The Asheville Art Museum is pleased to announce that people world-wide can now explore more of the Museum’s diverse Collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art online from the comfort of their homes, on the go with their smart phones, or from their favorite coffee shop.

“This was a massive undertaking, and it’s a tremendous accomplishment,” says Executive Director Pamela Myers. “I cannot express my gratitude to the Museum’s talented curatorial team. They’ve dedicated so much time, energy, and thought to enable these artworks to be experienced and enjoyed on an easily accessible, international platform.”

To date, the curatorial team has meticulously digitized approximately 20 percent of the Museum’s Collection and uploaded it to the online database. “Our evolving Collection has grown to nearly 7,500 works, with 1,500 of them already available online,” says Associate Registrar and Project Lead Chris Whitten. “We’ve already devoted several years to reach this point in the process,” he says, “and plan on regularly adding hundreds more each quarter until the entire Collection is online.”

A Robust, Expanding Collection 
Associate Curator Whitney Richardson says the Museum’s Collection has experienced dramatic growth in the past five years. In fact, it has almost doubled in size and keeps expanding. “Like most museums, we have more art in our Collection than we can show at any one time. With the Collection growing at the rate that it is, this digital platform allows us to share more of what is in our holdings.

Blank walls – they’re everywhere. But in Buncombe County, there’s an opportunity for there to be three fewer thanks to the BC Creative Equity Mural Project. “Each day, thousands of people pass by these blank spaces with no connection, no inspiration,” said Register of Deeds Drew Reisinger. “With the abundance of incredible talent in our area, there’s no reason why these spaces shouldn’t be filled with art that reflects the people, places, and values of Buncombe County.”

Reisinger first inquired about utilizing the wall on the west side of the Register of Deeds building at 205 College St. as potential mural space, and it wasn’t long before that proposal grew to include a wall in the parking deck at 164 College St. and a wall outside the Tax Office at 94 Coxe Ave.

Now, Buncombe County is looking for artists to submit proposals for those three spaces to promote racial equity, enhance a culture of diversity, and promote reconciliation and restoration. Proposals from individual artists or collaborations between artists are welcome.

“This call for art submissions is open to all, regardless of experience or the size of a portfolio,” said Chief Equity & Human Rights Officer Rachel Edens. “In Buncombe County, we value diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage applications from people who have been adversely impacted by systemic racism in connection with local governmental institutions.”

The number of artists and/or murals is to be determined, based on the results of this call for submissions. Selected art may be used in whole or in part.

The intended installation dates of these murals are Spring/Summer 2023.

Proposed mural locations:

94 Coxe Ave.: The proposed mural site is a wall by the Tax Office on street level, approximately 2,250 square feet in size. There are also five sections between the windows on the building with approximately 55 square feet each and the wall on the backside of the building, approximately 125 square feet in size.

164 College St.: The proposed mural site is the parking deck walls, including a wall on ground level, approximately 385 square feet in size as well as two walls on levels 2-6 beside the stairs, approximately 625 square feet total.

205 College St.: The proposed mural site is a wall on the courthouse side of the Register of Deeds building, approximately 1,500 square feet in size.

Proposals for interior murals within Buncombe County Government buildings also will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Click here for a video that shows proposed locations.

The fine print:

To submit, email [email protected] by Nov. 11, 2022 with “Equity Mural” in the subject line. All proposals should include the following:

1.  Artist name(s), organization name (if applicable), address, email, and phone number
2. Introduction expressing artist(s) interest in the mural project and explaining roles of collaborators/partners (if any)
3. Description of proposed mural, including how mural design reflects the theme
4. Image(s) with visual rendering of proposed mural
5. List of proposed materials, including information about durability
6. Estimated square footage, including a range if applicable and desired mural location, if any
7. Description of the method which will be used to securely affix the mural and timeline for installation and completion of the mural, not to exceed six months from the date of mural approval
8. Mural maintenance requirements and schedule
9. Summary of artist’s experience and statement of how the artist’s past work demonstrates an ability to successfully implement the mural. Images of past artwork, public art projects, and/or murals may be included for reference
10. Project cost, including line-item detail regarding proposed artist fee(s), materials, equipment needed for installation, projected mural maintenance/repair expenses, and any other applicable costs

