What makes a place idyllic?

Start with an emerald river that flows from ancient mountains. Add an abundance of living creatures that co-evolved over millennia. Bring in humans who honor their place in the interconnected web. And rebuild a vital stream that supports us all.

Your support and engagement helps ensure the health of this watershed for the ages! We can’t do it without you.

The American Legion World Series is held annually in Shelby, NC. This year, it will be August 11th-16th.

August 11: Senior Citizens Day, 10am
August 12: Salute to Academic Achievement Day, 1pm
August 13: Military Appreciation Day, 1pm
August 14: Atrium Health Salute to Healthy Living Day 1pm
August 15: Youth Athletic Day 4pm
August 16: Championship Tuesday 7pm

The event will also feature T28 Trojan Warbirds and the US Army Golden Knights Parachuting Team.

Pilots in three T-28 Trojan warbirds are scheduled to execute flyovers at Keeter Stadium during the first three days of the 2022 American Legion World Series.
Warbirds are vintage military aircraft now operated by civilian military organizations or individuals. The T-28s headed for Shelby are retired military trainers now owned by the Museum of Flight in Rome, Ga.

The first flyover is planned as part of the Parade of Champions on Aug. 11, opening day of the tournament. All eight of the regional teams vying for the national title will line up on Veterans Field between the third and fourth games of the day. The pilots will execute another flyover at the stadium Saturday afternoon as part of USAA Military Appreciation Day.

The Museum of Flight, established in 2010, has displays and a collection of flight and military memorabilia in addition to the warbirds, which are flown in air shows around the southeastern United States.

The T-28 Alpha and T-28Bravo served in Operation Farm Gate, code name for a mission in Vietnam. The T-28Charlie is attributed as the first T-28 to land on an aircraft carrier, the USS Tarawa.

Flyover events:
August 11 – During the Parade of Champions – Approximate time 6:30 pm
August 12 – Time to be determined.
August 13 – Approximate time 3:30 pm

1. Bricks-And-Mortar

2. Public Education

3. Planning, Survey and Designation

Visitors to the Asheville Gallery of Art will be able to view Robin Altman’s show from August 1st through August 31st. They will be present for a special “Meet the Artist” event on First Friday, August 5th, from 5pm-8pm in the gallery at 82 Patton Avenue.

Robin Wethe Altman was raised in a family of artists and musicians, so luckily there was plenty of support for her artistic leanings. The artist colony of Laguna Beach, California was where she grew up and she participated in the town’s galleries as well as the Summer Art Festivals there. Winning an art scholarship from the Festival of Arts, Robin went on to study art at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. She traveled abroad with college groups to study the art of the great masters as well
as to paint on location. Presently Altman licenses her artwork to several companies that produce her work as puzzles and paint by numbers and such. The artist’s move to Asheville four years ago has proved to be a great boost in inspiration for the artist in her search for diversity and adventure.

Altman’s style of painting is recognizable and bold. Professor James Green, who she studied with at Principia College, would admonish his students to avoid painting “wallpaper”. He said that paintings should be made to stand out from the walls and be seen. Strong contrast and color helps to create such a painting. A well thought-out design is requisite to capture the attention and soothe the viewer psychologically.

In the painting, “Jumping Fences”, Altman makes the point that, in the mountains, nature is pervasive as she climbs and grows around and over man made barriers such as fences. The painting beacons the viewer to see beyond limitations as well, to the ever expanding mountain vistas.

Besides the magnificent landscape of the Appalachian Mountains, there is the charm of its animal life. In her painting of the bear, Altman depicts the quietude of the lumbering creature as her outstretched neck invites us to smell the fragrant mountain air with her as she scopes out the morning view.

Winter need not be a depressing time. To the contrary, in Altman’s painting, “Birch Trees in Winter”, there is a transcendent glow that bathes the whole snowy scene with warmth. The painting illustrates the introspective mood that penetrates a winter’s day. The birds are evidence that life is continuing even in winter. The winter season provides a time of rest to both nature and people in which to reflect on life and what matters the most.

