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.

Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Free Covid Testing for Uninsured
Mar 31 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Brevard Music Center

Free Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing

The Brevard Music Center in association with the Pisgah Health Foundation announces a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site for everyone – the insured and uninsured, those on Medicare and Medicaid – everyone!

Keystone Laboratory of Asheville will administer the COVID-19 tests and antibody tests, with results typically available within 5 business days depending on volume.

When: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please no early arrivals.

Where: Brevard Music Center Main Parking lot (entrance on Music Camp Road off Probart Street)

Who: Anyone who wants a test.

How:

  • Appointments are not necessary. Participants will be served in the order of their arrival.
  • Participants can choose to be tested for COVID-19 via nasal swab or have the COVID-19 antibody test via blood sample.
  • Participants will receive their test results at the contact information provided at check-in, typically within 5 business days depending on volume.

What:

  • A driver’s license is helpful, but not required.
  • A doctor’s order is not required.
  • If you have private insurance, please bring your insurance card with you.
  • If you have Medicare or Medicaid, please bring your card with you.
  • If you do not have insurance, you will be asked to sign an affidavit stating so.
  • Please wear a mask and stay in your vehicle while on BMC’s campus.
  • If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please seek medical attention from your medical provider, urgent care, or the hospital.
  • Please leave pets at home.

Questions: Please email [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle Talk
Mar 31 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Online w/ UNCA

Literary scholar Kirstin Squint will deliver a lecture entitled “Native Southern Literature and EBCI Author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle” on March 24 at 5:30 p.m. in preparation for Clapsaddle’s talk. To learn more about Dr. Squint’s lecture and to register, click here.

Author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle will discuss her novel, Even As We Breathe, at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31.

Clapsaddle, the first enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to publish a novel, holds degrees from Yale University and the College of William and Mary. Her first novel manuscript, Going to Water, is winner of The Morning Star Award for Creative Writing from the Native American Literature Symposium (2012) and a finalist for the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction (2014). After serving as executive director of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, Clapsaddle returned to teaching English and Cherokee studies at Swain County High School.

Sand Hill Community Garden Workdays
Mar 31 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 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.

Thursday, April 1, 2021
 April is Earth Month: virtual 5k/10k with the Bend Marathon! 
Apr 1 all-day
Online w/ Sierra Club

We have 15 entries for free registration for the first 15 people to raise $150. Your virtual race can be completed between April 12 – May 25, plus you can earn other fun prizes:

We’ve set a goal to raise $150k for Earth Month to advance climate solutions, ensure clean air and water for all, and make the outdoors an accessible and safe place for everyone. 2021 is a crucial year for us to come together for the future health of our planet and generations to come.

If you’re interested in learning more about other ways to get involved in Earth Month, we’ll be releasing our schedule of activities later this week, or you can make a $39 donation to get the Marine Layer Earth Day T-shirt.

2021 World Water Day Celebrating Video Kunchu Community Borehole Solarization
Apr 1 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.

8th Annual Business Plan Contest
Apr 1 all-day
Online w/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
The 8th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate. Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Monday, April 19, 2020. A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award at a reception hosted during Henderson County’s Small Business Week. The date for the celebration is still to be determined.
Analyzing how Recent Stimulus Affects your Operations
Apr 1 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 :
Engage in the City of Asheville budget process: Survey now open, meetings to come
Apr 1 all-day
Online w/ The City of Asheville
The City of Asheville wants to hear from you!  City staff have approached the budget process differently this year by reviewing existing services with a focus on members of our community that experience inequity.

Through our internal department work, and from what heard through Reimagining Public Safety several opportunities for improvements emerged: Economic Opportunity, Access to Government, Increased Community Engagement, Increased Budget Transparency.

We want to know from you whether these potential changes are worth pursuing, and if you have other ideas about how we can improve.

Click here to take the survey and let us know. 

In addition to the survey, we are holding virtual discussion sessions as another way to gather information from you.  The questions in the survey will be leading the  first round of discussions.  There will be new topics for Round Two in April.   To register to be a part of the discussions visit the Equity Focused Budget Engagement Page or click  on the dates below.

Round two budget sessions:

April 20 – 6 to 7:30 p.m.

April 22 – 6 to 7:30 p.m.

April 23 – 10 to 11:30 a.m.

To follow along the budget process visit the Equity Focused Budget Engagement webpage.

