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.

Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Residential Building + Planning Permit Submittal Now Available Online
Apr 5 all-day
online

a tablet in the foreground shows online plans with a model house in the background

As part of Buncombe County’s 2025 Strategic Plan, Permits & Inspections and Planning & Development are in the third phase of  the electronic plan submittal and review rollout for building permitting. “We started this process more than a year ago,” said Permits & Inspections Director Bob Haynes. “We’ve heard from our commercial builders that the portal has helped to streamline the permitting process and we are excited to offer this service to our residential builders as well.” The first phase of this implementation began in January 2021, and as of Monday, March 21, 2022, the residential permitting submittal process is also moving to the online portal. See details for submittal below.

Phase One (Complete)

  • Planning & Development implemented a new permit case type called ‘Site Plan review’ (SPR) for all permit types (commercial and residential, etc.). Any development where there is new construction, or changes to the footprint of an existing structure now requires an SPR. The SPR permit must be approved prior to applying for your building permit.
  • All commercial building plans must be submitted to the Building Permit Department in an electronic format and will be reviewed using electronic plan review software.

Phase Two (Complete)

Phase Three

Find more information at buncombecounty.org/permits or call the main Permits line at (828) 250-5360. Permit applications are not accepted in person after 4 p.m.

South Slope Vision Plan, Feedback Needed
Apr 5 all-day
online survey

The City of Asheville has extended the deadline to April 8 to provide feedback on the South Slope Vision Plan. The South Slope Visioning process is a planning process led by the City of Asheville with the community and business stakeholders in the South Slope study area to develop a long term vision. Once the plan is finalized, it will be presented to City Council for adoption.

The South Slope Vision Plan provides a visionary framework to help guide continued long-term development, and provides an essential tool that will be used across the City’s departments.  Some pieces of the plan are aspirational and the specific visions may not necessarily come to fruition based on the available funding and priorities of the community and City Council.

You can view or download the entire plan here (12 MB file). The feedback survey can be accessed here.

Stand Against Racism Challenge
Apr 5 all-day
online

What is the Stand Against Racism Challenge?

Previously known as the 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, the Stand Against Racism Challenge: A Virtual Community of Growth is the same program developed by YWCA and adopted nationwide.

The Stand Against Racism Challenge is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice. This year, we will be investigating Critical Race Theory, Living Wage, Film and Television, and Reproductive Justice. Participants will be able to download an app for their phone or visit the challenge website to engage with curated articles, podcasts, videos, activities, and more.

The SAR Challenge goes live Monday, April 4th, and continues (Monday –Friday) through May 2nd. Before April 4th you must register and download the appropriate app for your device.

Participation in an activity like this helps participants discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact their community, connect with one another, and identify action steps to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. This is an exciting opportunity to join a learning community dedicated to racial equity and social justice.

Volunteer with the YWCA
Apr 5 all-day
YWCA of Asheville

At the YWCA of Asheville, we eliminate racism and empower women by providing programs and advocacy for over 3,000 community members annually in Western North Carolina with services that support families, promote holistic wellness, and advance racial justice.

Thank you for wanting to share your time and talents with the YWCA! As a volunteer, you are integral to the YWCA fulfilling our mission, and we simply couldn’t do it without your help and support.

YWCA Asheville has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. We can design volunteer assignments to fit your schedule, experience, and team-building goals.

Red Cross Buncombe County – Blood Drive Volunteer
Apr 5 @ 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
The American Red Cross

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Activities of the American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter include: Blood Services, Training Services, Disaster Services, and Home Fire Campaign.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and one blood donation can save up to three lives. Help support lives in North Carolina by signing up to become a Blood Drive Volunteer today.  

Time Commitment:

Blood drives occur M-F and volunteers are expected to attend one blood drive a month to remain an active volunteer. This position is flexible as volunteers can sign up for shifts that work for their schedule and instructions for shift selection will be sent after responding to the opportunity.

