The ideal volunteer tutor is someone seeking to make a one-year commitment of two hours per week to help someone else make the change of a lifetime. For our volunteer tutors, an education background is helpful, but not necessary. The most important qualities are patience, an open mind, and resourcefulness. Tutors also need to be non-judgmental and sensitive to cultural differences. A GED or high school diploma is required. Ideal tutors enjoy seeing concrete outcomes from their efforts and sharing in the life-changing successes of others. See our full tutor position description here.

Learn more about Literacy Together’s volunteer roles!

Buncombe County is beginning a comprehensive planning process and would like to hear from residents of all ages. The comprehensive plan is used by local governments as a broad, long-range planning tool for the community. Our plan will focus on the next 20-year period and will look at the relationships between land uses, infrastructure, and key community needs. Information regarding the comprehensive planning process will be available online and in all 12 Buncombe County Libraries starting in October.

Also during October, the libraries will provide an opportunity for children in Buncombe County to participate in the Comprehensive Plan Post Card Project.  Come to the library and pick up your craft kits (while supplies last) that include a postcard where kids can draw what they want their neighborhood to look like. This is a chance for young people to vote for their future and say what they want County government to address in the next 20 years. These postcards will give the County valuable input and may be featured in the final comprehensive plan!  If you have any questions, contact your neighborhood librarian or visit the Comprehensive Plan online.

Since July 1, there have been more than 9,500 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Buncombe County and more than 80 COVID-19 related deaths in this same timeframe. While cases have declined slightly, transmission remains high, and 412 Buncombe County residents have died as a result of the virus since the beginning of the pandemic. The percent positivity as of Oct. 18 was 6.1%.

“I wanted to take a moment to highlight vaccination status on COVID-19 outcomes,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders in a briefing to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “As we are moving through this Delta surge, vaccination status has mattered. In particular, those who were unvaccinated had a risk over four times that of the vaccinated to become ill. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of hospitalizations (over 85%) and ICU utilizations (90%) were in the unvaccinated, showing us that the COVID-19 vaccine that is widely available to us right now is reducing our risk of becoming ill, reducing the risk of serious illness should someone become ill and significantly reducing the risk of need for ICU intervention. Lastly, most recent data from NC DHHS indicates that the risk of dying for the unvaccinated is almost 20 times than of an unvaccinated individual.”

In Buncombe County, 73% of adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 71% of the eligible population ages 12 and up has been at least partially vaccinated. To date, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) has administered 102,483 doses of the vaccine, including 231 to homebound individuals.

Saunders also warned about cold and flu viruses, which are also spreading and can present with some similar symptoms: “If you are having any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, which sometimes are the same as a cold, please get tested. Don’t assume it’s a cold.”  Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. StarMed offers testing at Harrah’s Event Center Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Sundays at A-B Tech from noon until 4 p.m.

With fall events and celebrations approaching, BCHHS recommends the following attending outdoor or virtual events where the risk for spread of COVID-19 is lower. If you are planning to attend in-person, indoor events with groups of people:

• Get your COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t already and encourage others attending your gathering to do so. Pfizer boosters are available via a drive-through at Biltmore Church – Arden between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. until Oct. 22
• Have guests wear a face covering and maintain physical distance from others when they are indoors
• Move events and activities outdoors to reduce the risk of spread

The FDA is scheduled to meet on Oct. 26 about vaccines for children ages 5-11, and it’s anticipated that vaccine eligibility to begin for that age group in early November.

Stay up-to-date about vaccine opportunities using the Buncombe County emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or go to www.buncombecounty.org/codered.

Currently, locally funding $100 incentive cards are available while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic or at any BCHHS pop-up clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.

As a part of this year’s budget process, City of Asheville staff heard from our community that new City investments in neighborhoods were very important.  To respond to that need the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget includes $200,000 to launch a Neighborhood Grant Program.

This program is designed specifically for neighborhood-based organizations:

• Neighborhood associations;
• Homeowners associations;
• Neighborhood coalitions; and
• Resident organizations in tax credit-funded communities.

These organizations must represent a specific geographic location within Asheville city limits and have completed or are in the process of completing their Neighborhood Registration Form.