Here is the upcoming City Council budget schedule:

  • April 13: Budget work session #3

  • May 25: City Manager’s Proposed Budget goes to City Council

  • June 8: Budget public hearing at City Council meeting

  • June 22: City Council to vote on budget adoption

We encourage all residents to watch the budget work sessions and keep up with the budget process and participate in this engagement. For any questions, contact Beth Bechel 828-259-5598 or [email protected].

Get Your Go Local Card
Apr 1 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

Help us Save Charlotte Street
Apr 1 all-day
Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
Help us Save Charlotte Street
We need your help to stop this proposed development!  Please contact our City Council and let them know how you feel about the plan.  With lawyers and PR firms, we know the developers are, make sure you voice is heard too!
What else can you do?
  • Write letters to the editor
  • Sign the petition
  • Get a yard sign… when more arrive!
Thank you for the overwhelming response to the signs!  We are currently out but will let you know when more arrive.
We’ve heard your requests and this is coming soon:
High-Risk Medical Conditions Group 4: Eligible COVID-19 Vaccine Beginning March 17
Apr 1 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
Apr 1 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.
MLK Youth Scholarship
Apr 1 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

Did you know Buncombe County is actively involved in an important initiative aimed at more accurately reflecting the history of racial and economic injustice? The Buncombe County Remembrance Project is a part of the Equal Justice Initiative’s nationwide effort to work with counties to raise more awareness about individuals lynched in our County. Further, the project is working to bring about community healing concerning Jim Crow-era discrimination, mass incarceration, state-sanctioned violence, contemporary racial trauma and violence, and other important issues.

The Buncombe County Remembrance Project is a partnership with multiple local organizations that all recognize the need to publicly acknowledge and educate the public about racial issues. This work ties into the County’s 2025 Strategic Plan which is focused on equity defined as: Systems, policies, and practices that support equity for all people and an organizational culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. To learn more about the Buncombe County Remembrance Project, click here.

 MLK Youth Scholarship

Martin Luther King Junior’s work to advance equal rights was pivotal in helping shape today’s landscape. There is much work still to be done, but his legacy continues to inspire generations. Buncombe County strives to be a place where Dr. King’s vision is realized by prioritizing equity and being intentional about highlighting racial injustice through initiatives such as the Buncombe County Remembrance Project, our Racial Equity Action Plan, and other efforts.

To further honor Martin Luther King Junior’s legacy, Buncombe County wants to ensure students are aware of the MLK Youth Scholarship for Buncombe County residents. Applications are due April 15, learn more here.

Need to Appeal Your Tax Value?
Apr 1 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

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.

North Carolina to Further Relax COVID-19 Restrictions
Apr 1 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Cooper announced Tuesday that North Carolina will continue to ease some COVID-19 restrictions. Executive Order 204 will take effect Friday, March 26 at 5 pm and is set to expire April 30th at 5 pm. The general mask mandate will remain in effect.
Executive Order 204 has three general categories of occupancy restrictions: up to 100% capacity, 75% capacity, and 50% capacity. All businesses must continue to maintain 6 feet of distance between patrons and implement safety protocols as they expand capacity.
The Executive Order also increases the mass gathering limits. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase to 50 and the number of people who may gather outdoors will increase to 100. The Order also lifts the restrictions on the late-night sale and service of alcoholic beverages on bars, restaurants, and other establishments.
Indoors and Outdoors up to 100% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing
  • Museums and Aquariums
  • Retail Businesses
  • Salons, personal care and grooming businesses, tattoo parlors
Indoors up to 75% and Outdoors up to 100% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing
  • Restaurants
  • Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries
  • Recreation (e.g., bowling, skating, rock climbing)
  • Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, yoga studios, fitness centers)
  • Pools
  • Amusement Parks
Indoors and Outdoors up to 50% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing
  • Bars
  • Movie Theaters*
  • Gaming Facilities*
  • Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces
  • Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs
  • Auditoriums, Arenas, and other venues for live performances
  • Sports Arenas and Fields (includes professional, collegiate, and amateur
*Movie theaters and gaming facilities may operate at up to 75% capacity outdoors.
Online Education Series: “The Story of a Cemetery, The Story of Asheville”
Apr 1 all-day
Online
Don’t miss our last installment of videos
on the South Asheville Cemetery:
Anne Chesky Smith, Executive Director of the Western North Carolina Historical Association, continues the story of the South Asheville cemetery. Located in the Kenilworth neighborhood, the cemetery was originally a place to bury enslaved people and following the Civil War continued as a burial site for African Americans until the 1940s. This final video in the series gives a broad overview of the site history. It covers stories from the first non-native settlers through the 20th century.
and in case you missed it…
Photo Contest Buncombe County Parks: Theme for April is Game On
Apr 1 all-day
Buncombe County Parks
Backpack, water bottles, stickers,
                                                          and other I
                                                          Heart Parks
                                                          items

We know you love Buncombe County parks! We get tagged in lots of pics on Facebook and Instagram. Why not get a sweet reward for your photo skills?