Volunteer Roles:

  • Warmly greet donors and assist with registration in reception area.
  • Assist with initial intake and hand off through blood donation process.
    • Ensure donors have relevant information and all questions are answered appropriately.
    • Maintain proper sanitizing and cleanliness of reception and hospitality areas.
  • Attend canteen area in support of donors.
    • Thank donors for their contribution.
    • Alert staff immediately if a donor shows signs of feeling unwell.
  • Inform donors of current and upcoming donation promotions.
    • Make reminder/cancellation calls.
    • Reschedule donor appointments.
    • Perform follow-up activities as directed.

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Modeling excellent customer service behaviors.
  • Knowledge of technology needed for position (training provided)
    • Donor checkin, donor tablet, rapid pass, donor app.
  • Comfortable working with people from diverse communities and backgrounds
  • Dependable, punctual, and professional
  • Adhere to all Red Cross guidelines
  • Ability to remain calm in crisis situations
  • Adhere to CDC safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 precautions
  • Safety First! Our need for volunteers is constant and our guidelines reflect the latest CDC safety recommendations and follow the national and local government laws. COVID-19 vaccination will be required for in-person volunteer roles beginning January 3, 2022.
Need Tax Help? Buncombe Libraries Offer Free Assistance: West Asheville Library
Apr 5 @ 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
West Asheville Library

Do you need help preparing your taxes? If so, Buncombe County Public Libraries can help. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the IRS, NC Department of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System, and Council on Aging, Inc. will offer free tax preparations for taxpayers of low and moderate-income, with special attention to those age 60 and older from Feb. 1-April 15.

You will need an appointment to speak with a tax help aide. 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, Weaverville 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.

West Asheville Library
Tuesdays, appointments available between 9am-12:30pm
To make an appointment at the West Asheville Library email [email protected] with your name and telephone number. An AARP volunteer will contact you to set up your appointment. If you don’t have access to email, someone at the library can email AARP for you. 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.

Blue Ridge Humane Society Thrift Store Expands Hours
Apr 5 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Blue Ridge Humane Society Thrift Store

The Blue Ridge Humane Society Thrift Store will be one step closer to pre-pandemic operations beginning on Monday, April 4, 2022. The Thrift Store will be adding Mondays to their weekly schedule to welcome shoppers 6 days a week.

The store hours will expand to Monday-Saturday, 9:30am-4:30pm, and is located at 1214 Greenville Highway in Hendersonville.

The Thrift Store accepts donations Monday-Friday, 9:30am-2pm, so consider donating items when you are downsizing, cleaning out, or replacing gently used items. The Thrift Store also offers free pickup service of furniture or large items. Please call 828-620-3150 to schedule a pickup.

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.

Cook and Serve Meals – ABCCM Transformation Village
Apr 5 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Transformation Village

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

  • Background Check
  • Brief orientation prior to service
  • Ability to Multi-Task
  • Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
  • Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance
  • Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

    Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


    ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

    Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

    We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

Empower Hour – YWCA Virtual Programs Tour
Apr 5 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
online

 

Empower Yourself and Your Community at the YWCA!

YWCA Asheville invites you to join us for an Empower Hour, a short virtual tour of our mission-based programs. Experience firsthand the YWCA’s work through stories from our programs that highlight how we are engaging nearly 3,000 community members annually in programs that advance racial justice, empower women, promote health, and nurture children.

After your Empower Hour Tour we hope you will be informed, inspired and ready to get involved!

Empower Hours take place twice a month via Zoom.

Empower Hour Tour
Apr 5 @ 12:00 pm
online

Empower Yourself and Your Community at the YWCA!

YWCA Asheville invites you to join us for an Empower Hour, a short virtual tour of our mission-based programs. Experience firsthand the YWCA’s work through stories from our programs that highlight how we are engaging nearly 3,000 community members annually in programs that advance racial justice, empower women, promote health, and nurture children.

After your Empower Hour Tour we hope you will be informed, inspired and ready to get involved!

Empower Hours take place twice a month via Zoom. Below are the dates, times, and registration links of upcoming tours. We look forward to connecting with you!

