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.

Saturday, March 27, 2021
Shiloh Peace Garden Food Pantry + PPE Supplies for those In Need
Mar 27 all-day
Shiloh Peace Garden

Community Collaboration Helps Neighbors in Time of Need

Food insecurity has risen significantly across the country due to pandemic-related job losses and struggles, and in Buncombe County local food pantries are popping up to help feed neighborhood families.

A collaborative, community-led project between Bountiful Cities, St. James AME Church, East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, and Shiloh Community Association has neighbors helping neighbors to get non-perishable food and personal protective equipment (PPE) right where it’s needed most.

To serve people in need in the community, there are two new food pantries located at St. James AME Church and the Shiloh Peace Garden. Both pantries were handmade by Asheville local, Max Mandler of Mandler Construction. The pantry at St. James AME is dedicated to the memory of Bernadette Thompson, a longtime community activist and faithful member of the church for many years, and features artwork by local artist Jenny Pickens.

Community members will find both pantries stocked with non-perishable, nutritious food and free masks, hand sanitizers, cleaning supplies, and other items that will assist individuals in staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Upkeep and stocking the pantry will be a joint effort among the sponsoring organizations and the community-at-large. Thanks to CARES funding, Buncombe County government was able to help with initial supply efforts. The pantries will be open seven days a week and are set up to be self-serve. Everyone is welcome to utilize the pantries for both food and PPE needs.

Silver Airways Non Stop Flight from GSP to Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa
Mar 27 all-day
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

Silver Airways coming to GSP in March
Silver Airways announced three new routes from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport to Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa.
All are nonstop and will be available twice a week, starting with routes to Orlando on March 18, routes to Jacksonville on March 19 and routes to Tampa on March 21.
Rates start at $59 per leg for all routes.
Southeastern Student Sustainability Conference
Mar 27 all-day
Online

SSC_Pic1

 

This annual conference brings together student EcoReps, sustainability interns, and faculty and staff advisers from around the region for a weekend of peer leadership training and collaboration. This conference is a great opportunity to learn from your peers, share your successes (and get constructive feedback), and get inspiration you can bring back to your own campus.

Key topics in 2021 will include:

• Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion in our work
• Effective Student Leadership/ Peer 2 Peer education
• Zero Waste initiatives
• Educational initiatives & events
• Adapting to COVID-19
• Translating student visions into institutional action

This conference will be held VIRTUALLY due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.

Register
There is no fee to attend, however, you must register to participate in the virtual sessions. The registration deadline is Friday, March 19 at midnight.

Stay Informed. Be Buncombe Ready. Sign up for BC Alerts
Mar 27 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

News article image

Buncombe County will be using our emergency notification system to let people know when COVID vaccine appointments are available.

BCAlerts

If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s to be ready… Buncombe Ready. But what’s the best way to stay up to date about available vaccines, natural disasters, public health emergencies, and more? Sign up for BC Alerts, and you’ll get that information sent directly to you in real time.

Text BCAlert  to 99411 or click here to sign up and pick the types of alerts you’d like to receive. You’ll also be able to choose from preferred languages. Need TTY? No problem, that option is also available.

If you’ve already signed up for BC Alerts in the past, you’ll need to re-register due to a change in emergency alert providers.

Stay Buncombe Ready and sign up for BC Alerts today.

Follow the County on our social media pages  at facebook.com/buncombegov or facebook.com/bchhs, on Twitter at twitter.com/buncombeGov and on Instagram at instagram.com/buncombecounty.

You may also sign up for Buncombe County’s COVID-19 newsletter at buncombeready.org and click the sign up button.

The Partner Agency Map: Who is your nearest food partner?
Mar 27 all-day
Online w/ Manna Food Bank
The Partner Agency Map:
Who is your nearest food partner?
Do you know your nearest local resource for free food?
Take a moment from your day and view the Partner Agency Map to learn more about your local resources are for free food. Whether you are looking for supplemental food yourself or know someone who may be, this information is great to know and share.
To create a food secure WNC we need to make sure we’re aware of the resources we have available for ourselves and the people in our personal networks.

