Commissioner Meetings take place on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 200 College St. in room 326 in downtown Asheville. To view previous meetings, meet your Board of Commissioners, and check out future agenda items, you can visit buncombecounty.org/commissioners.

***Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no public attendance will be permitted. The public will be able to watch the meeting via Facebook Live @Buncombegov or on BCTV, bctv.viebit.com, or Charter channel 192.***

#Resilience is reflecting on the stories of Women’s History Month!

This month, we highlighted the women who have paved the way and who continue to pave the way while embodying resilience. The women we have featured are perfect examples of women who not only have had resilience in their careers and lives, but also help others build resilience through their practices and examples.

Donna Volpitta has used the characters in her Pathways to Empower program for over 10 years. Characters like the ant, grasshopper, glowworm and dragonfly have helped her teach not only her own children, but now children across the country the importance of mental health and how to have a conversation about it.

And by children, we don’t mean elementary-school aged kids. Donna serves kids of all ages: K-12 and college. She launched Pathways to Empower in January of last year, right before the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide resources to help people learn how to build resilience and foster mental health.

“We tell toddlers all the time, ‘use your words.’ The truth is they don’t have them. They don’t know how to say the things we want them to so we need to descriptive, we need to give them language to be able to handle the challenges. That’s what resilience is, right? To be able to handle the challenges.”

Listen to Donna Volpitta’s interview now!

 Organic Growers School is partnering with Food First and Altruvistas to offer their fourth Cuba Agroecology Tour and their first such trip in the summer from June 22 through July 1, 2021, with a focus on the country’s intensive sustainable agriculture practices. The tour, to be comprised of growers, community leaders, educators, and activists who are passionate about sustainable agriculture, will begin in Havana and travel to destinations such as Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, and Matanzas. The trip offers participants on-the-ground exposure to Cuban agriculture and the food sovereignty movement and will highlight their engagement with the global food system. The intention is for participants to acquire the knowledge and strategies to create just, sustainable, local, and healthy food systems in their own communities.

Cuba has had a focus on organic agriculture production methods since the 1970s. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 ended Cuba’s access to agricultural inputs overnight, propelling them into what is now known as the “Special Period”—a crisis of reduced resources and increased hunger. The country embarked on a massive and rapid conversion to agroecology in an attempt to boost food production. The tour will focus on small farmers, sustainable food systems, and national security. There are multiple opportunities in Cuba’s diverse agricultural landscape to learn many lessons and insights for the development of a secure and sustainable food system elsewhere.

“The purpose of this tour is not to romanticize or glorify Cuban agriculture,” says Sera Deva, Director of Programs with Organic Growers School and the trip organizer. “It is instead an opportunity to learn about what a country-wide commitment to sustainable, local agriculture can look like. It will broaden and deepen our region’s wisdom regarding alternative food systems. Our goals are to show our participants the importance of cooperative farming models and sustainable farming techniques, as well as encouraging them to think critically about practical and governmental structures that could support a thriving community of organic growers and consumers.”

Local partners will provide an overview of Cuban history, culture, politics, agriculture, and ecology. Additionally, the group will meet with specialists who will provide background on the country’s transition into agroecological farming practices and the national policies that prioritize organic farming and the remediation of hunger. With a firm commitment to sustainability and justice, this tour will connect participants to farmers, consumers, activists, NGOs, policymakers and experts working to transform the global food system.

Tour highlights will include the following:

• Discuss agroecology with Fernando Funes, co-author of Food First’s book Sustainable Agriculture & Resistance in Cuba.
• Visit community permaculture and agricultural education, and food conservation projects.
• Discuss changes in US-Cuba relations and how they might affect the future of tourism and agriculture in Cuba.
• Meet with the National Association for Small Farmers (ANAP) and the Ministry of Agriculture.
• Meet with a variety of small farmers and farmers’ cooperatives.

For the purposes of this trip, OGS is partnering with Food First, a “people’s think tank” dedicated to ending the injustices that cause hunger and helping communities to take back control of their food systems. Food First has been offering tours to Cuba for more than 20 years with the organizing assistance of Altruvistas, a socially responsible and philanthropic travel company that has facilitated 20,000 travelers to Cuba.

