Acorns’ Annual season of trunk shows highlights the talented creators of fine art, designer jewelry, and home goods.

Ali & Bird Jewelry was founded by Ali Howell, an Atlanta resident, and Memphis native, in 2009. Ali brings her passion for bold color combinations and timeless design to the creation of each piece of Ali & Bird Jewelry. She designs unique jewelry that brings a modern flair to classic looks; no two Ali & Bird pieces are ever the same and all materials are real, unique, and sometimes quite rare.

1. Bricks-And-Mortar

2. Public Education

3. Planning, Survey and Designation

2022)—After piloting the Farm Fresh Produce Prescription in 2021, ASAP has
expanded the program this season to partner with multiple healthcare access points and local food outlets
in Buncombe and Henderson counties. The program allows healthcare providers to “prescribe” patients
fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms to help treat or prevent diet-related illness. Patients can
redeem prescriptions, totaling $20 to $60 per week, depending on household size, at nine farmers markets
or through The AVL Box, a local food delivery service. The Farm Fresh Produce Prescription is part of
ASAP’s Farm Fresh for Health initiative, which addresses the real and perceived barriers that influence
what we eat and determine health outcomes.
ASAP is currently working with MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center) and Sona Pharmacy to
offer produce prescriptions. In addition, the program is available as a service of the Healthy Opportunities
Pilot with select Medicaid insurance providers. Eligible patients are those who suffer from or are at risk of
developing a diet-related condition and are either eligible for a federal supplemental nutrition program such
as SNAP or enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. Find out more about eligibility and the referral process at
asapconnections.org/prescription.

How It Works

Screening and Referral Process

Participating healthcare providers screen patients for program eligibility. Eligible patients are those who suffer from or are at risk of developing a diet-related condition AND meet one of the following criteria: 1) eligible for a federal supplemental nutrition program such as SNAP or free and reduced lunch, or 2) enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. Healthcare providers submit a referral to ASAP via the NCCARE360 UniteUs app. ASAP will follow up directly with a unique Prescription Identification Number.

ASAP is currently partnering with MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center) and Sona Pharmacy to offer produce prescriptions. If you are a patient at MAHEC, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you are eligible. If you are a patient enrolled in Sona’s Medication Support Program, Sona Access, email [email protected] to find out if you are eligible.

ASAP’s Farm Fresh Produce Prescription is also available as a service of Healthy Opportunities Pilot with select Medicaid insurance providers, listed below. If you think you may be eligible for this program, call the Member Services line listed on your Medicaid card to begin the eligibility assessment and be referred to this program.

• WellCare of North Carolina – 866-799-5318
• AmeriHealth Caritas – 855-375-8811
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (Healthy Blue) – 844-594-5070
• UnitedHealthcare – 800-349-1855

Filling Your Prescription

Farm Fresh Produce Prescriptions can be redeemed weekly. The value of the prescription depends on household size.

• 1-2 members = $20/week
• 3-4 members = $40/week
• 5+ members = $60/week

Farmers Markets

Redeem your prescription at one of the participating farmers markets listed below. Present your Prescription Identification Number to the staff person at the market information booth in exchange for Farm Fresh Bucks. These are wooden tokens that you can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from any produce vendor at the market. Farm Fresh Bucks do not expire and may be used on other visits or at other markets.

• Asheville City Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon
• East Asheville Tailgate Market, Fridays, 3-6 p.m.
• Enka-Candler Tailgate Market, Thursdays, 3-6 p.m.
• Hendersonville Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Mills River Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
• North Asheville Tailgate Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon
• River Arts District Farmers Market, Asheville: Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.
• Weaverville Tailgate Market, Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.
• West Asheville Tailgate Market, Tuesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Farm Fresh Bucks may also be used at the following markets, though you cannot currently redeem your prescription here.

• Southside Community Farmers Market, First Sundays monthly (July date is July 17), 12-3 p.m.

All participating markets can also accept Caja Solidaria’s Produce Prescription Program. In addition, all markets accept SNAP/EBT and offer Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables.

The Asheville Gallery of Art presents the extraordinary paintings of Joyce Schlapkohl and Sally Lordeon, during the month of July, in an exhibition titled ’From Realism to Abstract’. The opening reception will be held on Friday, July 1, from 5:00-8:00pm.

All artists, whether realistic or abstract, use the same visual language to put together their paintings. The difference is that realistic artists use that visual language to describe their subjects, whereas abstract artists use the same visual language, in conjunction with subject matter, to express feelings or ideas. ‘From Realism to Abstraction’ focuses on that ‘perfect’ blend of creating both types of beautiful compositions and invites viewers to participate in an epic art journey along the way.

“Painterly realism” best describes Joyce’s oil paintings. Her strong focal point, creative design, and bold clear color, revealing light and shadow, invite you into her paintings but it’s her emotional response to her various subjects that holds the viewer’s attention. Her subjects vary from landscape, flowers, animals, still life and any subject that moves her and encourages a sense of sharing that response with others. Joyce declares; “Western North Carolina is an artist’s dream for a variety of subjects and seasons.”