It’s no wonder that sages of all time would go to the mountains to find serenity. This exhibit is about the peace of mind and clarity that comes from an artist making her home in the mountains.

It’s inspiring to think about the first European settlers coming to the Appalachian Mountains. “In the painting titled, “The Highlander”, I endeavored to capture the confident spirit of the kind of men who first dared to make the New World their home.” The Scotsman’s eyes appear just over Grandfather Mountain and his shoulders align with the slope of the mountains. The colors in the man and his clothes are echoed in the mountain colors, as if mountain and man were one and the same. The rugged gentleman’s eyes look directly at the viewer and special emphasis is given to his hands.

Robin’s artwork can be found under “Robin Wethe Altman” on Etsy, Fine Art America and Facebook and her website is: www.robinwethealtman.com

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

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

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.

A comprehensive plan is used by local governments as a broad, long-range planning tool for the community. This plan will focus on the next 20-year period and will look at the relationships between land uses, infrastructure, and key community services and amenities. A comprehensive plan is not limited to studying land use components – it can include other areas of focus such as safety, public health, affordability, multi-generational needs, equity and more. Learn more about the plan and weigh in here.

The Phase 3 poll focuses on what policies and strategies the County should employ to reach the priorities identified in earlier polls.

Buncombe County is excited to announce the inquiry process is now open for the 2022 Homeowner Grant Program. This program is officially in its second year, and qualified homeowners will have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for housing-related costs. The program website is now accepting inquiries for support, or homeowners can call (828) 250-5500. You must call or submit an inquiry to determine eligibility.

With the FY23 budget approval, the Board of Commissioners approved $300,000 for the program, and through a collaborative partnership, residents in the City of Asheville and the Town of Woodfin will be eligible to receive additional assistance. You may qualify for up to $300 in unincorporated Buncombe County, and up to $500 in City of Asheville and Woodfin. Please note that applicants who received grants last year will need to re-apply.

Through this program, residents who own residential property in Buncombe County that they have lived in as their primary residence for at least five years and who earn at or less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as a household may be eligible to participate. Those who apply for the program and meet these criteria may receive up to $300 from Buncombe County and up to $200 from the City of Asheville or the Town of Woodfin.

If eligible, grantees may choose to have grant funds applied to their property tax bill and/or paid and applied to other housing-related obligations such as housing costs, mortgage, or homeowner’s insurance. Payments are made directly to the source of the approved bill. Payments will not be made directly to individuals. There are several new aspects to this year’s program including new eligibility requirements, and now mobile-home owners may receive the grants.

• You must have owned and lived in your home for 5 years or more
• Your home must by your primary and only residence
• Your household income is at or below 80% of area median income (AMI)
• Your household cannot already be receiving tax deferment assistance like elderly/disabled, or Veterans exemptions.
• You must not have more than $60,000 in liquid resources (for example: your cash on hand, checking & savings accounts combined, or other investments available to you within 7 days)

The inquiry process will be open through Sept. 30. Eligible homeowners can submit an inquiry on the homeowner grant website or call (828) 250-5500 to start the application process. Phone support is available in any language. Please note that we anticipate a high volume of calls and inquiries at the onset, and it may take a few weeks for a case manager to get back with you.

“If you think you may qualify, but you aren’t sure, please give our team a call,” says Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “We know there are a number of unique circumstances, and our staff will work with homeowners to help find solutions.”

Buncombe County is excited to announce the inquiry process is now open for the 2022 Homeowner Grant Program. This program is officially in its second year, and qualified homeowners will have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for housing-related costs. The program website is now accepting inquiries for support, or homeowners can call (828) 250-5500. You must call or submit an inquiry to determine eligibility.

With the FY23 budget approval, the Board of Commissioners approved $300,000 for the program, and through a collaborative partnership, residents in the City of Asheville and the Town of Woodfin will be eligible to receive additional assistance. You may qualify for up to $300 in unincorporated Buncombe County, and up to $500 in City of Asheville and Woodfin. Please note that applicants who received grants last year will need to re-apply.

