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.

Thursday, May 13, 2021
Grants for printing + distribution: Recycling outreach materials in rural + small communities
May 13 all-day
Online w/ Carolina Recycling Association
Funding Available for Rural & Small Community Outreach 
CRA Providing Assistance for Printing & Distribution 
CRA is thrilled to announce we will be offering grants for the printing and distribution of recycling outreach materials in rural and small communities!  Our goal is to help reduce contamination and increase participation in these community recycling programs!  
Over the past few years we have heard from many small communities and haulers that there is a great need for financial assistance to reach their residents with anti-contamination and proper recycling information, and we are answering that call for help. The Carolina Recycling Association (CRA) has been awarded a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist rural and small community residential commingled or source separated recycling programs in North and South Carolina. The purpose of this grant is to fund the purchase and distribution of education and outreach materials for these communities in order to help educate citizens on what can be recycled in their respective communities and to combat recycling contamination.  Applicants should carefully read the entire application before completing.
 
Application Due Date:

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Friday, May 14, 2021.

Eligible Entities:
  • Rural local governments, defined as counties, municipalities, councils of governments and solid waste authorities in North and South Carolina.
  • Private or nonprofit haulers that provide recycling collection services to rural communities.
  • Programs offering residential curbside collection or county convenience center drop-off recycling programs.
  • For the purpose of this grant, a rural community as defined by USDA has a population of 10,000 or less.
This Divided Land Documentary: Local History of Racial Discrimination + Housing
May 13 all-day
Online w/ Habitat for Humanity

This Divided Land is a video produced by our friends at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH). They discovered a racial covenant in the deed of an AAHH property, and documented how they took steps to address it, with assistance from Pisgah Legal staff attorney, Parker Smith. Here’s how AAHH describes the video: The home is the primary way Americans build wealth, but laws and systems have kept people of color- especially Black Americans- from accessing homeownership. Nationally and here in Asheville, white homeownership rates are significantly higher than people of color, and the racial wealth gap is as wide as it was in 1968 when the Fair Housing Act was passed.

After discovering a racial covenant in a deed of a South Asheville property AAHH developed for affordable housing, they decided to delve deeper and learn more about the history of discriminatory housing practices, how they shaped our city, and how practices like these contributed to current day racial disparities. The result is this 18 minute film, This Divided Landfeaturing local partners including Pisgah Legal Services.

Women’s Leadership Breakfast
May 13 @ 7:30 am – 9:00 am
Kenmure Country Club

This breakfast organized by the ATHENA of Henderson County Award committee is a fantastic opportunity to explore your own development as a leader while encouraging future leaders to explore their potential!

The program will feature our 2020 ATHENA Award recipient, Mayor Barbara Volk for a Town Hall style discussion on her experience with leadership and mentorship.

There will be a virtual attendance option for this event. 

Established leaders are encouraged to invite an emerging leader to attend this event. Conversations will happen, lives will be touched, leaders will be inspired, and friendships will be formed.

No matter your level of professional/personal development, this event allows the space and time for introspection – an opportunity to celebrate the gifts we have, and the chance to learn more about the skills we would like to grow, all structured around building a supportive network and community.  We hope you can join us!

*In-person attendees will be required to wear masks when not dining, in accordance with the state mask mandate

Event Sponsors:
American Rescue Plan Makes ACA Insurance More Affordable; Get Free Help, Signing Up w/ Pisgah Legal + Partners
May 13 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal Services

Make a Free Appointment Today

Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all appointments are currently being conducted by phone. Depending on where you live in WNC, some of Pisgah Legal’s ACA Partners may be offering in-person appointments.

 

Last year, more than 90 percent of North Carolinians who enrolled for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable. Subsidies are based on household taxable income and may be difficult for consumers to calculate themselves. Pisgah Legal can help with this process and can factor in unemployment benefits if needed. Pisgah Legal can also answer questions about other coverage, such as COBRA, and help people apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

 

Pisgah Legal and other Enrollment Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents 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.