Asheville Parks and Rec Afterschool Programs: Afternoon Adventures
Apr 5 @ 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 2:45-6pm
K-6th graders.
Does your child enjoy having fun and making new friends? Offering
arts, crafts, special events, homework assistance and more!
Families currently enrolled in the school system’s reduced or free
meal program, please contact your recreation center for discount
fee information.
Locations: Burton, Grant, Montford, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Apr 5 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Montford Community Center

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021 – June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
5th-6th graders.
New program designed to meet the needs of your pre-teen.
Providing time dedicated to school assignments, life skills, arts,
communication, leadership, fitness, nutrition, and loads of fun.
Location: Montford

Teen Leadership Program
Apr 5 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Teen Leadership Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
6th-9th graders.
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative for your Teen to attend
this school year? We offer creative activities, diverse projects,
field trips, and more.
Locations: Grant, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Youth Literacy Tutors Needed!
Apr 5 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Asheville

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Literacy Together (formerly the Literacy Council of Buncombe County) is a nonprofit organization working with children, youth, and adults to increase comprehensive literacy and English language skills through access to literacy resources and specialized instruction by trained volunteer tutors. Literacy Together relies on volunteer tutors to offer students personal instruction and high-quality materials through various programs.

The Youth Literacy Program is seeking tutors to meet with students K-5 twice a week for 50 minutes, between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. The Youth Literacy Program works with two after-school programs that primarily serve youth of color.  The two locations are in Asheville.

Youth Literacy tutors work with children from low-income families who read, write, and/or spell below their grade level. Tutors in this program complete an initial orientation and a 16-20 hours training, which includes some pre-course work and/or homework (short articles to read, short videos to watch). They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service training throughout their tutoring commitment. Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Time Commitment:

  • Twice a week for 50-minute sessions between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm.
  • Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Requirements: 

  • GED or High School diploma
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to work patiently with various levels of literacy skills
  • Access to reliable internet
  • Ability to navigate virtual meetings with minimal distractions
  • Complete a background check

Training:

  • Tutors must complete 16-20 hours of training prior to being assigned a student
Intro To Guitar Class With Melissa McKinney
Apr 5 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
LEAF Global Experoence

Intro to Guitar with Melissa McKinney – Students will receive a solid foundation in beginner rhythm guitar for vocalists. Chords, Rhythm patterns, and basic theory will be introduced while learning songs with an uplifting message. Students will also learn to play the song that the Songwriting Class will be writing and will record it in the One Mic Studio.

Tuesdays from 4pm-5pm at LEAF Global Experience (19 Eagle St, Asheville, NC, 28801)

*Dates/times subject to change – interested in attending this class but unsure if it works with your schedule, or if it suits your student’s skill level? Reach out to us at [email protected]! We are always looking to adapt and expand our class schedules to accommodate new students!

Reading Buddy – Project Lighten Up – Shiloh
Apr 5 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Project Lighten Up

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Getting Back to the Basics/Project Lighten Up is a unique summer and afterschool educational opportunity for low-income and minority youth that supports students’ recreational and educational learning. We provide meaningful educational support and develop self-esteem in a positive environment through mentoring and enriching activities.

Project Lighten Up is seeking in-person volunteers to assist students attending the afterschool program during the school year with spelling and reading 1-2 times a week for 1 hour.  

Time Commitment:

  • Commitment to a 5-week session
  • Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 1 shift per week
  • Volunteers choose from one, 1-hour session per week OR two, 30-minute sessions per week
  • Volunteer shifts are Tuesdays & Thursdays between 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to shift start for health screening and transition time

Requirements/Training:

  • Respond above to the opportunity
  • Answer all health/safety and opportunity related questions prior to submitting your response
  • Phone interview with the program director
  • Volunteer application
  • Complete a background check
  • Attend training by program staff
  • Adheres to all CDC guidelines and safety protocols

Skillset: 

