Calendar of Events

To show support for Veterans and shine a light on the support services that Buncombe County has to offer, Buncombe County will be shining the green light for Veterans November 7-13 in three locations in downtown Asheville:

• Buncombe County Courthouse
• Health and Human Services Tower- Home to Buncombe County Veterans Services
• Buncombe County Family Justice Center

Spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Operation Green Light aims to let those who served know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Residents are encouraged to participate in this community-wide initiative by shining a green light for Veterans at your home or place of business. Together, we can show support and encourage the Veterans in our lives and communities to seek the resources they need to thrive here at home.

The contributions and sacrifices of the people who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by all Americans. Upon returning to civilian life, many Veterans report experiencing high levels of stress due to financial hardship, mental health struggles, physical ailments, and lack of connection and community support.

Buncombe County stands in solidarity with Veterans and is home to a host of essential resources that can provide opportunities for health, safety, stability, and connection for those returning from service. Grounded in a commitment to support our Veterans, Heath Smith, Director of Buncombe County Veterans Services, accepted a proclamation from the Buncombe County Commissioners, designating Buncombe County as a Green Light for Veterans County. “Becoming a Green Light for Veterans County is an essential step in uniting our community in the effort to support local Veterans with the comprehensive resources and services they are entitled to.”

Veterans Services and Resources

BUNCOMBE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (BCVS)

6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
(828) 250-5726

BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:

• Health Care
• Home Loans
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
• Burial Benefits
• Dependent & Survivor Benefits
• Disability Benefits

Charles George VA Medical Center

1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519

The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.

Veterans Treatment Court

60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918

Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.

The Hendersonville Swing Band, under the direction of trombonist Jerry Zink, plays music of the Big Band era of the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s. The band is primarily made up of musicians from Henderson, Transylvania, Haywood and Buncombe counties. Nearly all the members of the band are retirees. This is the first time the band has played a concert for Veterans Day. Showtime is at 7:30 pm. Running time is approximately 2 hours with one 15 minute intermission. Hendersonville Theater has made masks optional for patrons, and no proof of vaccination is required to attend a performance.

To show support for Veterans and shine a light on the support services that Buncombe County has to offer, Buncombe County will be shining the green light for Veterans November 7-13 in three locations in downtown Asheville:

• Buncombe County Courthouse
• Health and Human Services Tower- Home to Buncombe County Veterans Services
• Buncombe County Family Justice Center

Spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Operation Green Light aims to let those who served know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Residents are encouraged to participate in this community-wide initiative by shining a green light for Veterans at your home or place of business. Together, we can show support and encourage the Veterans in our lives and communities to seek the resources they need to thrive here at home.

The contributions and sacrifices of the people who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by all Americans. Upon returning to civilian life, many Veterans report experiencing high levels of stress due to financial hardship, mental health struggles, physical ailments, and lack of connection and community support.

Buncombe County stands in solidarity with Veterans and is home to a host of essential resources that can provide opportunities for health, safety, stability, and connection for those returning from service. Grounded in a commitment to support our Veterans, Heath Smith, Director of Buncombe County Veterans Services, accepted a proclamation from the Buncombe County Commissioners, designating Buncombe County as a Green Light for Veterans County. “Becoming a Green Light for Veterans County is an essential step in uniting our community in the effort to support local Veterans with the comprehensive resources and services they are entitled to.”

Veterans Services and Resources

BUNCOMBE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (BCVS)

6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
(828) 250-5726

BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:

• Health Care
• Home Loans
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
• Burial Benefits
• Dependent & Survivor Benefits
• Disability Benefits

Charles George VA Medical Center

1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519

The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.

Veterans Treatment Court

60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918

Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.

To show support for Veterans and shine a light on the support services that Buncombe County has to offer, Buncombe County will be shining the green light for Veterans November 7-13 in three locations in downtown Asheville:

• Buncombe County Courthouse
• Health and Human Services Tower- Home to Buncombe County Veterans Services
• Buncombe County Family Justice Center

Spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Operation Green Light aims to let those who served know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Residents are encouraged to participate in this community-wide initiative by shining a green light for Veterans at your home or place of business. Together, we can show support and encourage the Veterans in our lives and communities to seek the resources they need to thrive here at home.

The contributions and sacrifices of the people who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by all Americans. Upon returning to civilian life, many Veterans report experiencing high levels of stress due to financial hardship, mental health struggles, physical ailments, and lack of connection and community support.