The ACA – also known as “Obamacare” – is the law that ensures access to quality, affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these plans, consumers are protected and:

  • Can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing health condition and can’t be dropped for getting sick;
  • Insurers can’t charge higher premiums to women; and
  • Insurers can’t sell substandard plans that don’t pay for essential health care benefits.
New COVID-19 ACA Special Enrollment Period w/ Pisgah Legal
May 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal

People have a new opportunity to enroll in health insurance for 2021 on HealthCare.gov, but only for a limited time. This new COVID-19 Special Enrollment period starts on February 15, 2021 and ends on May 15, 2021. Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), and its enrollment partners of WNC, are once again offering free assistance helping people in the 18-county mountain region review their options and sign up for ACA health insurance.

With job losses continuing to mount amid the COVID-19 resurgence, and millions of people having lost their job-based health insurance since the start of this public health and economic crisis, the Biden Administration has opened up HealthCare.gov to give people who need health insurance a new opportunity to get covered, but they must act quickly. For free help locally, with trained assisters, make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

“More than 535,000 North Carolinians enrolled in a health insurance plan during the last Open Enrollment period,” said Shannon Cornelius, Pisgah Legal’s Health Justice Program Director. “This is a new chance for people to sign up, and anyone who needs health insurance should visit HealthCare.gov today, or contact Pisgah Legal Services if you need assistance. Don’t delay.”

Health insurance is more affordable than many people think. In North Carolina, 83 percent of current marketplace consumers had plans available for 2021 that cost less than $50 per month, after financial help. Nine out of 10 marketplace enrollees in North Carolina received financial help that lowered their monthly health insurance premiums last year. In addition, 57 percent of enrollees also qualified for lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services.

“With this new Special Enrollment Period, both new and existing marketplace consumers can shop for marketplace pans, compare options, costs and even make changes. It opens up the ability to get health insurance outside of Open Enrollment. Our certified application counselors can help answer questions and get you enrolled in the plan that works best for you and your family,” said Cornelius.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. 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,” said Cornelius.

 

Make a Free Appointment Today

The health insurance landscape can be confusing, but free, local help is available. Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all Pisgah Legal Services appointments are currently being conducted by phone, some community partners may offer in person assistance.

Noble + Company Hosts Blood Drive
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Noble and Company

Scan the code on the flyer above to begin signing up.

Or reply to this email ([email protected]) with the required details below and we will do the work for you:

  • First and Last name
  • Email address so we can confirm your appointment
  • Time slot you’d like to donate-between 10:30am and 3pm

Recieve a $20 gift card to be used right away at a cool spot on our block. Visit:

Louise’s Kitchen
Foothills Meat
Black Mountain Natural Foods
WNC Outdoor Collective

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
May 13 @ 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Carrier Park

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.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
May 13 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Carrier Park

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.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
May 13 @ 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Carrier Park

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.

Friday, May 14, 2021
Grants for printing + distribution: Recycling outreach materials in rural + small communities
May 14 all-day
Online w/ Carolina Recycling Association
Funding Available for Rural & Small Community Outreach 
CRA Providing Assistance for Printing & Distribution 
CRA is thrilled to announce we will be offering grants for the printing and distribution of recycling outreach materials in rural and small communities!  Our goal is to help reduce contamination and increase participation in these community recycling programs!  
Over the past few years we have heard from many small communities and haulers that there is a great need for financial assistance to reach their residents with anti-contamination and proper recycling information, and we are answering that call for help. The Carolina Recycling Association (CRA) has been awarded a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist rural and small community residential commingled or source separated recycling programs in North and South Carolina. The purpose of this grant is to fund the purchase and distribution of education and outreach materials for these communities in order to help educate citizens on what can be recycled in their respective communities and to combat recycling contamination.  Applicants should carefully read the entire application before completing.
 
Application Due Date:

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Friday, May 14, 2021.

Eligible Entities:
  • Rural local governments, defined as counties, municipalities, councils of governments and solid waste authorities in North and South Carolina.
  • Private or nonprofit haulers that provide recycling collection services to rural communities.
  • Programs offering residential curbside collection or county convenience center drop-off recycling programs.
  • For the purpose of this grant, a rural community as defined by USDA has a population of 10,000 or less.
Hiking for Hunger
May 14 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
This Divided Land Documentary: Local History of Racial Discrimination + Housing
May 14 all-day
Online w/ Habitat for Humanity

This Divided Land is a video produced by our friends at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH). They discovered a racial covenant in the deed of an AAHH property, and documented how they took steps to address it, with assistance from Pisgah Legal staff attorney, Parker Smith. Here’s how AAHH describes the video: The home is the primary way Americans build wealth, but laws and systems have kept people of color- especially Black Americans- from accessing homeownership. Nationally and here in Asheville, white homeownership rates are significantly higher than people of color, and the racial wealth gap is as wide as it was in 1968 when the Fair Housing Act was passed.