  • Enjoys working with youth in different grade levels
  • Enjoys working in a learning environment
  • Remains patient and calm with students experiencing technical or learning challenges
  • Demonstrates a positive attitude and empathy for students and Lighten Up team
  • Non-judgmental, fair, firm, and friendly
  • Models excellent verbal and non-verbal communication

Health/Safety:

  • Health and safety screening prior to every shift start:
    • List of health and safety questions asked
    • Temperatures taken
  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering (masks available upon request)
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage with students closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.
  • Volunteers will be asked to adhere to proper hand hygiene
Cook and Serve Meals – ABCCM Transformation Village
Apr 5 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Transformation Village

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

  • Background Check
  • Brief orientation prior to service
  • Ability to Multi-Task
  • Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
  • Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance
  • Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

    Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


    ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

    Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

    We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

Intro To Ukulele Class With Melissa McKinney
Apr 5 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
LEAF Global Experience

Intro to Ukulele with Melissa McKinney – Students will receive a solid foundation in beginner Ukulele skills for vocalists. Chords, Rhythm patterns, and basic theory will be introduced through songs with an uplifting message. Students will also learn to play the song that the Songwriting Class will be writing and get to record it in the One Mic Studio.

 

*Dates/times subject to change – interested in attending this class but unsure if it works with your schedule, or if it suits your student’s skill level? Reach out to us at [email protected]! We are always looking to adapt and expand our class schedules to accommodate new students!

Skyland Library Knitting + Crochet Club
Apr 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Skyland Library Knitting & Crochet Club

Bring your needles or your hooks and join us for some friendly company as you work on your current project.  No registration necessary; just come by the Skyland Library community room with a love of yarn!

Please note this is not a class — we welcome knitters and crocheters of all skill levels, but there might not be anyone on hand to teach the basics if you’ve never tried before.  Feel free to come and chat or observe, though!

Classical Chamber Delights
Apr 5 @ 7:30 pm
Brevard Music Center

Based in Boston and New York, AYA Trio was formed in 2013 at the famed Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. The trio has performed extensively in festivals and concert halls across the U.S. In 2018, they won the prestigious WDAV Young Chamber Musicians Competition, and were subsequently engaged for a residency of concerts and recordings. They have been invited to perform in chamber music festivals including the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival and the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival. Comprised of award-winning artists, AYA Trio breathes new life into the great standards of the piano trio repertoire.

Auditorium seating is reserved.

COVID-19 protocols have been implemented for all concerts at Parker Concert Hall.

Beginning September 1, 2021, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to performance will be required. Masks are required for all patrons and visitors regardless of vaccination status. Read more…

Car Seat Headrest Bartees Strange
Apr 5 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Car Seat Headrest began as a solo project of Will Toledo in 2010. Recording in cars, bedrooms, and other solitary spaces, Toledo self-released 10 Car Seat Headrest records during his college years. In 2015, after signing with Matador Records, Car Seat Headrest expanded to include Andrew Katz on drums, Ethan Ives on guitar, and Seth Dalby on bass.

Now 10 years in, the four-piece is starting fresh with their 2020 release, Making A Door Less Open. The album, which features their first new music in 4 years, also marks a shift in sound towards the electronic and the eccentric, and introduces a mysterious character called “Trait”, Toledo’s new alternate persona

carseatheadrest.com

Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Blue Ridge Community College NURSING PROGRAM EXPANSION
Apr 6 all-day
online w/ BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

A nursing student adjusts a breathing tube on a simulated patient while an instructor demonstrates a technique