FIND A FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION NEAR YOU

The MANNA Partner Network of over 200 nonprofit pantries, meal sites, and other community-based organizations help residents to access free food across 16 western North Carolina counties. Use the map below to find MANNA partners close to you, or search the up-to-date listing of food partners (by county).

UNC Asheville Opens On-Campus Vaccine Clinic in Partnership with MAHEC
Mar 27 all-day
UNC Asheville Reuter Center
TIME AND DATES VARY
Nearly a year into the coronavirus pandemic, UNC Asheville has a new role to play in combating COVID-19, expanding the campus’ commitment of care and compassion beyond the classrooms and into the community, as the Reuter Center has been transformed into a COVID-19 immunization site in partnership with the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC).

“MAHEC and UNCA are eager to urgently vaccinate as many people as possible every week until COVID is no longer present in Western North Carolina,” commented MAHEC’s CEO Jeff Heck. “UNCA is a great partner and together we will work to bring the vaccine to as many residents as possible.”

The site continues to call individuals as vaccine shipments arrive. Schedule updates and frequently asked questions will be posted at https://coronavirus.unca.edu/faq/covid-19-vaccine/, and individuals will be contacted directly with their appointment details.

Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Mar 27 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tour
Mar 27 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

This year you can join us for the Arts & Crafts Home Tour from the comfort of your home!  Tour Possum Trot and Dogwood Cottages in Albemarle Park and finish with Sondley House in Haw Creek.  Due to location and accessibility, these homes would not normally be included in the tour, so this is a special treat!
Weekly Flea Market Hominy Valley
Mar 27 @ 6:00 am – 3:00 pm
Hominy Valley Wildlife & Sportsmen's Club

Image may contain: plant, tree, house, sky and outdoor

Starting Saturday, August 1, 2020, the Hominy Valley Wildlife Club will begin hosting a weekly flea market. Spaces will be $15.00 each, maximum of two spaces per seller. Grounds will open at 6 am for seller setup.

For more information contact Lane Brown at 828-231-5408, Bruce Whitt at 828-665-2114, Rachel Godwin at 828-273-6911 or email at [email protected]

American Red Cross Be a hero Roll up a Sleeve
Mar 27 @ 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Blood Donation Center

March is Red Cross Month, and for more than 130 years, heroic American Red Cross volunteers have provided hope and urgent relief to families in communities across the country.
This March the community is invited to join in the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross and be
someone’s hero by rolling up a sleeve to give blood.
According to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds to respond to
patient emergencies. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients,
and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood.
All blood types are needed.
Be a hero in your community by rolling up a sleeve….

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.

American Red Cross Be a hero Roll up a Sleeve
Mar 27 @ 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Etowah Lions Club Den

March is Red Cross Month, and for more than 130 years, heroic American Red Cross volunteers have provided hope and urgent relief to families in communities across the country.
This March the community is invited to join in the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross and be
someone’s hero by rolling up a sleeve to give blood.
According to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds to respond to
patient emergencies. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients,
and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood.
All blood types are needed.
Be a hero in your community by rolling up a sleeve….

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.

Connecting Community: Free Resources for Parents of Young Children
Mar 27 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County
Buncombe Partnership for Children

Buncombe Partnership for Children is on a mission to strengthen the capacity of educators, families, and the community to build a strong foundation for children’s learning and development beginning at birth. We are excited to partner with the incredible nonprofit to share some of their programming for parents of pre-kindergarten little ones.