The cost of the trip is $2,950 and will serve, in part, as a fundraiser for Organic Growers School (OGS), a 501c3 non-profit organization. Thanks to a grant from the Christopher Reynolds Foundation, there are a limited number of partial scholarships for farmers and food activists to attend. This tour and all registrants will not be affected by recent political actions to restrict American travel to Cuba. Cuba is considered one of the safest destinations for travel, partially due to their diligent and holistic approaches to healthcare. Due to COVID-19, the traveling climate of the US (as well as tourist restrictions in Cuba) is changing daily. Cuba has implemented many of the same precautionary measures implemented around the world to minimize the spread of COVID-19 including social distancing, limiting travel to the island completely through the summer, and closing schools. In early November 2020, Cuba reopened its borders to travelers.

Potential tour participants can visit the OGS FAQ page which answers questions such as, “Why Cuba?,” “What are the legal considerations when traveling to Cuba?,” “Why ravel with Organic Growers School?,” “What does the tuition cover?,” and “What can I expect to experience?” Traveler testimonials from previous trips, the full itinerary, as well as a photo gallery can also be found on the website.

Granted monies from the City of Hendersonville, the Community Foundation
of Henderson County, and the Arts Council of Henderson County to “open safely,” The Center for
Art & Entertainment (CAE) at 125 S. Main is opening April 23rd with the theatre downsized and
socially distanced as a result of COVID challenges.
According to Managing Director Jeanie Linders, “We are very excited BUT it’s not going to be
‘theatre as usual’ for awhile as we work to assure the health and safety of our audience and staff
members.”
COMMUNITY COMMITTED
Aware that funding challenges have affected arts and service non-profits throughout Henderson
County, CAE is making the use of the theatre space available to groups who need a “safe” space to
hold an event to raise funds or visibility to their supporters or audience members at no charge.
“The Center was designed to be a ‘community’ center, offering performances and arts-based
activities to area residents and guests. We want to take the meaning of community even farther,
eliminating rental fees so that groups can hold events in a safe environment…and not as a drive thru in a parking lot,” said Linders. “Tens of thousands of dollars have been invested in safety
equipment, protocols and staff training. We have the opportunity to help lay the foundation for
business as usual. More importantly, the psychological benefits of reconnecting to those who
share a mission or vision is also important as we all move on from the pandemic.”
As a performance space, The Center has access to actors, musicians, dancers and artists to help
create a unique event which will employ members of the creative community.

#WNCFORTHEPLANET

April is Earth Month, and for all of you looking for ways to help our beautiful mother Earth, we’ve got you covered. This year 6 of the partnering environmental organizations have gathered various way for you to enjoy nature, learn new things about the environment, and help protect our local ecosystems. By participating in some of these activities, you can be entered to win a bundle of goodies. Here’s how it works:

1. Click on each bingo square to learn more about that activity.
2. Use this printable bingo card to track the activities you complete.
3. Once you’ve completed a row or column on the bingo card, email your filled out bingo card to [email protected]
4. For every row or column that you complete you’ll get one entry into the drawing for a swag bag prize bundle.

FABRICated presents an intergenerational look at new boundaries in art and craft through works that merge fiber-based processes with other media, like painting, sculpture, and blacksmithing. Each of the seven artists explores ideas of the body, identity, and their unique, personal stories by using a medium with a rich history of craft. Stitching, in and of itself, is slow and methodical and invites the audience to slow down and look carefully at the physicality of the thread, the textures of the fabric, and the paint and the found objects that are introduced into the mix. The result is an exhibition that questions the nature of what constitutes women’s work, the relationship of fine art and craft, and how these elements can come together to form a new kind of community conversation. FABRICated presents the work of two established artists, Virginia Derryberry (Asheville, NC) and Marcia Goldenstein (Knoxville, TN), along with five emerging artists who are exploring new boundaries in art and craft and, by so doing, open up an exploration between an older and a younger generation.