In response to statewide demand for healthcare
professionals, Blue Ridge Community College announced today an
expansion of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program. The hands-on
nursing education program added 20 seats, now serving up to 74 students
each year. ADN students learn from highly qualified faculty in state-of-the-art
simulation labs at the College’s Health Science Center in Hendersonville or
Transylvania County Campus in Brevard. Blue Ridge is actively accepting
applications for qualified students. Scholarships and tuition assistance are
available, and more details can be found at http://blueridge.edu/nursing.
“Blue Ridge Community College’s team of experienced and compassionate
instructors plays a vital role in preparing aspiring nurses for jobs today and in
the future,” said AdventHealth Hendersonville Chief Nursing Officer Maureen
Dzialo, MS, RN, NE-BC. “They help students in our local community find
rewarding careers with endless possibilities for advancement. AdventHealth
values their exceptional program and the students that graduate from Blue
Ridge.”
Graduates of the two-year program are prepared and eligible to take the
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered
nurses and provide hands-on care in a variety of health care settings. In 2021,
Blue Ridge students’ first-time pass rate for this exam was 96%.
“Pardee UNC Health Care is proud to partner with Blue Ridge Community
College to help train the next generation of nurses,” said Carol Stefaniak, DNP,
RN, NE-BC, VP Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Pardee UNC
Health Care. “Their nursing program graduates are of the highest caliber year
after year, and as we work to recruit a qualified workforce while facing a
national shortage of nurses, we are grateful to Blue Ridge for actively working
to fill that pipeline.”
Educating and training the next generation of nursing professionals is a crucial
step toward meeting the needs of area residents. It also positions the
workforce to respond to increasing demand for healthcare workers.
Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 2.6 million
healthcare occupation jobs will be added between 2020 and 2030.
“Nursing is a rewarding profession that aligns the passion to make a difference
in our community with the desire for a dependable career path,” said Blue
Ridge Community College Dean of Health Sciences Leigh Angel, MSN, RN. “As
essential members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, nurses use expert
knowledge and clinical reasoning to manage complex care needs – all while
compassionately caring for others during each stage of life.

Can you donate Food or Supplies?
Apr 6 all-day
Various Food Pantries
Charge Your Car at the East Asheville Library
Apr 6 all-day
East Asheville Public Library

East Asheville Library electric car charging station.

As part of the East Asheville Library’s LEED certification, the library has two level 2 (240 volt/30 amp) electric car chargers and special parking spots for both electric and other clean air vehicles, such as hybrids. The chargers add about 25 miles of range per hour of charge time and should be able to charge all types of electric vehicles. Tesla vehicles do require an adapter that comes with the vehicle when purchased.

These features are part of Buncombe County’s long-term plan for sustainable and eco-friendly facilities. To learn more about the Library’s LEED certification, stop by the library and ask for more information.

County Voting Absentee in the 2022 Primary Elections
Apr 6 all-day
online

News article image

Think you might need to use an absentee ballot for the Primary Election on May 17? Here’s what you need to know so you can make sure your vote counts.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

Absentee ballots will be mailed out beginning on March 28. The deadline to submit an Absentee Ballot Request Form is May 10 at 5:00 p.m. for the 2022 Primary Election. Any North Carolina registered voter may request, receive, and vote a mail-in absentee ballot. No special circumstance or reason is needed. Registered voters in North Carolina must request an absentee ballot with an official N.C. Absentee Ballot Request Form. There are two ways to access and submit the form:

  1. Online – Request an Absentee Ballot at the N.C. Absentee Ballot Portal.
  2. On paper – print the English N.C. Absentee Ballot Request Form for 2022 or the Spanish N.C. Absentee Ballot Request Form for 2022 (not available online currently).

For active-duty military, their family members, and U.S. citizens living abroad, click here. If you have questions about that process, you can call us at (828) 250-4200 or visit buncombecounty.org/vote.

No Printer? You may complete an absentee ballot request form at the Election Services office at 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville, 28801, or call (828) 250-4200 and one will be mailed to you. You may return the request in one of the following ways:

Mail it to:

P.O. Box 7468, Asheville, NC 28802

Hand deliver it to our office:

59 Woodfin Place, Asheville, 28801

Note: The Absentee Ballot Request Form may not be emailed or faxed. Request forms that are hand delivered to the office must be returned only by the voter or the voter’s near relative

How to Return an Absentee Ballot

The deadline to return the completed Absentee Ballot is Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., however, voters are encouraged to return the ballot as early as possible. You may return it to us in one of the following ways:

By mail: Absentee ballots may be mailed to P.O. Box 7468 Asheville, NC 28802. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, May 17, 2022 and received by Friday, May 20.