After discovering a racial covenant in a deed of a South Asheville property AAHH developed for affordable housing, they decided to delve deeper and learn more about the history of discriminatory housing practices, how they shaped our city, and how practices like these contributed to current day racial disparities. The result is this 18 minute film, This Divided Landfeaturing local partners including Pisgah Legal Services.

WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 14 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

American Rescue Plan Makes ACA Insurance More Affordable; Get Free Help, Signing Up w/ Pisgah Legal + Partners
May 14 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal Services

Make a Free Appointment Today

Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all appointments are currently being conducted by phone. Depending on where you live in WNC, some of Pisgah Legal’s ACA Partners may be offering in-person appointments.

 

Last year, more than 90 percent of North Carolinians who enrolled for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable. Subsidies are based on household taxable income and may be difficult for consumers to calculate themselves. Pisgah Legal can help with this process and can factor in unemployment benefits if needed. Pisgah Legal can also answer questions about other coverage, such as COBRA, and help people apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

 

Pisgah Legal and other Enrollment Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents 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.

The ACA – also known as “Obamacare” – is the law that ensures access to quality, affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these plans, consumers are protected and:

  • Can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing health condition and can’t be dropped for getting sick;
  • Insurers can’t charge higher premiums to women; and
  • Insurers can’t sell substandard plans that don’t pay for essential health care benefits.
New COVID-19 ACA Special Enrollment Period w/ Pisgah Legal
May 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal

People have a new opportunity to enroll in health insurance for 2021 on HealthCare.gov, but only for a limited time. This new COVID-19 Special Enrollment period starts on February 15, 2021 and ends on May 15, 2021. Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), and its enrollment partners of WNC, are once again offering free assistance helping people in the 18-county mountain region review their options and sign up for ACA health insurance.

With job losses continuing to mount amid the COVID-19 resurgence, and millions of people having lost their job-based health insurance since the start of this public health and economic crisis, the Biden Administration has opened up HealthCare.gov to give people who need health insurance a new opportunity to get covered, but they must act quickly. For free help locally, with trained assisters, make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

“More than 535,000 North Carolinians enrolled in a health insurance plan during the last Open Enrollment period,” said Shannon Cornelius, Pisgah Legal’s Health Justice Program Director. “This is a new chance for people to sign up, and anyone who needs health insurance should visit HealthCare.gov today, or contact Pisgah Legal Services if you need assistance. Don’t delay.”

Health insurance is more affordable than many people think. In North Carolina, 83 percent of current marketplace consumers had plans available for 2021 that cost less than $50 per month, after financial help. Nine out of 10 marketplace enrollees in North Carolina received financial help that lowered their monthly health insurance premiums last year. In addition, 57 percent of enrollees also qualified for lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services.

“With this new Special Enrollment Period, both new and existing marketplace consumers can shop for marketplace pans, compare options, costs and even make changes. It opens up the ability to get health insurance outside of Open Enrollment. Our certified application counselors can help answer questions and get you enrolled in the plan that works best for you and your family,” said Cornelius.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. 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,” said Cornelius.

 

Make a Free Appointment Today

The health insurance landscape can be confusing, but free, local help is available. Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all Pisgah Legal Services appointments are currently being conducted by phone, some community partners may offer in person assistance.

Saturday, May 15, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
May 15 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
This Divided Land Documentary: Local History of Racial Discrimination + Housing
May 15 all-day
Online w/ Habitat for Humanity

This Divided Land is a video produced by our friends at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH). They discovered a racial covenant in the deed of an AAHH property, and documented how they took steps to address it, with assistance from Pisgah Legal staff attorney, Parker Smith. Here’s how AAHH describes the video: The home is the primary way Americans build wealth, but laws and systems have kept people of color- especially Black Americans- from accessing homeownership. Nationally and here in Asheville, white homeownership rates are significantly higher than people of color, and the racial wealth gap is as wide as it was in 1968 when the Fair Housing Act was passed.