  1. Circle of Security Parenting Program: 8-week parenting class conducted by trained facilitators to meet other parents, strengthen relationship with your child, recognize your child’s needs, behavior & more.
  2. Kaleidoscope Play & Learn Online: Adult-child online groups for 0-5 year olds and their families/caregivers. All you need is an email address to join for activities, stories, music, learning, and fun. Enrollment is ongoing.
  3. It’s Time for Kindergarten Events: Virtual discussion about what skills and experiences are most important for children to develop in the year before starting school. This is a great opportunity to look at different types of learning experiences, development, and time to get questions you may have answered. Please email [email protected] with questions.
Take + Play: Borrow Disc Golf Sets, Ukuleles, + Games
Mar 27 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Pack Youth Services introduces Take & Play, a pilot program that offers everyone the opportunity to borrow games, ukuleles, and disc golf sets from the Youth Services department at Pack Library. Take & Play items check out for three weeks, and you need to pick them up and drop them off at Pack Library. Games, ukuleles, and disc golf sets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and you check them out with your library card just like a book. Call 250-4720 for details, or drop by the library anytime we’re open.

All our library hours are listed here.

Blue Ridge Humane Society Free Pet Food Giveaway
Mar 27 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County Parking Lot

“We want to make our drive-up food giveaways as accessible as possible with a  new time frame,” shares Megan Burnett, Community Outreach Manager. “We hope that if you need food for your pet that you’ll come see us!”

Cat and dog food will be distributed first come, first serve, as supplies last to those in need or affected by COVID-19. Social distancing and protective measures will be taken by all staff and we ask the public to do the same during the drive-thru pick-up. Masks are required to be worn during pick-up. Additional resources and supplies will also be available first come, first serve.

If a pet owner is in need of food but unable to attend the pick-up, please call or text the BRHS helpline at (828) 393-5832.

Since June 2020, Blue Ridge Humane has hosted distributions on a monthly basis to provide pet food for the community in response to COVID-19, feeding over 2,800 pets though the free giveaways and providing over 30,000 lbs of pet food to local food banks through BRHS’s community outreach programs, where BRHS has seen a 30 percent increase in demand for pet food assistance.

The Blue Ridge Humane Society, Inc., is a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization started in 1950 dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption and in foster homes; offers low-cost vaccine clinics, animal education programs, pet training classes, and youth education and projects; coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson County Animal Services Center.

Blue Ridge Humane Society provides new Pet Housing Assistance
Mar 27 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Humane Society

 Blue Ridge Humane Society has been awarded a grant by the Community Foundation of Henderson County to provide assistance for pet owners seeking housing. Blue Ridge Humane Society is committed to keeping pets in loving homes through a range of programs and assistance for community pets. The new program adds a needed service to assist in the current pet-friendly housing challenges facing Henderson County residents.

 

The new program will assist pet owners through two avenues—either through assisting with temporary boarding cost while the owner is unable to keep an animal due to relocation or other emergency circumstances; or through assisting with one-time pet deposit for a rental unit.

 

Those needing assistance or interested in learning more about the program can call (828) 393-5832 (you may experience a delay on holidays and weekends).

 

Community Foundation of Henderson County, founded in 1982, supports charitable programs in the greater Henderson County area.

 

Blue Ridge Humane Society, Inc., is a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization started in 1950 dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption and in foster homes; offers low-cost vaccine clinics, animal education programs, pet training classes, and youth education and projects; coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson County Animal Services Center.

 

If you believe in our cause, consider making a donation or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.

Garden Tools Drive / Donación de Herramientas de Jardin
Mar 27 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
True Ridge

Clean up you garage and support the work of our Hispanic Farmer Coop by donating the garden/farm tools (in good conditions) that you do not use anymore.
For further information call to 828 808 5583
Organise mejor su casa y apoye el trabajo de nuestro cooperativa agrícola donando las herramientas de jardín / granja (en buenas condiciones) que ya no utiliza.
Pack Memorial Library Opens at 50 Percent Capacity for Grab and Go Service
Mar 27 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

 

Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, Pack Memorial Library will reopen to the public with limited hours and services. See below for schedule information for most other Buncombe County Public Libraries.

The Pack library schedule will be:

  • Tuesday-Thursday, 1-6 p.m.
  • Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Sunday & Monday, Closed
Sand Hill Community Garden Workdays
Mar 27 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
 Buncombe County Sports Park

Volunteers at Sand Hill Community Garden

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Smith-McDowell House Museum Open for private, pre-booked tours
Mar 27 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Smith-McDowell House Museum

We are OPEN Fridays and Saturdays
for private, pre-booked tours at:
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:00 PM

Free Tax Help: Pack Library
Mar 27 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library
  • Because of the Covid-19 restrictions, our Library Tax-Aide program is changing the way you can get help with your taxes in 2021. Tax assistance is available now through April 8.