After receiving a Master’s Degree in Business, at UNC Chapel Hill, Joyce returned to painting, her first love, when she attended Florida Atlantic University to study art. She continues her art education through workshops with nationally known artists. In Joyce’s words; “I’m very fortunate to be a full-time painter and occasional teacher. Putting paint on canvas to create a memorable piece of art is amazing, exciting and rewarding”

Joyce’s studio is in Waynesville, NC. She exhibits at The Asheville Gallery of Art and several other well-known galleries.
Visit Joyce’s website: www.joycepaints.com

Many of Sally’s abstract paintings include a horizontal line, suggesting a landscape tableau. In those artworks, she uses the elements of color, shape, texture and value to help the viewer envision a sense of place and arouse a personal meaning. In Sally’s other abstracts, she uses those elements to express elan, movement, and energy, with the intent of fostering a positive, spirited feeling. Her art has been described as powerful, yet serene. Sally quotes; “Abstract art gives me, as an artist, a unique voice that elicits openness and expression, engaging the viewer in the same way. There is so much to explore in abstract painting and I love that.”

Sally studied fine arts at Chatham University in Pennsylvania. She moved to the majestic mountains of Asheville, NC more than thirty years ago and after a successful career as a technical writer and college textbook author, Sally returned full-time to her first passion—her love of color, form and the ‘divine’ pleasure of painting.

Sally’s work is exhibited locally at Asheville Gallery of Art and other well-known galleries as well as two galleries in Los Angeles. She has been the featured artist at The Asheville Airport Gallery.

Joyce Schlapkohl’s ‘Field of Sunflowers’ was painted at the Biltmore Estate. “I visit every year, in September, to paint the endless field of sunflowers. This year is even more meaningful with the sunflower representing a symbol for peace in the Ukraine.

Joyce Schlapkohl’s ‘Carolina Mountain Glow’ represents one of our beautiful, majestic and everchanging landscapes.

Joyce Schlapkohl’s ‘Boat Roundup’ was inspired by the lighting on each surface and the sun, fun and relaxation of being on the water

Sally Lordeon’s ‘It’s a Wonderful World’, acrylic, showcases the exquisiteness and warmth of our own personal places.

Sally Lordeon’s ‘Wisp’, acrylic and gold leaf, demonstrates energy bursting into time and space.

Sally Lordeon’s ‘ Isthmus I & II’,mixed media, is a powerful, yet serene, abstract tableau on two canvases.

ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

From Buncombe County Special Collections (BCSC)

Since 2013 our blog, HeardTell, has engaged lovers of Buncombe County history by sharing stories about and found in our archive. Over the years, HeardTell has become a tremendous resource and outreach tool, reaching more than half a million views. The blog was so well-received that our Friends group and staff transformed many of the posts into our first publication, Hidden History of Asheville (Arcadia, 2019).

Until now, postings on the blog have been limited to Special Collections staff and regular volunteers, but we know that others in our community are passionate about local history and want to share that interest with the community. That is why, beginning in July 2022, we’ll begin accepting submissions to HeardTell from community members.

Great blog posts are short (500-1500 words) and are engaging. Topics can range from observations, curiosities, hidden histories, personal memories, and more. While they might be longer than a social media posting, these posts aren’t meant to be in-depth research, though they should be factually accurate and include citations when appropriate. We especially encourage submissions that include plenty of visuals and are linked to collections and materials held in our library.

Earlier this year, we shared a series of five posts by former BCSC collections manager Zoe Rhine. Zoe’s posts are a great example to follow.

Though we will not accept submissions before July, you can view and download the submission guidelines here. We encourage you to get started now!

This is an exciting move for us! Part of the BCSC mission is to share and collect the history and culture of our region. By inviting our community to share their stories and research with a wide audience, we can help nurture a community of history buffs in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond.

Staff and volunteers are looking forward to the diverse perspectives that our community can add the narrative of our collective past! Happy research and writing!

Katherine Cutshall, Collections Manager

The Caldwell Arts Council is currently accepting portfolios from local and regional artists for exhibitions in 2023 and 2024. Exhibitions run for six weeks to two months on either floor of the arts council facility.

Details for submitting your portfolio are available at www.caldwellarts.com. We have extended the deadline! Digital submissions will now be accepted through July 5, 2022 and may be emailed to [email protected].

About the Caldwell Arts Council

The Caldwell Arts Council is a regional arts center that presents a variety of programs that foster cultural arts in Caldwell County. Our gallery is housed in a historic 120+ year old home. Two floors offer four gallery spaces that have been renovated as professional exhibit spaces. Exhibits range from contemporary to traditional and include 2-D and 3-D exhibitions.

The Caldwell Arts Council’s programs are supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources and by individual and corporate donors.

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Thinking about your next national park experience? These free downloadable national park Owner’s Guides are filled with travel tips and helpful information. It’s your one-stop resource to discover all your national parks!