Summary

• The theme is racial equity, reconciliation, and restoration.
• Designs should reflect Buncombe County’s people and beauty.
• New artists and/or collaboration are encouraged.
• Submissions are due by Nov. 11, 2022 and should be sent in by email.
• Proposals should include all 10 required elements, including all proposed costs (artist fee(s), materials, equipment needed for installation, and projected mural maintenance/repair expenses).

For more information, including the selection process, visit www.buncombecounty.org/equitymural.

Official 2022 Raffle Rules

PROCEEDS

This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350

DRAWING

The drawing will take place on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Monday, November 14, 2022.

TICKETS

The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.

DETAILS

1. By entering this raffle, entrants accept and agree to be bound by all the rules, limitations and restrictions set forth here and that their names and/or likenesses may be disclosed to and used by the news media and may otherwise be used by BMC for publicity purposes.
2. The winner may choose a new 2022 Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai prize vehicle from Hunter Automotive Group of Fletcher, NC with an MSRP up to $50,000.
3. Vehicle choice will be subject to the current available inventory of the dealer. BMC reserves the right to substitute a Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai model of equal value.
4. The winner is responsible for all taxes, delivery costs, dealer fees, and any options he or she may choose above the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) greater than $50,000.
5. The gross winnings of the raffle will be reported to the federal and state tax authorities at the MSRP and the winner is responsible for income tax withholding prior to taking title to the prize.
6. Individuals may purchase as many tickets as they wish; however, only 1,500 tickets will be sold.
7. Participants must be 18 years old or older.
8. BMC employees, faculty, and students 18 or older are eligible to participate.
9. Winnings are not redeemable for cash.
10. If a minimum of 600 tickets is not sold, all ticket holders will receive a full refund and the raffle will not occur.
11. BMC does not make or provide any representation, guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, in connection with the car and accepts no liability or responsibility regarding the construction or condition of the car.

WINNINGS

Once the winner has selected a prize vehicle, the Dealer will notify BMC of the award vehicle’s MSRP. BMC will calculate the required federal income taxes due. The raffle winner is responsible for remitting the funds to BMC for the federal income tax. Brevard Music Center is required by law to report the base MSRP of the vehicle the winner chooses as gaming income to federal and state authorities and to withhold and deposit federal income taxes equal to 25% of the MSRP less the wager (raffle ticket). The winner’s payment of the federal taxes to BMC will be deposited with the US Federal Treasury and the winner will receive credit for the taxes remitted. In order for the dealer to release the winner’s vehicle, the winner will need to provide the following to BMC:

1. A completed form W-9.
2. Payment to BMC of the appropriate amount of federal tax withholding in cash or certified check.

Once both of these are received, BMC will authorize the dealer to release the vehicle. The winner will receive a Form W-2G by January 31, 2023 to use in preparing their 2022 income tax return.

Buncombe County and the NC Department of Health and Human Services are urging residents to properly prepare for severe weather!

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
People are cautioned against using gasoline-powered generators or tools, outdoor grills and camp stoves in enclosed spaces. These devices should be used outside only and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and air vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced whenever fuel is burned. In an enclosed space, such as a home, garage, car or camper, carbon monoxide can quickly build up to deadly levels within minutes — especially for children, pregnant women, older adults and/or those with chronic illness.

Even low levels of carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches, confusion or fainting. If you experience these symptoms, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.

To protect yourself and your family, follow the guidelines at:

• www.ncdhhs.gov/carbon-monoxide-poisoning
• www.cdc.gov/co/default.htm

Preparing Private Wells and Septic Tanks for Floods
Excessive rains and flooding can cause water in your private well to become contaminated, which can cause illness if it is consumed or comes into contact with the skin. Flooding can also cause problems with septic tanks leading to contamination with human sewage.