Gardening in the Mountains presents:
Creating Deer-Resistant Landscapes 

Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteer

Deer can quickly devastate a landscape and cause many a headache for gardeners. This video covers the basic techniques used to discourage and cope with this nuisance wildlife. The speaker gives examples of these practices—cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical—and focuses on deer-resistant plants, ranging from rarely to frequently damaged. He also provides the viewer with several valuable resources to help manage deer in the garden. 

Wednesday Governor Cooper laid out a timeline for lifting the current pandemic restrictions. The state expects to lift mandatory social distancing, capacity, and mass gathering restrictions by June 1 with stable trends and continued vaccination success. The Governor plans to issue an Executive Order next week outlining safety restrictions for the month of May. To date, the state has administered over 6.5 million vaccines. 46.9 percent of adults are at least partially vaccinated, and 35.1 percent are fully vaccinated. More than 76 percent of people 65 and older have had at least one shot. With vaccine now widely available across the state – often with no wait for an appointment, all North Carolinians 16 and older can plan to take their shot. The state anticipates lifting the mask mandate and easing other public health recommendations, once two-thirds of adult North Carolinians have received at least one vaccine dose and if trends remain stable. State health officials are continuing to monitor the presence of COVID-19 and its more contagious variants in North Carolina, which is why it is important to continue to follow the state’s mask mandate and continue to practice safety precautions, including the Three Ws—wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, and wash hands often.

Buncombe County Public Libraries has partnered with ImaginDan to bring you a virtual art program on BiblioBoard called Inspiration ABC! There’s no better place to live, work, and play than ABC (which stands for Asheville Buncombe County), and families are invited to watch a special ImaginDan episode to get their creative juices flowing.

At the end of the episode, ImaginDan challenges viewers to pretend they have been tasked with creating a mural that reflects what inspires them. Artists can upload a scan of their finished designs directly to BiblioBoard for a virtual gallery by clicking on the purple “Submit to Project” button on the main page. If you have any questions please ask your friendly neighborhood librarian, and we look forward to seeing your art creations.

Now more than ever, access to broadband is critical to participate in online learning, access medical care via telehealth, search for jobs, or simply to stay in touch with family and friends. Buncombe County Public Libraries (BCPL), in partnership with Land of Sky Regional Council is pleased to announce the launch of the Library Laptop Loan Program on April 16, 2021, as many in our community rely on their local library for connectivity.

With grant funding provided by the State Library of North Carolina through the CARES Act, BCPL is responding to the needs of patrons during the coronavirus pandemic by bringing digital tools such as Wi-Fi and tablets into the community. “We are excited to launch this program and look forward to working with folks to let them know about this opportunity and how it can help bridge the digital divide, especially in rural and low-income communities,” says Library Director Jim Blanton.

Following the launch of the program BCPL will have laptops/hotspots or hotspots only, that patrons 18 and over, with a Buncombe County library card in good standing may check out for one month at a time. Call the Ask-a-Librarian line at (828) 250-4700 to request a device. There is no charge for the service but charges may be incurred for late returns or losses. This program is alignment with the 2025 Buncombe County Strategic Plan and supports an educated and capable community.

The fine print:

• One unit per household (unit defined as laptop/hotspot combo or hotspot only)
• Only patrons 18 and over with a Buncombe County library card in good standing may check out
• One month checkout limit
• $1/day that it is late
• $100 charge if laptop is not returned or lost
• $30 charge if hotspot is not returned, lost, or returned damaged
• $20 if laptop power cord is not returned or lost
• Patrons must call to request a device
• Devices can be sent to any Buncombe County Library for pick up
• Borrowers will sign a user agreement before borrowing the equipment
• Devices cannot be renewed and will be disabled when they are one week overdue
• Devices must be returned inside (no drop boxes)
• Borrowers will be asked to fill out a survey upon return of equipment
• If laptop is stolen or not returned after two weeks overdue, a police report will be filed
• All laptops include Microsoft Office Suite and will have basic computer skills training videos/information loaded on to its desktop

A BCPL technology troubleshoot team will be available to assist patrons over the phone with any issues that come up with this equipment. The operational hours of this team will be from 10 a.m. until the library closes each day.

