#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.

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.

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.

No matter how thorough and fair a reappraisal may be, there are still instances when only the property owner has all the information necessary for an accurate appraisal. Informal appeals for the tax year 2021 can be filed anytime between Jan. 1-April 28, 2021. Additionally, anyone receiving a change of value notice after April 1, 2021 has thirty days from that notice date to file an appeal.

This beautiful spring weather makes it easy to get out and train for our virtual Run for Justice 5K which kicks off next month!  Register today to participate anytime between May 29th through June 12th on a route of your choice and then join us for our awards ceremony June 12th!  Everyone who registers by April 30 will receive a Run for Justice t-shirt.

Three ways to sign up

1. Register for $25 per participant  (you can add a donation to support Pisgah Legal if desired)
2. Peer to Peer Fundraising:  Invite your friends and family to donate $1,$5 or more for each kilometer you walk or run.
3. Be a Sponsor:  Sponsor as an individual, a couple, a group or a business. Sponsors receive race entries, t-shirts and recognition. (Find out more about sponsor benefits here)

Check out our registration page for more details, a fun explainer video and FAQs.

ACTION ITEM

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting input on its efforts to address climate change. Specifically, comments are being solicited on how the agency can expand its efforts for climate-smart agriculture and forestry systems. The feedback collected will be used to develop recommendations for how the USDA will increase its efforts to tackle climate change through its various programs and authorities. Comments are due by April 29.

Unique outdoor sculptural works by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, known as “Stick Man,” will reside in Antler Hill Village. Renowned worldwide for his monumental creations, Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. The visual appeal of these large-scale artworks may be appreciated up close as guests are encouraged to walk through and around the creations, affording the opportunity to admire the artistry and technical skills required to make the sculptures.

Buncombe County will receive approximately $51 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding. City of Asheville will receive approximately $26 million. The dollars will have some strings attached, including that funds should be expended by 2024.

Without fully understanding the parameters for expending the funds (currently being clarified), how do you think they should be spent?

Both City and County have indicated a desire to hear from the public about their ideas on how funds should be used. At the Chamber, we feel that investments should be made in some of the areas most impacted, or most exposed, by the pandemic.

Please take a few minutes to give your opinions on how dollars should be prioritized. Responses will be shared with elected officials and City and County staff.