Each month, we’ll announce a theme. Post your favorite photos to Instagram or Facebook showing the theme in one of our parks. Make sure to tag @BuncombeRecreation and use the hashtag #IHeartBCParks. Be sure your photo is set to “public” and use the hashtag or we won’t be able to find it. (Full rules below.)

Our theme for April is… (drumroll, please) Game On! You play soccer, disc golf, volleyball, kickball, gaga, horse shoes, fishing, bocce, lacrosse, softball, baseball, and more in Buncombe County parks. Post your best pics by Apr. 30; you can submit an unlimited number of photos. Be creative and think outside the box.

The winning photo will receive:

  • Cool I Heart Parks swag: rope bag cross body sling, water bottle, compass, first aid kit, pen, and stickers
  • Picture set as the cover photo for Buncombe County Recreation Service’s Facebook page for a month
  • Bragging rights

Want to get a jump on the competition? Future themes include kids, pets, autumn views, and Leave No Trace.

#IHeartBCParks Photo Contest Rules and Guidelines

  1. Photos MUST be taken at a Buncombe County park. Tag or identify your location in your post.
  2. You do not need to be a Buncombe County resident to enter. Everyone is eligible to submit an entry*.
  3. Photos must be posted on Facebook or Instagram.
  4. Entry participants must be a follower of Buncombe County Recreation Services on Facebook or Instagram. Non-followers are not eligible.
  5. To enter, post your photo on Facebook or Instagram tagging @BuncombeRecreation on Facebook or Instagram. Use the hashtag #IHeartBCParks. (If you do not use this hashtag we won’t be able to find your photo.)
  6. Make sure your photo is set to “public” so we can see it.
  7. By submitting your photo, you warrant that your entry is an original work of authorship. You understand and agree that Buncombe County Recreation Services can re-post your photo and credit your name/username in any future promotions hereafter.
  8. All photos must be posted within the time frame to be eligible.
  9. Individuals may submit an unlimited number of photos.
  10. Prizes cannot be substituted, transferred, or returned for cash. No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase does not increase the chances of winning.
  11. This contest is not sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook or Instagram.
  12. Be creative and think outside the box. Get out and enjoy your Buncombe County parks, pools, and open spaces!

*Entries must be submitted by individuals ages 18 or older. Employees of Buncombe County, the contest’s participating sponsors, and members of the immediate family of any such persons are not eligible to participate and win. The term “immediate family” includes spouses, siblings, parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren, whether it is “in-laws,” or by current or past marriage(s), remarriage(s), adoption, co-habitation or other family extension, and any other persons residing at the same household whether or not related.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online.

Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Apr 1 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Based on member interest, we are exploring adding a new Professional Networking Group specifically for veterans. Our Professional Networking Groups are dedicated member professionals who gather weekly to develop relationships, learn about each member’s business, and share leads and business ideas. Only one representative per industry is permitted.

For this group, participants would be a business that is veteran-owned or someone in a management position attending who is a veteran.

If interested, please contact Member Development Specialist Jessica Kanupp at [email protected] for more information. 

Racial Justice Essay Contest grades 9-12
Apr 1 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

Did you know Buncombe County is actively involved in an important initiative aimed at more accurately reflecting the history of racial and economic injustice? The Buncombe County Remembrance Project is a part of the Equal Justice Initiative’s nationwide effort to work with counties to raise more awareness about individuals lynched in our County. Further, the project is working to bring about community healing concerning Jim Crow-era discrimination, mass incarceration, state-sanctioned violence, contemporary racial trauma and violence, and other important issues.

The Buncombe County Remembrance Project is a partnership with multiple local organizations that all recognize the need to publicly acknowledge and educate the public about racial issues. This work ties into the County’s 2025 Strategic Plan which is focused on equity defined as: Systems, policies, and practices that support equity for all people and an organizational culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. To learn more about the Buncombe County Remembrance Project, click here.

Racial Justice Essay Contest

The Equal Justice Initiative in partnership with the Buncombe Community Remembrance Project is pleased to announce an upcoming scholarship contest open to 9th – 12th grade students attending public high school in Buncombe County, North Carolina where prizes totaling at least $5,000 will be awarded to winning participants.