Summer is around the corner and lifeguards are in high demand. Sign up to take our spring, Red Cross certified, lifeguard course today. Class is available to ages 15 and up.

Contact Kitty Schmidt, Director of Fitness and Aquatics to register.

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

We invite you to join us and make a difference for the national parks and programs you love. Whether you give, share, join, or do all three, we’re grateful that you are part of the park community!

With over 400 national parks across the country, National Park Week is a great time to #FindYourPark (o major dicho, #EncuentraTuParque), #RecreateResponsibly, and show our treasured national parks that you care. The National Park Foundation is proud to protect wildlife and park lands, preserve history and culture, educate and engage youth, and connect people everywhere to the wonder of parks.

Canyonlands National Park

APRIL 17: PARK RX DAY

Being outdoors supports wellness in a number of ways, making you stronger, happier, healthier, and more productive.  Enjoy some fresh air and reflect on the ways you can take care of the parks as much as they take care of you. Discover NPF programs that are helping parks be more resilient and sustainable, as well as those that contribute to landscape and wildlife conservation.

APRIL 18: VOLUNTEERS IN PARKS (VIP) DAY

From clearing trails to planting trees to assisting archaeologists, volunteers are critical in providing support for NPS. Learn more about how you can volunteer in parks and give thanks to those who help our parks run year-round. NPF helps connect volunteers to organizations and parks that need help the most. Explore NPF communities and workforce programs that help grow the capacity of NPS and our partners.

APRIL 19: MILITARY MONDAY

For active-duty military and veterans, as well as their families, national parks can provide a place of solitude, beauty, reflection, and recreation. Discover the stories of veterans and military members that are preserved in parks across the country. NPF helps preserve our military history in national parks and connects veterans and military members to our parks through our work in outdoor exploration as well as communities and workforce.

APRIL 20: TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY

NPS has been protecting and preserving lands and historic structures for over 100 years! Explore the ways our parks have changed over the years, and the work NPS, NPF, and partners continue to do to transform the way we see our history and connections to the world. Discover NPF’s work in landscape and wildlife conservation, our commitment to preserving history and culture, and investments we’re making in parks of the future to ensure parks are enjoyed by future generations.

APRIL 21: WAYBACK WEDNESDAY

With hundreds of historical and cultural sites protected by NPS, there are always new stories to discover. Find a park connected to some of the most inspiring stories in our nation’s multifaceted history. NPF’s continued work in history and culture supports the preservation of historic sites, collections, and artifacts in parks that share these stories, and our support of parks of the future ensures such treasures will be accessible for centuries to come.

APRIL 22: EARTH DAY

Celebrate Earth Day by reflecting upon the natural wonders of our parks and supporting the work we’re doing to ensure the health and vibrancy of our parks. With innovative strategies that make our parks environmentally friendly and sustainable to our work in landscape and wildlife conservation, NPF and partners are dedicated to protecting the natural resources our parks contain.

APRIL 23: FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY

Protecting parks is a big job, and NPS relies on partners, groups, and communities to help accomplish their goals. Learn more about those who partner with NPS and NPF and the work that is being done together for our parks, from our park partner community to our corporate partners. Explore NPF’s work in communities and workforce that helps to expand the capacity of parks nationwide, leading to stronger, healthier parks.

APRIL 24: JUNIOR RANGER DAY

NPS’s Junior Ranger programs help young park visitors connect with our shared history, heritage, and national parks. Find a Junior Ranger program in a park near you or earn a digital Junior Ranger badge from home! NPF and our partners have supported the creation of Junior Ranger programs such as the Junior Ranger Angler and Junior Ranger Railroad Explorer and encourage all young visitors to establish meaningful connections in our parks through our work in youth education and engagement and outdoor exploration.

APRIL 25: B.A.R.K. RANGER DAY

National parks are fun to share with those we love – including man’s best friend. Learn the B.A.R.K. Ranger principles for when you bring Fido on a trip to a pet-friendly park and discover the many roles dogs play in parks. NPF is committed to support programs that help all people feel welcome in our parks, and our work in outdoor exploration encourages multicultural and multigenerational families to spend time outdoors – and maybe bring the family pet along too!