At an Early Voting site: Absentee ballots may be returned to an early voting site during the early voting period, but not at a polling location on the day of the Primary Election. Ballots returned at an early voting site must be delivered to the election official at the check-in station.

In person: Absentee ballots may be returned in person to our office at 59 Woodfin Place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Absentee ballots may be returned only by the voter or the voter’s near relative.

For more information about absentee voting, visit the North Carolina Board of Elections website. Or call us at (828) 250-4200. You can also email your questions to [email protected].

 

History @ Home – Virtual Exhibits w/ The Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA)
Apr 6 all-day
online
Stories from the House is a virtual tour of our 1840s-era brick mansion as seen through the eyes of many of the people who walked these same hallways over a century ago and whose stories represent a microcosm of the history of western North Carolina.
In 1918 vs. 2020, we took 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.

Old Shiloh was one of Asheville’s first communities established by emancipated people. The community moved to its present-day location – New Shiloh – after George Vanderbilt, in an effort to expand his land holdings as he planned to build his Biltmore Estate, purchased the land and buildings and agreed to relocate the Shiloh church and cemetery.

Hunger is Real: The Voices of WNC MANNA Announces a Short Documentary on Food Insecurity in WNC
Apr 6 all-day
online

We invite you to view this 13-minute film and share it with your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and other communities. As you view this film, we hope that you can see your hands, heart, and support at work in the collective efforts of everyone – volunteers, partner agencies, donors, advocates, and our neighbors sharing their lived experience – to address hunger right here in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and to be part of the solution for thousands of families every month.
Need Help With Water Bills? New Water Assistance Program Could Offer Help.
Apr 6 all-day
online

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

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

Eligibility requirements

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

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

Need to Appeal Your Tax Value?
Apr 6 all-day
online

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The 2022 appeal period is open now. During the year of the reappraisal, or any year of the reappraisal cycle, a taxpayer may appeal the appraised value of their property. 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 2022 can be filed anytime between Jan. 1-April 20, 2022. Additionally, anyone receiving a change of value notice after April 20, 2022 has thirty days from the date of the notice to file an appeal.

Step One: Starting an Informal Appeal

An informal appeal is the first step in the appeal process.  Buncombe County Property Assessment has created a new suite of online tools to help make the appeal process easier. A taxpayer may begin the informal appeal process now by clicking on this link taxappeal.buncombecounty.org.

According to NC General Statutes, the property owner has the burden of proving that the property under appeal is incorrectly valued. The amount of your tax bill or ability to pay the tax cannot be used as a valid reason for submitting an appeal. The value of your property has been developed from sales and cost data within your local area. If the you believe this value is incorrect, please provide our office with a valid reason(s) to adjust the assessment (i.e. recent appraisal within the last 2 years, comparable sales of similar homes in the neighborhood or surrounding area, photos of the dwelling to show repair/maintenance issues, etc.).

A property owner appealing the property value of the property should start the appeal process online, or contact our office at (828) 250-4940 to request an appeal form by mail. The appeal form must be returned and/or postmarked, including your supporting documentation, within 30 days of the date listed on the appeal form. The appeal should include information to support the property owner’s opinion of value. Our appraisal professionals are here to help you through the appeal process. For appraisal purposes, Buncombe County is divided into multiple geographical areas. You can find the contact information of the appraiser for your area on the notice of value letter received in the mail, or by calling our office at (828) 250-4940.

The health and safety of our community and employees is our priority, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, assessment staff is available via Live Chat, or you can schedule a phone conference or virtual appointment by calling (828) 250-4940. Your concerns and questions are important to us, and our team is committed to handling your appeal as quickly as possible.

Should a property owner have any additional questions or need help with a property appeal, please contact our office at (828) 250-4940 or email [email protected].

Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
Apr 6 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th