Students are asked to examine the history of a topic of racial injustice and to discuss its legacy today. Essays should explain the chosen topic using a specific historical event(s), explore how the injustice persists, and imagine solutions for a future free from racial injustice. Students are encouraged to reflect on how the topic impacts their own lives and communities.

Registration Open for Senior Games + Silver Arts 2021
Apr 1 all-day
Buncombe County Parks

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from the week of Apr. 19 through May 19 (tentative). There is no registration fee this year.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org.

Sports include bowling, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, putt-putt, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed online.

Stay Informed. Be Buncombe Ready. Sign up for BC Alerts
Apr 1 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?
Apr 1 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).

Traveling Trunks – Bring the Museum to your Classroom!
Apr 1 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association

Traveling Trunks and Kits are an economical way to bring the Museum to YOU! Rental fee is a refundable deposit of $15 per trunk. Trunks include many artifacts and a week of lessons.

Trunk deposits are always refundable, but if you choose to donate your deposit, these funds are used to assist students with economic needs to be able to come on field trips or to Living History Days.

Call 828-253-9231 or email [email protected] for information or to schedule your program.

Another way to bring the Museum to YOU is with an In-School Presentation!

A trained museum volunteer or staff person will present any of the above topics in your school. Programs may be presented to as many as 50 students per presentation (some are more hands-on and 25 students would be more appropriate).

Cost is $3 per student.

Choose a program, traveling trunk/kit, or suggest a custom program. Craft topics may include an extra supply fee.

UNC Asheville Opens On-Campus Vaccine Clinic in Partnership with MAHEC
Apr 1 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.

Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tour
Apr 1 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!
Women’s History Month As Told By Buncombe Women
Apr 1 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, the Communications and Public Engagement Team wants to share insight on what the month means to some of the women in our organization. Below you will find insights from our County Manager, three of our Commissioners, and members of our Women’s Commission.

American Rescue Plan Makes ACA Insurance More Affordable; Get Free Help, Signing Up w/ Pisgah Legal + Partners
Apr 1 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal Services

Make a Free Appointment Today

Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all appointments are currently being conducted by phone. Depending on where you live in WNC, some of Pisgah Legal’s ACA Partners may be offering in-person appointments.

 

Last year, more than 90 percent of North Carolinians who enrolled for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable. Subsidies are based on household taxable income and may be difficult for consumers to calculate themselves. Pisgah Legal can help with this process and can factor in unemployment benefits if needed. Pisgah Legal can also answer questions about other coverage, such as COBRA, and help people apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

 

Pisgah Legal and other Enrollment Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services.

The ACA – also known as “Obamacare” – is the law that ensures access to quality, affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these plans, consumers are protected and:

  • Can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing health condition and can’t be dropped for getting sick;
  • Insurers can’t charge higher premiums to women; and
  • Insurers can’t sell substandard plans that don’t pay for essential health care benefits.
Connecting Community: Free Resources for Parents of Young Children
Apr 1 @ 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.
Free Energy Upgrades for Qualifying Homeowners
Apr 1 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online w /Buncombe County

 

Income-qualifying households in Buncombe County are eligible for free energy-saving weatherization upgrades to their homes through the Energy Saver’s Network (ESN). The ESN sends volunteers to local homes to install many types of upgrades depending on the needs of the home. The work can take anywhere between one and three hours, and includes:

  • weather stripping
  • air register and duct sealant
  • water pipe insulation
  • low-flow water fixtures
  • light bulb replacement
  • custom interior storm windows
  • repairing minor air leaks
  • smoke alarm installation, and more.

In 2019, the ESN completed 200 projects, clocked 1,879 volunteer hours, and installed upgrades to homes resulting in 2,341 less tons of CO2 and over 108,000 total kWh savings per year for all of its clients. ESN’s goal is to provide upgrades to 200 homes per year.

ESN is a nonprofit organization founded on a dual mission: to help people and combat climate change. The organization envisions a sustainable future where communities are free from the worst impacts of fossil fuel history. If you want to know if you qualify, are looking to volunteer, or want more information, you can visit energysaversnetwork.org, send them a message on their Facebook/Instagram page, or call Hannah Egan at 828-585-4492.

The Energy Saver’s Network is made up from a partnership with Asheville’s Green Built AllianceSierra Club, Buncombe County Government, and the City of Asheville. This also includes partner organizations that help find people to serve or for volunteers, like the Blue Horizon ProjectMountain Housing Opportunities, and Eblen Charities. Make a phone call today to see if you quality for free upgrades to your home.

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