Buncombe County stands in solidarity with Veterans and is home to a host of essential resources that can provide opportunities for health, safety, stability, and connection for those returning from service. Grounded in a commitment to support our Veterans, Heath Smith, Director of Buncombe County Veterans Services, accepted a proclamation from the Buncombe County Commissioners, designating Buncombe County as a Green Light for Veterans County. “Becoming a Green Light for Veterans County is an essential step in uniting our community in the effort to support local Veterans with the comprehensive resources and services they are entitled to.”

Veterans Services and Resources

BUNCOMBE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (BCVS)

6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
(828) 250-5726

BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:

• Health Care
• Home Loans
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
• Burial Benefits
• Dependent & Survivor Benefits
• Disability Benefits

Charles George VA Medical Center

1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519

The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.

Veterans Treatment Court

60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918

Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.

To show support for Veterans and shine a light on the support services that Buncombe County has to offer, Buncombe County will be shining the green light for Veterans November 7-13 in three locations in downtown Asheville:

• Buncombe County Courthouse
• Health and Human Services Tower- Home to Buncombe County Veterans Services
• Buncombe County Family Justice Center

Spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Operation Green Light aims to let those who served know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Residents are encouraged to participate in this community-wide initiative by shining a green light for Veterans at your home or place of business. Together, we can show support and encourage the Veterans in our lives and communities to seek the resources they need to thrive here at home.

The contributions and sacrifices of the people who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by all Americans. Upon returning to civilian life, many Veterans report experiencing high levels of stress due to financial hardship, mental health struggles, physical ailments, and lack of connection and community support.

Buncombe County stands in solidarity with Veterans and is home to a host of essential resources that can provide opportunities for health, safety, stability, and connection for those returning from service. Grounded in a commitment to support our Veterans, Heath Smith, Director of Buncombe County Veterans Services, accepted a proclamation from the Buncombe County Commissioners, designating Buncombe County as a Green Light for Veterans County. “Becoming a Green Light for Veterans County is an essential step in uniting our community in the effort to support local Veterans with the comprehensive resources and services they are entitled to.”

Veterans Services and Resources

BUNCOMBE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (BCVS)

6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
(828) 250-5726

BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:

• Health Care
• Home Loans
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
• Burial Benefits
• Dependent & Survivor Benefits
• Disability Benefits

Charles George VA Medical Center

1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519

The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.

Veterans Treatment Court

60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918

Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.

Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain feature expansive views of Shining Rock Wilderness. With sunset at 5:20p, we will begin the hike at 4p to reach the summit of Tennent Mountain in time to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
We will be doing this loop counterclockwise, which is the more challenging way. This is for safety – the latter portion of the hike will be in the dark, so going this direction means we will only have to navigate Ivestor Gap, an old Jeep road, after the sun goes down, rather than more technical trails.
This hike is 4.3 mi with just under 700 ft elevation gain. We will be doing most of the climbing in the first half. We will only have one hour to hike about 2 miles to Tennent Mountain summit. This is an easy pace on flat ground, but not with the elevation. If you are not accustomed to hiking like this, please join for a different hike (more will be planned).
I’m normally not a stickler for rules, but for this event, there are a few :-/

1. We will depart the trailhead at 4pm sharp. If you are not there, we will be leaving without you. I can’t guarantee phone service, so I may not see messages letting me know you’ll be late. And since the sunset is the goal, we don’t want the group to miss it by waiting for someone who is late. The trailhead is about an hour from Asheville, so please account for that, traffic, and time to find a parking spot. I’ll be there around 3:45.
2. Bring enough water for you (and your dog if you are bringing one).
3. Dogs are welcome if they are leashed (6 ft or shorter), well behaved, and socialized with other dogs and humans. I will be bringing my pup.
4. Bring a headlamp! We will be hiking in the dark.
5. Wear appropriate/supportive shoes – the trail is rocky.
6. Bring layers. It will be very windy at the summit, and up to 20 degrees colder than in Asheville.
7. Feel free to bring snacks. The goal is to chill and watch the sunset so we will have some time to rest.
8. You are responsible for you (and your dog, if applicable). I am not a trained guide and I am not trained in wilderness first aid. By RSVPing “yes” to this event, you are acknowledging that I will not be held responsible for any injuries you may sustain on this hike.

Okay, now that that unpleasant part is done, I’ve got some fun links below! I have not done this hike yet, but the links below are where I gathered my info! Please read :-)

Thanks! Can’t wait to see you there!