Proper steps to prepare your well and septic tank ahead of time can be found at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/oswp/docs/Septicsystems-and-wellinfloodingCondition-FACTSHEETS.pdf

Avoiding Storm Hazards
Take steps to avoid injuries from wind or flooding, including the following:

• Do not walk in, play in or drive through flooded areas (Turn around. Don’t drown). Flood water contains hidden hazards and may be deeper and faster moving than it appears. Wear shoes at all times.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• If you get a cut or puncture wound, get a tetanus booster shot if you have not had one in the past 5 years.
• Standing waters are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Use insect repellant, long sleeves, pants, socks and shoes, if possible. Empty standing water from containers inside and outside the home.

Stay Informed- Be Buncombe Ready!

If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, information and knowledge can evolve as quickly as the event or disaster. It’s important to stay on top of new developments and information.

CodeRED Alerts allow Buncombe County officials to send emergency alerts to residents in real-time using email, phone, and text. All residents are encouraged to visit buncombecounty.org/codered or text BCAlert to 99411 to enroll in the CodeRED system.

Further information and resources to safely prepare for storms and for recovery after storms can be found at www.ncdhhs.gov/disaster-recovery.

 2022 Buncombe voter guide is published online & in paper!

These handy non-partisan guides provide you with important election dates, tips on how to make sure your vote counts, and responses from your local candidates with their stances on important issues heading into the midterm.

Click here to view the digital version and share it with your friends & family.

If you’re interested in distributing paper voter guides to your neighbors or community members, please reply back to me here.

Voting details for the 2022 General Election:

• Early voting runs Thursday, October 20 through Saturday, November 5 (at 3 PM)
• Election Day is Tuesday, November 8.

Find early voting sites by selecting your county on the lookup tool at demnc.co/voteearly.

You can also check your voter registration status, Election Day polling place, and possible sample ballot at demnc.co/poll.

Food Makes a House a Home

Every October, Asheville-area REALTORS® join together on a month-long campaign to help feed thousands of families that face hunger everyday across Western North Carolina. With each house closing in October, a participating REALTOR® will make a $100 donation to MANNA FoodBank in honor of their client, in lieu of a traditional closing gift, providing 400 meals to our WNC Community. Participation in this campaign elevates the REALTOR® within industry by demonstrating the appreciation for their client in a way that has a tangible impact in their community. Realty firms may match their REALTORS® donation, stretching the impact of the gift even further. Every dollar raised in this campaign helps provide food for 4 meals to our WNC community.

There are two ways to download ebooks and audiobooks from Buncombe County Public Libraries.

All library card holders can download books from the North Carolina Digital Library with the Libby app. In addition, you can now download the Hoopla digital mobile app or visit Hoopla from our web page to begin enjoying thousands more items available to borrow 24/7. Your User ID is your library card number with no spaces, and your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number.

If you don’t have a library card, you can contact your library to get one free of charge. Use your library anytime, anywhere with our digital resources.

The Omni Grove Park Inn, an award-winning, 513-room resort set in the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains just minutes from downtown Asheville, N.C., is celebrating The 30th National Gingerbread House Competition™, which is the nation’s largest, hosted at the resort annually. Beginning July 6, 2022 the competition registration is officially now open here through November 14, 2022. The competition will be held and winners will be announced on November 21, 2022.

New elements for The 30th National Gingerbread House Competition™ include:

• Introduction of 10th Judge, Ashleigh Shanti, chef/owner of Good Hot Fish & 2020 James Beard finalist.
• Addition of six brand-new specialty awards and increased prizes (60% increase to years past) across the four age categories, which include Best Use of Sprinkles, Most Unique Ingredient, Longest Standing Competitor, Best Use of Color, Pop Culture Star, Most Innovative Structure, and Best Use of Spice.
• All registered competitors will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite piece of the entire competition to determine the winner of the new People’s Choice: Best in Show award.

The full press release announcing the official rules and entry forms can be found here and below, and a highlight reel and hi-res imagery from last year’s competition can be found here. Please let me know if you will consider the news on behalf of The Omni Grove Park Inn!