After discovering a racial covenant in a deed of a South Asheville property AAHH developed for affordable housing, they decided to delve deeper and learn more about the history of discriminatory housing practices, how they shaped our city, and how practices like these contributed to current day racial disparities. The result is this 18 minute film, This Divided Landfeaturing local partners including Pisgah Legal Services.

WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 15 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Mills River Farmers Market Celebrate Wellness Month
May 15 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Mills River Farmers Market

Mills River Farmers Market, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 a.m. to noon

Each week has a different health focus with specialists sharing information and giveaways. May 8: Cardiac Health; May 15: Physical Activity; May 22: Nutrition; May 29: Mental Health.

 ASAP is promoting May as Wellness Month at area farmers markets. Seven farmers markets, in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison counties, will host health and wellness vendors and offer free activities and resources in events scheduled throughout the month.

Farm Fresh for Health is a farm-centered initiative designed to connect people to environments and activities that support healthy lifestyles and eating choices. Shopping at farmers markets encourages us to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, cook meals at home, and eat together with friends and family.

With the Farm Fresh Prescription Program, participating physicians can prescribe a farmers market visit to their patients. Patients redeem their prescription at ASAP Farmers Market and receive $10 to spend at the market (with seven “refills,” for a total of $80). The prescription incentive provides healthcare providers with action steps that fit within the healthcare process. Six physicians from two practices in Asheville (The Family Health Centers and Lantern Health) will participate in the 2021 pilot. An earlier pilot, begun in January of 2020, was interrupted by the pandemic. ASAP plans to expand the program to include additional markets and health practices in the future.

“The idea of prescribing healthy food/eating to patients is gaining momentum and the recognition it deserves as immensely important in optimizing the long-term health of patients,” said Dr. Ben Aiken of Lantern Health. “Being able to do so by connecting them to local food and community is a win-win.”

Wellness Month activities range from kids yoga and community workouts to cooking demos to health screenings and chiropractic evaluations. Find details about vendors and events for specific markets on the follow page or on ASAP’s community events calendar at fromhere.org/events. Participating markets are:

  • Enka-Candler Tailgate Market, May 27, 3 to 6 p.m.

  • Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market, May 22, 9 a.m. to noon

  • Mars Hill Farmers and Artisans Market, May 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Mills River Farmers Market, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 a.m. to noon

  • Weaverville Farmers Market, May 19, 2 to 5 p.m.

Transformational Forest Bathing
May 15 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Forest Farmacy

Forest bathing is a ancient Japanese practice for de-stressing and relating to the more-than-human world. It has gained much popularity in Asia, and now in the US, as a growing bank of scientific research is demonstrating it’s healing benefits.

Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and anger while strengthening the immune system, improving cardiovascular and metabolic health and increasing overall wellbeing.

It’s a delicious way to be in the world!

Transformational Forest Bathing weaves in techniques from eco-therapy, depth psychology, wilderness rites of passage and mythic storytelling to form a powerfully transformative experience. We will work with whatever is holding you back right now and show you how to work with the land to gain insight on your next steps forward. As you shift through this current block you’ll learn how navigate this way in the future.

You will:
– Unwind the knots you formed by keeping it all together
– Learn how to let the forest hold you
– Connect deeply to the more-than-human world
– Shift into a state of consciousness that allows you to receive information and nourishment, one where you don’t need to figure it out
– Learn how to work with the natural world to move through whatever is blocking you right now
– Open the door to reclaiming your ancestral heritage

Is this for you?
Honestly, if you are simply looking for some stress reduction and a lovely walk in the forest this isn’t the program for you. If you are ready to dig deep and do some soul-tending then come on over!

It doesn’t matter if you already have a strong nature connection practice or you have never heard of it, the program is designed to work for any level of previous nature connection experience.

What is key is your desire and willingness to work with whatever part of you is holding you back from living the life you want right now.