    You will need an appointment this year to speak with a tax help aide at the library. At your appointment, you can drop off your tax documents and you’ll be given another appointment in about two weeks to pick up your paperwork and completed tax form.

    How it works

    1. Pick-up a Tax Record Envelope and instructions at Black Mountain, West Asheville or Pack Library during library hours.
    2. Complete the Intake/Interview Booklet in your envelope by answering all questions. Then sign and date the last 3 pages.  Place all your tax forms and any information relating to your tax return in your envelope.
    3. Make an appointment to drop off your Tax Record Envelope and meet with a Tax-Aide volunteer.
  • Saturdays, appointments available between 10:30am and 2pm
    • To make an appointment for Saturday tax help at Pack Library, email [email protected] with your name and telephone number. A volunteer will contact you to set up your appointment. At your appointment, a tax volunteer will check all documents and give you a follow-up appointment to pick up your completed tax return and documents in 1 or 2 weeks. This tax help is provided by UNCA.
    • Bring the following documents and tax forms to your tax help appointment (photocopies are recommended):
      • Photo ID / Driver License for Taxpayer and Spouse
      • Social Security Cards for Taxpayer, Spouse and ALL dependents
      • Prior year (2019) Federal and State tax returns
      • W-2 Wages, W-2G (Gambling winnings)
      • SSA-1099 Social Security Benefit Statement
      • 1099-R Retirement, 1099-RRB (Railroad Retirement Benefits)
      • 1099-Interest, 1099-Dividend, 1099-OID
      • 1099-B Brokerage Statement, Sale of Stocks and Bonds, 1099-Ks
      • 1099-G Unemployment and State refunds
      • 1099-NEC Self-Employment, 1099-MISC
      • 1099-C Sale of Home, Forgiveness of Credit Card Debt
      • 1098- Home Mortgage Interest and Real Estate Taxes
      • 1099-T Education Credits PLUS Student Account Statement
      • 1098-E Student Loan Interest
      • 1099-SA and/or 5498-SA (HSA = Health Savings Account)
      • 1095-A Health Insurance – Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Marketplace
      • Schedule K-1 (Forms 1065, 1120S or 1041)
      • Any other documents or information relevant to preparation of the tax return
      • Voided check for direct deposit of any refund to your checking / savings account
UNC Asheville Junior Preview Day, an open house for high school juniors
Mar 27 @ 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
UNC Asheville

Kick off your college search at Junior Preview Day, an open house experience designed just for high school juniors.

  • Discover how UNC Asheville offers an affordable and endlessly relevant education as a top-10 public liberal arts and sciences university in the nation
  • Talk one-on-one with admission staff to demystify the application and financial aid process
  • Learn about our academics, student life programs, and campus services
  • Explore campus and Asheville, one of the coolest cities in the South

For details, visit the Admission Office website.

Sample Schedule

Junior Preview Days will take place from 1-3:30 p.m. with the following tentative schedule:

  • 1-1:30 p.m. – Check-in (Highsmith Student Union)
  • 1:30-1:45 p.m. – University Welcome
  • 1:45-2:15 p.m. – “The Student Experience”
  • 2:15-2:30 p.m. – “Becoming a Bulldog”
  • 2:45-3:30 p.m. – Campus Tour
Sunday, March 28, 2021
1918 vs. 2020: Epidemics Then + Now in WNC
Mar 28 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA)

1918 vs. 2020

In the midst of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.