Through this program, residents who own residential property in Buncombe County that they have lived in as their primary residence for at least five years and who earn at or less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as a household may be eligible to participate. Those who apply for the program and meet these criteria may receive up to $300 from Buncombe County and up to $200 from the City of Asheville or the Town of Woodfin.

If eligible, grantees may choose to have grant funds applied to their property tax bill and/or paid and applied to other housing-related obligations such as housing costs, mortgage, or homeowner’s insurance. Payments are made directly to the source of the approved bill. Payments will not be made directly to individuals. There are several new aspects to this year’s program including new eligibility requirements, and now mobile-home owners may receive the grants.

• You must have owned and lived in your home for 5 years or more
• Your home must by your primary and only residence
• Your household income is at or below 80% of area median income (AMI)
• Your household cannot already be receiving tax deferment assistance like elderly/disabled, or Veterans exemptions.
• You must not have more than $60,000 in liquid resources (for example: your cash on hand, checking & savings accounts combined, or other investments available to you within 7 days)

The inquiry process will be open through Sept. 30. Eligible homeowners can submit an inquiry on the homeowner grant website or call (828) 250-5500 to start the application process. Phone support is available in any language. Please note that we anticipate a high volume of calls and inquiries at the onset, and it may take a few weeks for a case manager to get back with you.

“If you think you may qualify, but you aren’t sure, please give our team a call,” says Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “We know there are a number of unique circumstances, and our staff will work with homeowners to help find solutions.”

Are you interested in earning money while helping support the democratic process? If so, Buncombe County Election Services is looking for poll workers to help with Early Voting (Oct.20-Nov.5) and Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 8. It’s a rewarding way to help our community while supplementing your income. If this sound interesting, read on to learn more about the perks of working the polls, eligibility requirements, pay scales, and more.

Perks of Working the Polls:

• Meaningful work
• No prior experience needed
• Option to work one full day or shifts for two weeks
• Earn extra money
• Great team atmosphere
• Build highly transferrable skills
• Doesn’t impact unemployment benefits (Per Session Law 2020-71, any person that is receiving unemployment may work as a poll worker without any effect on their unemployment benefits)
• Opportunities for students, people looking for supplemental incomes, and retirees with flexible schedules

“Our poll workers are the backbone of safe and fair elections,” said Corinne Duncan, Director of Elections. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer our Buncombe County voters the best experience at the polls, regardless of if they vote early or on Election Day.”

Through the Student Assistant Program, students who will be at least 17 years old by Election Day (Nov. 8) can work as assistants. Use the Student Election Assistant Application.

To be eligible you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a registered voter of Buncombe County (Unaffiliated voters will be considered)
• Be comfortable and confident using a laptop
• Be able to sit or  stand for long periods of time while working with voters
• Be able to put aside all political activity and conversation on social media and in person for a two-week period over early voting and election day.
• Be able to lift 25 pounds

Early Voting 
During Early Voting (Oct.20-Nov.5), each location is staffed with a Captain and a team of workers. Captains make $14/hour and workers make $12/hour. Working during Early Voting requires a minimum commitment of 17 days, including weekend shifts and mandatory paid training. The captain carries the most responsibility with duties including voting location access, task delegation, reconciliation, equipment troubleshooting, and voting process/election law familiarity.

For more information about working Early Voting, contact Gretchen Kull at (828) 250-4213.

Election Day
Each of our 80 precincts is staffed with three judges and a number of assistants. Election Day workers receive a lump sum payment (see below) which includes payment to attend the mandatory four-hour training session. Everyone is required to work the entirety of Election Day on Nov. 8, which typically runs from 6 a.m-9 p.m. Precincts are located throughout the county, and we do our best to assign you to a precinct near your home.

Chief Judge – $300

Party Judge – $225

Assistant – $200

For more information about working on Election Day, contact Karen Rae at (828) 250-4224.