Sunday, May 16, 2021
No Budget Camping Class
May 16 all-day
Exact Location Given Upon Registration

This primitive survival skills class provides mental health benefits and builds confidence in a covid-safe environment. For The People Academy, a high-end skills training company, is offering an all day No Budget Camping class. Students will learn how to survive in the wild without expensive gear. Skills taught will be:
How to build a shelter
How to find and purify water
How to start a fire with one match
How to make your own cookware
Basic knife skills
Basic first-aid

April 18th and May 16th from 11am-6pm. Classes will be held in the Asheville area and are open to all ages, skill levels and backgrounds. To ensure participant safety, students will be given the exact class location after registering.

Registration starts at $85 at FTPAcademy.org, but readers can get a 10% discount at checkout by entering promo code ‘CAMPING2021’.

Classes will be led by For The People Academy’s senior instructor Ami Le. Ami is a Primitive Skills instructor at Florida Earthskills gathering as well as a certified NC Concealed Carry and Red Cross First-aid/CPR/AED instructor.

WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 16 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Monday, May 17, 2021
American Rescue Plan Makes ACA Insurance More Affordable; Get Free Help, Signing Up w/ Pisgah Legal + Partners
May 17 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal Services

Make a Free Appointment Today

Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all appointments are currently being conducted by phone. Depending on where you live in WNC, some of Pisgah Legal’s ACA Partners may be offering in-person appointments.

 

Last year, more than 90 percent of North Carolinians who enrolled for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable. Subsidies are based on household taxable income and may be difficult for consumers to calculate themselves. Pisgah Legal can help with this process and can factor in unemployment benefits if needed. Pisgah Legal can also answer questions about other coverage, such as COBRA, and help people apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

 

Pisgah Legal and other Enrollment Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents 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.

The ACA – also known as “Obamacare” – is the law that ensures access to quality, affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these plans, consumers are protected and:

  • Can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing health condition and can’t be dropped for getting sick;
  • Insurers can’t charge higher premiums to women; and
  • Insurers can’t sell substandard plans that don’t pay for essential health care benefits.
COVID-19 North Carolina Dashboard + Available COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
May 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County Department of Public Health
COVID-19 North Carolina Dashboard & Available COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Appointments for Henderson County
The Henderson County Department of Health and Human Services will host a vaccine clinic Monday, May 17th – Friday, May 21st at the Health Department Office (1200 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville).
This clinic is for the Pfizer vaccine and will be available to anyone age 12 or older.

By scheduling this appointment you confirm that you will be available for your second dose approximately 21 days after your first dose of Pfizer or 28 days after your first dose of Moderna. Your second dose appointment will be scheduled before you leave the vaccine clinic.

Do NOT schedule an appointment if you have received any other vaccine in the past 14 days.

Do NOT schedule an appointment if you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma in the past 90 days

If available, Pfizer appointments may be scheduled for ages 12+

If available, Moderna appointments may be schedules for ages 18+

Clinic Location:

Henderson County Department of Public Health – Main Entrance
1200 Spartanburg Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28792

American Red Cross Blood Drive
May 17 @ 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Henderson County Offices-- In the American Red Cross Basement Office

—With the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, donors can
conveniently schedule an appointment to donate blood to help save lives. They can also access
their donor card, track the impact of their donations and earn rewards through the app.

 

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood. Whether blood is needed for a
chronic condition, such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency,
it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history
questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the
instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who
are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height
and weight requirements.

Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Mills River Farmers Market Celebrate Wellness Month
May 18 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Mills River Farmers Market

Mills River Farmers Market, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 a.m. to noon

Each week has a different health focus with specialists sharing information and giveaways. May 8: Cardiac Health; May 15: Physical Activity; May 22: Nutrition; May 29: Mental Health.

 ASAP is promoting May as Wellness Month at area farmers markets. Seven farmers markets, in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison counties, will host health and wellness vendors and offer free activities and resources in events scheduled throughout the month.

Farm Fresh for Health is a farm-centered initiative designed to connect people to environments and activities that support healthy lifestyles and eating choices. Shopping at farmers markets encourages us to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, cook meals at home, and eat together with friends and family.