October 1 – November 3, 2022

The Opportunity

Named for social justice champion Isaac Coleman, the Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment Grant calls for targeted investments in our communities that are currently working to champion equitable opportunity and eliminate racial disparities in Buncombe County. Robust community engagement and commitment to community-driven initiatives are essential in improving and increasing economic and educational opportunities. Our goal with this investment is to rebuild the health, safety, and well-being of our communities.

This program includes $500,000 in total annual grants to community-based organizations. The Isaac Coleman Review Team will analyze and select Isaac Coleman grantees, provide additional support and review throughout the 3-year grant period via regular meetings facilitated by Buncombe County staff.

Review Team members must be Buncombe County residents and will be appointed by the County Manager based on responses from submitted applications.

Click here to learn more about Isaac Coleman grants.

 Committee Expectations

• Have a vested interest in contributing to the advancement of equitable opportunity and eliminating racial disparities in Buncombe County.
• Able to analyze grant applications effectively.
• Able to use grant software and express comments and knowledge of each application clearly.
• Able to listen attentively to the input of other reviewers, engage in discussion and acknowledge differences.
• Ethically review all applications and maintain confidentiality.
• Disclose any conflicts of interest. Conflicts of interest include close professional or personal relationships with grant applicants.
• Able to attend all scheduled Review Team selection meetings, site visits, and quarterly meetings

How to apply

Apply online by clicking this link: https://forms.office.com/g/DLYDyNKe76

The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 4, 2022.

Between federal, state, and local elections, there are nearly 7,000 seats up for grabs across the country in this year’s Midterm elections on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. These elections will set the tone of the nation for years to come. Oct. 20 – Nov. 5: Early Voting Nov. 1: Deadline for Board of Elections to Receive Absentee Ballot Requests Nov. 8: Election Day! Action Plan STEP 1: REGISTER TO VOTE! YWCA USA has partnered with When We All Vote to make registering to vote and encouraging others to register as easy as possible. Scan the QR code or click here to get started! Tip: When We All Vote and YWCA USA want to make spreading the word and encouraging others to vote as easy as possible: Post this printable flier in public spaces to encourage others to be sure they’ve registered. If you’re already registered to vote, you’ll need to check your voter registration to confirm it is still active. Make sure to update your registration if you’ve moved or your name has changed since you last voted.   STEP 2: GET TO KNOW THE ELECTION PROCESS IN YOUR STATE! The 2022 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 across the United States, but the voting process varies widely by state. Check your state or local election office’s website to find registration deadlines and early voting information, to request an absentee ballot. Tip: Make sure you’re up to speed with the rules and requirements for your state (remember: they may have changed since the last time you voted!. JOIN US FOR An Asheville Mayoral Candidate Mix & Mingle Forum At the YWCA on Thursday, Oct.13 at 6 pm Meet your Mayoral Candidates in a mix-and-mingle forum that offers the opportunity to get to know our potential Mayoral Candidates. This casual meet and greet give you direct access to getting to really know who is running for office. This event is hosted by the Delta Sigma Theta Alumni Sorority Chapter of Asheville at the YWCA of Asheville. Click here to share the Facebook event with your networks. STEP 3: DEVELOP YOUR PLAN TO VOTE! Will you be voting early in person? By mail? On Election Day? If you’re voting in person, do you know how you’ll get there? Tips: If you need help getting a ride to the polls, campaign offices in your neighborhood may be able to help!  Consider adding reminders of upcoming deadlines to your calendar!   REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT HERE LOOK UP YOUR SAMPLE BALLOT DEMOCRACY NC’S NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE BUNCOMBE COUNTY EARLY VOTING DATES AND LOCATIONS   STEP 4: SPREAD THE WORD! Share the GOTV tools and resources above with everyone you know digitally, through social media, text, or email, and use the hashtag #YWomenVote to amplify your efforts! Consider contacting your neighbors to share the tools above, joining phone or text banking efforts, or printing and posting the resources, like this flyer,  in well-frequented places such as your local library, laundromats, or grocery stores — it’s time to get creative! Because together we can help build political power in our communities and make sure women get to the polls and that our experiences and needs are valued, represented, and made a priority to those we elect to public office. This is your voice. Your vote. Your future. #YWomenVote!

Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. You can help bring a smile to their face by fulfilling their holiday wishes! Sponsor a Child: When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a Wish List that a young person created. Wish Lists include their favorite things, clothing sizes, and most needed and wanted items. The value of a Wish List is around $150. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children. For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season. To sign up to sponsor, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected]. Sponsor Multiple Children: We also have Wish Lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada depending on what program they are in. Cottage wish lists for youth living at Eliada, for example, include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases and kitchen utensils. Many children come to Eliada with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can provide them things that every home should have! Other wish lists are for our Child Development programs, Foster Care program, Farm program, Summer Camp program, and Recreation programs. Our Equine Therapy program also has some needs this holiday season! We never know when we’ll get a call for a child in Foster Care who needs a home immediately. Let’s help Foster Parents provide these children everything they deserve! Sponsor a last minute wish: Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until mid-late November. Can you sign up to help one of these teens at the last minute? If you don’t have time to shop, Eliada will use your donation to purchase gifts for children who may arrive at Eliada very close to Christmas or right after Christmas. It shouldn’t matter when you arrive at Eliada–your wishes should be fulfilled! You can make a donation here. In the comment field, write “holiday wishes.” To sign up to sponsor multiple children or a teen at the last minute, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at rboline@eliada.org or by phone at (828) 254-5356, ext. 306.

the City of Hendersonville will begin their fall bulk leaf collection service for City residents. Bulk leaf collection will continue throughout the fall season and conclude on December 30.

During bulk leaf collection, City residents should pile loose leaves as close to the street, curb, or sidewalk as possible without placing the leaves in the roadway or on the sidewalk. Leaves should not be bagged by City of Hendersonville residents.

Residents can help prevent safety hazards by keeping leaf piles out of the sidewalks. Obstructed sidewalks may force people to walk into the street and pose a danger for pedestrians and motorists. Keeping leaf piles out of the roadways and sidewalks also helps prevent debris from being washed into the storm drains which can cause flooding.

The bulk leaf collection process is separate from brush collection crews; therefore, residents will need to keep their brush and leaves in separate piles until bulk leaf collection has concluded at the end of the year. Leaf piles should be free of tree limbs or other objects that may damage collection equipment. Spring bulk leaf collection typically occurs during the month of March.

It is not necessary for the public to contact Public Works with leaf pick-up requests as this service is automatically provided to City residents. Leaf piles are picked up from homes every ten to fourteen days but, depending on the volume of leaves placed out for collection, the piles could be picked up sooner or later than that time frame.

After hearing feedback from the public on its Early Voting Plan around locations and weekend hours, Buncombe County Election Services has finalized 12 in-person early voting sites.

Early Voting Locations:

• Black Mountain Library – 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain 28711
• Elections Warehouse – 50 Coxe Ave., Asheville 28801
• East Asheville Library – 3 Avon Road, Asheville 28805
• Enka-Candler Library – 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler 28715
• Fairview Library – 1 Taylor Road, Fairview 28730
• Friendship Community Center – 142 Shiloh Road, Asheville 28803
• Leicester Community Center – 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester 28748
• North Asheville Library – 1030 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 28804
• South Buncombe Library – 260 Overlook Road, Asheville 28803
• Weaverville Community Center – 60 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville 28787
• Wesley Grant Southside Center – 285 Livingston St., Asheville 28801
• West Asheville Library – 942 Haywood Road, Asheville 28806

North Carolina’s in-person early voting period begins Thursday, Oct. 20, and ends at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. See the attachment for dates, times, and locations in English, Spanish, and Russian.