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/ivestor-gap-trail-to-tennent-mountain-and-black-balsam-knob-trail

Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain Loop

Enjoy a guided tour on our beautiful Community Farm and see all the terrific projects we have in the works. Participants will hike The Discovery Trail in a 2-mile loop, returning to our education and event center. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy there while overlooking the entire farm and surrounding mountains

This announcement is revised from the original Dec 15th to Dec 22nd.
John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”
I am going to scout the Stone Mtn Tr in DuPont; A few of you are welcome to join me.
Hike Distance: 4.0 Total (optional) ascent: 675 ft
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Well established Tr. No water Xings.
Optional Climb to Stone Mtn is 600 ft ascent in 1 mile.
(I, and the more leisurely of us, will skip this part. ;-)
Drive time: 25 min/14 mi 1-way

Hey everyone, let’s go see the Christmas lights at the Arboretum!

I’m going to reserve a spot for one car, but if more than one car-load show interest I can always buy another.

Tickets for next Thursday night are $55 per car so we’ll divide that up by the number of people in the car. If someone’s willing to sit in the middle we can get 5 in my car.

We’ll meet at the Ingles up the road on 191 (863 Brevard Road) and head over from there. We should plan on leaving the parking lot at 6:45(tickets are for 7pm entry).

Kick off the new year in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park during this First Day Hike! Start your morning bright and early with a stroll, hike or bike ride up to the 3.2-mile Park road. Usually restricted to motor vehicle traffic only, there will be no cars in your way if you show up for this special, early morning hike that’s free to participants! Bicyclists are allowed to use the road also on this special morning to climb and descend the steep park road under controlled speed. Helmets are required.

Meet at the Old Rock Café at 8am. Registration is not required.

Our first passholder-exclusive event of the year! Join a naturalist for an intimate hike with fellow passholders in an area of the Park not typically open to the public. This moderate hike traverses our own old growth forest and gives you the opportunity to learn what makes this ecosystem unique. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.

This 6-mile, moderate hike with some steep inclines crosses the beautiful Bailey Mountain Preserve near Mars Hill, NC. This hidden gem consists of adjoining properties under a conservation easement that the SAHC monitors each year. The Preserve encompasses over 250 acres. Please note that this property is open to the public, but if you wish to join this guided hike you must pre-register for this event. FREE for SAHC members, $10 for non-members.

Along the Chattooga River, the states of NC, SC, and GA intersect. From conflicts between Cherokees and white settlers, to the Walton War between Georgia and North Carolina over their boundaries, this area has seen its share of strife and political challenges. Surveyor Andrew Ellicott initially settled the conflict and placed a marker along the bank of the river in 1811. But eventually his work was challenged by the more precise “Governor’s Rock” a few years afterward. As late as the 1970s though, NC and GA once again disputed the precise location. Join us as we hike through three states and explore the history of this contested boundary.

Craig LeHoullier, author of Epic Tomatoes and Growing Vegetables in Strawbales, and a 40 year gardener with an expertise in heirloom tomatoes, moved to Hendersonville with his wife, Susan in January 2020 – then COVID hit, closing down his workshop agenda. Craig and Al met for coffee and the idea of providing workshops at the Veterans Healing Farm quickly took shape. At this event, Craig will tell some garden stories and provide some sneak peaks at four programs that will take place in the coming months. He will have plenty of time for questions, share some garden seeds, and his books will be available to flip through; signed copies will be available to purchase.

for veterans and their spouses

Mock interview, tips from employers. This workshop provides you with the unique opportunity to meet live with a panel of employers for candid conversation about the best ad worst practices with resumes and interviews.

Join Ali McGhee and Tara Eschenroeder for this special Earth Day adventure!

About the adventure…

Earth my body, water my blood, air my breath, and fire my spirit!

We are surrounded by so much beauty that we so often overlook as we are distracted by so many things to do and tasks to accomplish. We forget that we are human beings (not human doings) grounded in place and inherent, effortless purpose.

This hike will excite our senses and our minds as we gather deep wisdom about area plants and discover their powerful potential. On our journey up the mountain, we’ll meet several of our local and native plant species and learn their medicinal and magical uses, from healers that help us reconnect with the land – and ourselves – to a few storied (and poisonous) allies.

At the top of the majestic Bearwallow bald, we will share a meditation on the land and flow together in asana, then celebrate with fresh herbal tea brewed from plants we’ve met. Not only will we interact and commune with nature, but we will also come together as a beautiful community celebrating new friends and old.

This adventure is limited to 20 participants.

We can’t wait to share this experience with you!

Sign up here!