With the Farm Fresh Prescription Program, participating physicians can prescribe a farmers market visit to their patients. Patients redeem their prescription at ASAP Farmers Market and receive $10 to spend at the market (with seven “refills,” for a total of $80). The prescription incentive provides healthcare providers with action steps that fit within the healthcare process. Six physicians from two practices in Asheville (The Family Health Centers and Lantern Health) will participate in the 2021 pilot. An earlier pilot, begun in January of 2020, was interrupted by the pandemic. ASAP plans to expand the program to include additional markets and health practices in the future.

“The idea of prescribing healthy food/eating to patients is gaining momentum and the recognition it deserves as immensely important in optimizing the long-term health of patients,” said Dr. Ben Aiken of Lantern Health. “Being able to do so by connecting them to local food and community is a win-win.”

Wellness Month activities range from kids yoga and community workouts to cooking demos to health screenings and chiropractic evaluations. Find details about vendors and events for specific markets on the follow page or on ASAP’s community events calendar at fromhere.org/events. Participating markets are:

  • Enka-Candler Tailgate Market, May 27, 3 to 6 p.m.

  • Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market, May 22, 9 a.m. to noon

  • Mars Hill Farmers and Artisans Market, May 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Mills River Farmers Market, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 a.m. to noon

  • Weaverville Farmers Market, May 19, 2 to 5 p.m.

American Rescue Plan Makes ACA Insurance More Affordable; Get Free Help, Signing Up w/ Pisgah Legal + Partners
May 18 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal Services

Make a Free Appointment Today

Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all appointments are currently being conducted by phone. Depending on where you live in WNC, some of Pisgah Legal’s ACA Partners may be offering in-person appointments.

 

Last year, more than 90 percent of North Carolinians who enrolled for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable. Subsidies are based on household taxable income and may be difficult for consumers to calculate themselves. Pisgah Legal can help with this process and can factor in unemployment benefits if needed. Pisgah Legal can also answer questions about other coverage, such as COBRA, and help people apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

 

Pisgah Legal and other Enrollment Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents 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.

The ACA – also known as “Obamacare” – is the law that ensures access to quality, affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these plans, consumers are protected and:

  • Can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing health condition and can’t be dropped for getting sick;
  • Insurers can’t charge higher premiums to women; and
  • Insurers can’t sell substandard plans that don’t pay for essential health care benefits.
COVID-19 North Carolina Dashboard + Available COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
May 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County Department of Public Health
COVID-19 North Carolina Dashboard & Available COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Appointments for Henderson County
The Henderson County Department of Health and Human Services will host a vaccine clinic Monday, May 17th – Friday, May 21st at the Health Department Office (1200 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville).
This clinic is for the Pfizer vaccine and will be available to anyone age 12 or older.

By scheduling this appointment you confirm that you will be available for your second dose approximately 21 days after your first dose of Pfizer or 28 days after your first dose of Moderna. Your second dose appointment will be scheduled before you leave the vaccine clinic.

Do NOT schedule an appointment if you have received any other vaccine in the past 14 days.

Do NOT schedule an appointment if you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma in the past 90 days

If available, Pfizer appointments may be scheduled for ages 12+

If available, Moderna appointments may be schedules for ages 18+

Clinic Location:

Henderson County Department of Public Health – Main Entrance
1200 Spartanburg Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28792

FREE Senior Fitness in the Park
May 18 @ 9:00 am – 9:45 am
Lake Louise Park

Join Asheville OWLS Training for FUN 45-minute outdoor workouts, designed with low-impact exercise. Classes are designed for ACTIVE mature adults, ages 60+, but ALL are welcome to attend.

FREE – Outdoors in the Park – Contactless Registration.

Find More Info at https://www.ashevilleowls.com/fitness-in-the-park.

Email Trainer, Leah Brennan at [email protected] with questions.
See you in the park!

https://www.ashevilleowls.com

FREE Senior Fitness in the Park
May 18 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Botanical Gardens at Asheville

Join Asheville OWLS Training for FUN 45-minute outdoor workouts, designed with low-impact exercise. Classes are designed for ACTIVE mature adults, ages 60+, but ALL are welcome to attend.

FREE – Outdoors in the Park – Contactless Registration.

Find More Info at https://www.ashevilleowls.com/fitness-in-the-park.

Email Trainer, Leah Brennan at [email protected] with questions.
See you in the park!