Check Out the Wait Map before you head out for Early Voting

During scheduled Early Voting, Buncombe County offers a tool that tells you in real time how many voters are in line at each location. The wait map will only be available during Early Voting. Check it out here before you head out the door.

The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 8 – here’s what you need to know

Absentee by mail

Voters may request absentee ballots any time through Nov. 1. Requested absentee ballots will begin going out in the mail on Friday, Sept. 9 and must be returned by Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. in person or Nov. 14 by mail (postmarked by Nov. 8). Request an absentee ballot at www.buncombecounty.org/vote.

Voter Registration

The deadline to register or change party affiliation for the midterm election is Friday, Oct. 14. Same-day registration will be available at in-person early voting locations. National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, Sept. 20. Election Services Director Corinne Duncan will join the NC Trusted Elections Town Hall at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.

I Voted Sticker Contest

We’re extending the deadline for our I Voted sticker contest to Friday, Sept. 9, and the contest is now open to all Buncombe residents under age 18. Read more here.

Pollworkers Needed

Are you interested in earning money while helping support the democratic process? Being a poll worker is a rewarding way to help our community while supplementing your income. If this sound interesting, click here to learn more about the perks of working the polls, eligibility requirements, pay scales, and more.

Elections Q&A Sept. 29 at East Asheville Library

The Buncombe County Board of Elections, Election Services, and Buncombe County Public Libraries are teaming up to offer free Voting Q&A sessions.

• Thursday, Sept. 29 – 5 p.m. at the East Asheville Public Library, 3 Avon Road, Asheville
• Tuesday, Oct. 4 – 5 p.m. at the Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester
• Thursday, Oct. 6 – 5 p.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road, Asheville

If you have questions about the voting process, we have answers. How can I find my polling place? What’s the difference between a primary and a general election? How do I find a sample ballot? Do I need an ID to vote? Get answers to these questions and more. Learn about how elections work, how to exercise your right to vote, and tips to make the process faster and easier. Add the event to your calendar and get updates here.

For more information about voting in Buncombe County, go to www.buncombecounty.org/vote.

The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business while making connections that deepen your peer-to-peer support. Early bird discount: $100 off if you apply by September 1st, 2022.

Have you ever wondered how the team at Flat Rock Playhouse creates our unique productions like

West Side Story or Million Dollar Quartet?

Did you know that Flat Rock Playhouse provides arts education experiences to thousands of local students?

Would it surprise you that we maintain 12 acres of property and 12 working buildings?

Check out our Gift Registry for a back-stage sneak-peek of what goes into
building a show from scratch.

Our registry includes everything from hair products to lumber, class supplies to monthly utilities, laundry detergent to airline

tickets. We hope you’ll consider making a one-time, 100% tax-deductible donation to support these resources that truly make the magic happen. As a non-profit organization, Flat Rock Playhouse depends on ticket sales and meaningful gifts to bring you the thrill and joy of live theater.

Your unrestricted gift supports these example expenses as well as many, many more!

We couldn’t do it without you!

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.

Are You Ready to Take the Challenge? Are you looking for a challenge that will build your sustainability skills while helping the world around you? You’re in luck, October is Zero Waste Month! As defined by the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), “Zero Waste is the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.” These lifestyle changes and policy updates can not be implemented without special regard to social equity and environmental justice issues, so now is our time to fight with compassion and understanding for systemic change. Here are your three easy steps to take the Zero Waste Challenge: Sign up by joining the challenge Subscribe to the Race to Zero Waste YouTube Channel to get action ideas from our expert interviews Share your zero waste actions on social media using the hashtag #ZeroWasteMonth

• Recognition in our Pebbledash Newspaper, reaching 7500 homes twice a year
• Recognition in our monthly eBlast, reaching 2500 people
• Listing and link on PSABC website
• Early invitations and discounts to PSABC events

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Could you be the pick of the patch? The WNC Nature Center is having a virtual costume contest this Halloween! Entering is easy – take a picture of your child, pet, and/or family in their Halloween costume and email it to [email protected]. All submissions are due by November 3. Voting will start November 7 on the Nature Center Facebook