2021 World Water Day Celebrating Video Kunchu Community Borehole Solarization
Mar 28 all-day
Online w/ Improving Lives Initiative
Water has often been rightly described as the integral ingredient of life and at Davis and Shirtliff, all efforts have been made to improving the quality and management of this precious resource. Through the #ImprovingLives Initiative launched in 2020, the company and its partners have implemented 295 water projects across the region, improving 658,000 lives in the process. The availability of clean water is known to transform societies in terms of health, education, and economic prosperity and for this reason, World Water Day is observed annually by the UN in order to highlight the importance of sustainably managed freshwater. In commemoration of World Water Day 2021, the D&S #ImprovingLives initiative has solarized a water project in Kunchu community, Kajiado County that will benefit over 1,800 community members and particularly women who previously had to walk 34kms to access safe water for their daily use. The handing over of the water project was celebrated in a colorful ceremony, captured on video and available to view.

What does water mean to you? To Davis & Shirtliff, water is an integral ingredient for life. To commemorate World Water Day 2021, we upgraded the Kunchu Community borehole to a hybrid solar system. The 1,800 member community used to rely on a diesel generator to pump water, using over 70 litres of fuel a week. With the new solar powered system they no longer need to spend money on diesel and instead can harness the power of the sun for free. At Davis and Shirtliff, we dedicate our efforts to improving the quality and management of this priceless resource. Through its #ImprovingLives Initiative, Davis and Shirtliff has implemented 295 water projects, improving 658,000 lives.

American nonstop flights in JUNE from AVL to Boston, Chicago and Washington DC
Mar 28 all-day
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
merican Airlines and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) are growing together again!  In anticipation of increasing interest in travel to the Asheville area, American is launching new daily nonstop service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) as well as new Saturday service to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in time for summer.
Service to DCA begins June 3 and will operate through Sept. 7. Flights to BOS and ORD both begin June 5, and will operate through Nov. 6 and Sept. 4, respectively. All flights will be operated on regional aircraft equipped with 76 seats in a two-cabin configuration.
With the addition of these new routes, American will operate a record of 12 peak day flights at AVL.
“American continues to show significant commitment to the western North Carolina market,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority. “It is exciting to welcome these new routes this summer, which are great new options for travelers. The connectivity American offers is very important to the quality air service available at AVL, and I thank them for their amazing partnership.”
“As more customers look for opportunities to get away and explore the great outdoors, American is eager to expand travel options to the Asheville region,” said Brian Znotins, Vice President of Network Schedule and Planning for American. “In-airport and on board, our team has taken every effort to ensure the well-being of customers throughout their travels while offering more flexibility and choice than ever before.”
NEW ROUTE SCHEDULES
ROUTE
DCA > AVL
AVL > DCA
ORD > AVL
AVL > ORD
BOS > AVL
AVL > BOS
DATES OF OPERATION
June 3 – September 7, 2021
(Daily)
June 5 – September 4, 2021
(Saturdays)
June 5 – November 6, 2021
(Saturdays)
FLIGHT TIMES
Dep DCA: 2:45pm | Arr AVL: 4:20pm
Dep AVL: 5:00pm | Arr DCA: 6:35pm
Dep ORD: 1:20pm | Arr AVL: 4:14pm
Dep AVL: 6:00pm | Arr ORD: 7:12pm
Dep BOS: 10:05am | Arr AVL: 1:00pm
Dep AVL: 1:40pm | Arr BOS: 4:30pm
American offers nonstop flights from AVL to:  Charlotte, N.C. (5-7 daily departures), Chicago, Ill. (Saturdays, summer seasonal), Dallas-Fort Worth, Tx. (twice daily), and Washington, D.C. (daily, summer-early fall).  Flights can be booked at www.aa.com.
Analyzing how Recent Stimulus Affects your Operations
Mar 28 all-day
Online
CBIZ recently shared resources they created to help navigate specific takeaways of the federal relief. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 contains several provisions that may be of interest to both financial and operational strategies. It builds on past stimulus relief and offers targeted support for functions and businesses that have been particularly hard-hit by the repercussions of COVID-19.
The complied resources include :
Asheville Regional Airport: design concepts for an expanded and modernized terminal
Mar 28 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Regional Airport
Asheville Regional Airport shares a sneak peek of design concepts for an expanded and modernized terminal
(Asheville, N.C.) Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) began a terminal design project nearly 18 months ago, working with architects at Gresham Smith, and is releasing a sneak peek of a few of the design concepts that have been developed. The design project, nearly fully funded by Federal Aviation Administration grant funds, is important to the strategic long-term planning and growth of the airport, and will result in detailed plans for an expanded and modernized airport that will serve the air service needs of western North Carolina for decades into the future. The design is the first step, and then the airport board will determine when the project will proceed forward.
“A design project like this takes 18 months to two years to complete,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Executive Director. “We began the process more than a year ago, at a time when our passenger numbers were far exceeding the existing capacity of our terminal building at peak times. A new larger terminal is necessary to keep up with the demand – our growth is already returning.”
The design process began with many stakeholder meetings, both with the internal airport team and with community leaders, as well as a large community survey with more than 4,000 responses. “We are proud to have incorporated local input into the design principles, and are pleased to share our progress so far,” said Bleiweis.
The goals of a new terminal design are focused on achieving several strategic objectives, which include:
 More space to accommodate existing and future growth projections
  • expansion from 7 to 12 gates with ample room for passenger flow
  • additional aircraft parking space
  • expanded and modernized ticket lobby, TSA screening, baggage claim, concessions space
A centralized power plant
Flexibility in design to allow for enhancements and innovations as air travel evolves
Thoughtful design, guided by community, employee and key stakeholder input
An overarching design principle has guided decisions throughout the process: to create a modern gateway, humbly rooted in timeless natural beauty. “This design principle was a direct result of engagement with the local community, stakeholders, airport vendors and many others,” said Brad Sucher, Senior Architect and Project Manager at Gresham Smith. “And we currently are transforming these meanings into images that help lay the framework for AVL to represent the western North Carolina region. It is exciting to begin sharing these concepts.”
There are still months remaining in the design process, and then the airport will determine next steps, including funding plans and a specific timeline to move forward. More official information will be shared at that time.
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Mar 28 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Get Your Go Local Card
Mar 28 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Grown