The exhibit features thought-provoking photos taken by students, faculty, and staff while traveling abroad.

Are you looking for a great way to get involved with your community and make a difference? Board, committee, and commission members aid the governing process by keeping Buncombe County in touch with the ideas and attitudes of our community. They help provide direction for the allocation of funds, the provision of human services, protection of residents, property, and our natural resources.

Public input is vitally important to the success of our County, and right now Buncombe County has vacancies on a number of boards and commissions. Learn more about vacancies, deadlines to apply, and the application process at buncombecounty.org/transparency.

Featured Board & Commission vacancies

Buncombe County is seeking applications to join the Early Childhood Committee

This is a great chance to be a part of shaping the future for children in Buncombe County. The Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is a major driver in assuring every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days. The focus of this initiative is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education.

As such, Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Committee, featuring 15 total members including 3 County Commissioners, was established to guide how the fund is invested. The purpose of the committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input, and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets monthly, on the first Tuesdays from 1-2:30 p.m. To learn more about the Early Childhood Fund, click here to visit our website.

There are two open positions designated as Community/At Large for a two-year term that begins July 1, 2022. To apply, click here to complete an online application. The deadline to apply is June 24.

Economic Development Coalition Board Vacancy June 2022:  At Large / 2 -year initial term

Are you a Buncombe County resident with interest in the strategies and goals of economic development? Have you carried executive leadership responsibility in the healthcare sector of Buncombe County?  Do you offer passion for the needs of Buncombe County businesses and the direct relationship between economic vitality and community health and wellness? The EDC is seeking a c-level healthcare executive with expertise and perspective of a locally headquartered healthcare system for board service.

The Board of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County is a partnership of Buncombe County, City of Asheville, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce with a mission to improve economic opportunity in Buncombe County by growing wages, employment, tax base and a more diversified and balanced regional economy for all residents. Members of the Board will contribute to priority setting, financial planning, and program evaluation for staff of the EDC according to the AVL 5×5 Strategic Plan for 2025. Members may also be tasked with private sector fundraising for the AVL 5×5 Campaign, strategic plan development, service on ad-hoc advisory committees, or special projects that advance the goals of economic development in Buncombe County.

For more information, contact Lamar Joyner at 250-4105 or [email protected].

Audit Committee Seeking New Members

Looking for a great opportunity to further develop personally and professionally? The Audit Committee is seeking new members and will have three open positions for a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2023.

The Audit Committee was originally formed in 2000 to oversee the independent audit of the County’s financial statements and provide an annual evaluation of the budget documents. Since that time, the committee’s duties have expanded to include oversight of the County’s Internal Audit function including approving the annual internal audit plan and evaluating the effectiveness of the internal audit function.

The committee is made up of seven total members including two County Commissioners. We are looking for a member of another governing body, a member of the accounting profession, and a member of the banking community. Find more information on the Audit Committee here.

Time commitment:  Minimum of two meetings required per year but typically meets six to seven times a year, on Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m.

Apply online.

If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.

The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.

Eligibility requirements

Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.

For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.

OUTPACE HUNGER

FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!

What Is Outpace Hunger?

Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!

For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!

How It Works

Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!

You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.

Outpace Hunger participants:

(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.

(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.

(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.

(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.

Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food. 

READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?

REGISTER NOW!

ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?

VISIT YOUR PAGE

 NEED MORE INFORMATION?

OUTPACE HUNGER HOW-TO GUIDE

PARI’s summer STEM and space camp programming is designed to inspire your young scientist’s curiosity, passion, and confidence to discover something extraordinary. We give campers experiences that encourage deeper thinking and problem solving skills while finding opportunities for comradery, adventure, and fun in the incredible Pisgah Forest region.

Our Mission Control camps provide simulated missions that cover the many topics and skills necessary for a successful exploration of world beyond our own. We’ll use the same kinds of processes that NASA, SpaceX and others use in developing and conducting journeys into space. These missions teach teamwork and STEM principles while giving campers fun and exciting experiences. The camp is an immersive journey amidst our historic campus which played a critical role in the first space race, and will help poise your camper for a role in the next.

Teams will research real technologies and techniques to build and launch a spacecraft, set science and research goals, and ensure everything needed is sent along. They will also need to choose a crew and care for their health and well-being, perform outreach and gain public support, and navigate funding and political challenges.

PARI’s research based camps are aimed at the camper who wants to experience what its like to be a researcher in astronomy, astrophysics, and astrobiology. Scientists and researchers with careers in space science lead this academically challenging curriculum that has been refined for nearly two decades.

Camps begin with an intense first few days of introductions to the instruments, science, and math needed to conduct research. They’ll be guided through choosing a research goal from the menu investigations we believe they can successfully conduct with radio and optical telescopes, and vast archives, provided by PARI and its partners.

The importance of both individual and team based work is emphasized while campers are guided through the research process. They’ll learn to share their progress and conclusions in the same ways expected in journals and at astronomical conferences.
Register for one of PARI’s summer STEM and Space Camp programs today!

Scholarships opportunities are available!