COVID-19 Protocols
Buncombe County will follow the latest public health guidance to ensure everyone can participate in a safe and secure election.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Over the past two years, artist-researcher, community organizer, and Center for Craft grant recipient, Macon Reed has built Hello Death, Where Have You Been All My Life? an immersive installation that harnesses the social function of ritual space to reflect, process grief, heal, and envision alternative futures.

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.

Nantahala Outdoor Center’s premier Mountaintop Zip Line Tour takes the heart-pounding intensity up a notch when it’s under the night time sky! On dates near a full moon, NOC offers limited trips on this stunning Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour.

Zip under the night sky while taking in the sights and sounds of the calm Blue Ridge Mountains. NOC’s expert aerial guides use glow sticks to signal you, and you use glow sticks to paint the night sky. This adventure truly feels magical.

NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour consists of two-miles of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zip lines, culminating in the heart-pounding 1/2 mile Mega Zip underneath the stars – silhouetting stunning 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Highlights

• NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line is an unparalleled experience of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zips under a full moon.
• Glow sticks are used by Aerial Guides to signal you forward through the course.
• Participants use glow sticks to paint the star-filled sky.
• The 1/2 Mile Mega Zip is the true gem of the trip – offering silhouetted 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the starry night sky.

What to Expect

Please check-in for your trip 30 minutes prior to your reservation at the Adventure Deck. All guests should have prior zip lining experience. Once being fitted for equipment, guests will shuttle to a ground school where they will receive instructions on how to use glow sticks to signal with the Aerial Guides. Guests will be required to demonstrate proficiency in zip lining including breaking.

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

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

Eligibility requirements

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

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

OUTPACE HUNGER

FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!

What Is Outpace Hunger?

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

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

How It Works

Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!

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

Outpace Hunger participants:

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

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

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

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

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

READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?

REGISTER NOW!

ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?

VISIT YOUR PAGE

 NEED MORE INFORMATION?

OUTPACE HUNGER HOW-TO GUIDE

Sponsorships now available for businesses, groups, families & individuals to support TFAC programs. Contact Marianne at 828-859-8322 or email [email protected] to learn more.

The City of Hendersonville is seeking community input to develop the planning document that would create a more pedestrian-friendly and walkable City for all. Your input will be used to envision and build a pedestrian plan for Hendersonville and, once reviewed, will be used to develop policies, determine how projects are constructed and guide the creation of future pedestrian-oriented programs and events. Anyone can share their thoughts about walking and moving throughout our City in an online survey to collect comments and opinions that will run throughout the month of August and is being led by Asheville-based transportation consulting firm, Traffic Planning & Design. The Walk Hendo project was made possible with a grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and a financial match from the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club.

ReUse Contest Guidelines

WHEN
The contest begins on August 1, 2022 and ends on September 30, 2022. Winners will be announced in October.

WHO
Anyone! (Except employees of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity)

WHAT
The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is hosting the 11^th annual ReUse Contest to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials.

Winners will be selected in the following categories:

• Furniture: $200 ReStore gift card
• Homesteading (i.e. chicken coop, raised bed): $200 ReStore gift card
• Live and/or work space: $200 ReStore gift card
• Art: $200 ReStore gift card
• Home Decor: $200 ReStore gift card
• Vans & Vehicles: $200 ReStore gift card
• Best in Show: $500 ReStore gift card

Winners will be announced in a press release, on Asheville Habitat’s website and social media pages, and featured in the Asheville Habitat ReStore.

OTHER DETAILS

• Entries must be submitted electronically using the form provided.
• Projects should have been completed within the last 2 years.
• You may submit up to three separate projects (individually).
• Re-submission of a project submitted in previous years will not be accepted.
• Incomplete entries will not be considered.
• Questions? Email [email protected].

JUDGING
There will be 5 judges, assessing entries based on:

• Quality of design and execution
• Replicability of concept
• Clarity of description
• Quality of photos (if we can’t see it well, we can’t judge it fairly)