to receive a little something extra at the event.
Non-members, please RSVP to attend, only 50 spots are available: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wanderfuls-10th-birthday-extravaganza-tickets-587803836097
Join us for a conversation with multi-instrumentalist Kishi Bashi and filmmaker Liz Sargent about minority identity and racism towards Asians in America. Using songs, film, and photography, we’ll look at a history of Asian representation in media and culture. Kishi Bashi will be sharing clips from his upcoming film release, Omoiyari, a Japanese word which means to have sympathy and compassion towards another person.
A universal concept in human interaction that is required for a sustainable society, Kishi Bashi explores how empathy and the lack of it has played key roles in our modern quest for social equality.
About Kishi Bashi: Kishi Bashi is the pseudonym of singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Kaoru Ishibashi. Born in Seattle, Washington, Ishibashi grew up in Norfolk, Virginia where both of his parents were professors at Old Dominion University. As a 1994 graduate of Matthew Fontaine Maury High School, he went on to study film scoring at Berklee College of Music before becoming a renowned violinist. Ishibashi has recorded and toured internationally as a violinist with diverse artists such as Regina Spektor, Sondre Lerche, and most recently, the Athens, Georgia-based indie rock band, of Montreal. He remains based in Athens.
https://www.kishibashi.com/
About Liz Sargent: Liz Sargent is a Korean American Adoptee whose award-winning work explores themes of adoption, disability and family. As a Writer/Director she incorporates her background as a choreographer into visual storytelling that channels complex human emotions that are an extension of her experience as the middle child of eleven and recognizing her intersectional identity as an adult.
www.sargentliz.com
The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.
The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.
In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.
Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.
In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.
The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.
Since 2018, the Arts Build Community grant supports innovative, arts-based projects that inspire diverse groups of participants to be more active, involved, and civically-engaged by creating together. Grants range from $1,000-2,500.
Arts and culture are a fundamental part of our community. They help us connect with one another and better understand history, people, and new ideas. When people become involved in the design, creation, and upkeep of places, they develop a vested interest in using and maintaining these spaces. When neighbors have a true sense of “ownership” or connection to the places they frequent, the community becomes a better place to live, work, and visit.
Description & Eligibility
Organizations must have been in operation for at least one year and be physically located in Buncombe County. Priority is given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need.
The arts must be centered in the proposed project. Funds may be used to cover expenses such as art supplies, professional artists’ fees and travel, space rental, advertising, marketing and publicity, website and electronic media, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music and equipment rental.
Funds are for projects taking place from July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024. This can be a reimbursement for projects occurring during this funding period that have already taken place or for projects that have not yet occurred. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2024.
The City is seeking public input on the College Patton Bike Lane Project design through an online survey. Your responses will remain anonymous and will help City staff make updates to the plan that best accommodate all needs on the corridors. Staff will collect survey responses through Tuesday, June 5, 2023, and will share input received from this survey in an update to the City Council Planning and Economic Development Committee and on the City’s project page.

This project proposes to add buffered bike lanes in the core of Downtown on College Street between Spruce Street and Pritchard Park and on Patton Avenue between Pritchard Park and Biltmore Avenue.
Goals for this project include: creating protected east-west bicycle connections downtown that would connect to the larger bicycle network and creating a safer, more inviting multimodal environment downtown for everyone including bicyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles (including delivery trucks).
In addition to the proposed bike lanes, this project also includes restriping high-visibility crosswalks and reconfiguring loading zones throughout the project area.

This project is supported by City Councils 2036 Vision of Transportation and Accessibility. This Vision ensures whether you drive a car, take the bus, ride a bike or walk, that getting around Asheville is easy. Public transportation should be widespread, frequent, and reliable. Sidewalks, greenways, and bike facilities can get us where we want to go safely and keep us active and healthy. This Vision ensures it is easy to live in Asheville without a car and still enjoy economic, academic, and social success.
Green Drinks lives on every Saturday as The Free & Open University of Eco-Sustainability on Facebook
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.
Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.
Garden Helpline Hours
March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October – (ends October 26th)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.
starting May 7, 2023 The Public Works Stormwater Division will close Hill Street from Montford Ave. down to 135 Hill St to perform stormwater culvert replacements before a paving project. This weather dependent nightly closure (7 p.m. to 6 a.m.) is scheduled to take place May 7 through May 13.