Supporting Local Schools

Half of your purchase price of the 2021 Go Local Card will go to a public school to enhance programming, purchase much-needed teacher supplies and support local kids.

Buy yours TODAY!

Each year, as we add more businesses and cardholders to the program, the local movement grows stronger.

Photo courtesy of Mountain Xpress

High-Risk Medical Conditions Group 4: Eligible COVID-19 Vaccine Beginning March 17
Mar 28 all-day
Online w/ NC Department of Health and Human Services
Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. announced beginning on March 17, people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness and people who live in certain congregate settings will be eligible for vaccination. The rest of Group 4, which includes other essential workers will become eligible April 7. (See Deeper Dive)
The state was able to update its timeline today based on provider feedback and expected supply. As with previous eligibility changes, some vaccine providers may not be ready to open to Group 4 on March 17 if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1 through 3.
Higher Risk Individuals in Group 4 are Now Eligible for COVID Vaccines
Mar 28 all-day
North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released information on the addition of high-risk, group 4 individuals to those eligible for vaccines. According to their release, people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness and those who live in certain congregate settings are now eligible for vaccination. You can find a COVID-19 vaccination site near you at MySpot.nc.gov.
North Carolina follows the recommendations of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as to who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. That includes adults of any age with conditions, such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, sickle cell disease, obesity, or smoking.
In addition, those who are eligible starting March 17 includes anyone who is living in higher-risk congregate or close group living settings who is not already vaccinated.
The rest of Group 4, which includes other essential workers, will become eligible April 7. Previously eligible groups – health care workers, long-term care staff and residents, people 65 and older, and frontline essential workers – will continue to be prioritized.
Some vaccine providers may not be ready to open to people with a medical condition on March 17 if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1, 2 and 3.
Visit YourShotYourSpot.nc.gov (English) or Vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish) for more information about the vaccines, including answers to frequently asked questions..
Not sure what vaccine group you’re in? Visit FindMyGroup.nc.gov. You can also contact the COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center toll-free at 1-888-675-4567.