What kinds of projects can be funded?

Neighborhoods are encouraged to submit creative project ideas such as landscaping, murals, festivals, community art and cultural festivals. Traffic calming, public safety, marking and branding and organizational development can also be considered.

The Neighborhood Grant Program’s goal is to build neighborhood capacity and increase civic participation. Projects must be achievable within 12 months of contract execution, and there must be a dollar-for-dollar match through cash, volunteer hours, or in-kind donation of goods or services.

Neighborhoods can submit applications from October 1 – 31.

Click here to go to the application.

Help reach our matching gift challenge. We are halfway to our goal.

County Commissioners unanimously approved using $300,000 for a new initiative aimed at helping qualified homeowners. During their meeting on July 13, commissioners voted to move forward with the Homeowner Grant Program that could provide $300 for eligible residents.

“This is a new idea for our community, and I’m glad we are thoroughly evaluating it,” said Chairman Brownie Newman. “We are trying to provide some financial relief for folks seeing cost of living go up for a variety of reasons. We’ll make adjustments based on what works well,” said Newman noting the County might increase the program’s investment in the future.

Homeowners Grant Details

Grant amount: Up to $300
Frequency: Annual
Eligible payments types: Tax bill and other homeowner housing costs
Eligible area: Buncombe County
Length of primary residence: Five years
Income: 80% of annual median income
Application: Income documentation required, unless already enrolled in HHS means-tested programs
Other programs: Best fitting programs; no duplication of benefits

Applications will be available starting Aug. 1, and the deadline to apply will be Nov. 15. Buncombe County will work with the local media and add updates to the Homeowner Grant program on its website as more information and applications are available.

Need to get something off your chest about Buncombe County? Are you concerned about issues and areas where we could be providing better service? There’s a survey for that. Your voice can help change the future of Buncombe County. All we need is 10-15 minutes of your time.

Buncombe County is continually striving to make its strategic priorities a reality. To that end, we are launching the Buncombe County Community Survey to help us gather valuable input that will guide us in future decisions concerning everything from economic development, to County park facilities.  A randomly selected sample of County residents will receive the survey, and your anonymous answers will help drive key initiatives, programs, and identify other opportunities and challenges. “It is vitally important for residents to have the opportunity to share their opinions with us, and we hope the Community Survey provides one more avenue for that feedback,” says County Manager Avril Pinder.

The ETC Institute in partnership with Buncombe County’s Strategy & Innovation Department will administer the survey. Households will receive a questionnaire by mail, and staff asks that anyone 18 years or older complete and return it using the enclosed paid postage. The community survey is available in multiple languages, should take about 10-15 minutes of your time, and instructions are included to complete online or over the phone if needed. The survey will not ask residents to share any personal identifying information.

We thank you for your time and valuable insights as we continually evaluate our existing programs and resources while searching for new opportunities to better serve our community. Your voice is important and Buncombe County Government is committed to offering a broad range of opportunities for public input. If your household does not receive a survey we encourage residents to sign up for our e-newsletter at buncombecounty.org, or text bcalert to 99411 to stay informed about community meetings and engagement opportunities. To share your concerns anonymously please email [email protected].

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor all donations given through Sunday, November 21 will be matched up to $8,500 – turning each donation into a SUPER DONATION! When you donate to ACT, you are assisting with scholarships, helping to keep ticket prices affordable, and so much more!

Help us reach this goal with a gift of any size!

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

In this 1-hour program, Dr. David Moore, an archaeologist at Warren Wilson University, discusses the Joara Native American Village and Native resistance to the Spanish invasion of WNC in the 1500s. Dr. Moore has been involved with the archaeology of this site near modern Morganton, NC for nearly three decades. He describes the findings of ongoing excavations and places them in context with the culture of the Native peoples who eventually thwarted Spanish colonization attempts in the Appalachian Mountains.

To Asheville residents using paper bags for their fall leaves these past few years, we say thank you and keep up the good work!

We’d encourage everyone else to follow their example.

Paper bags cost about the same as plastic ones. They’re compostable and more eco-friendly. Below is a guide on how to use them effectively, with as little hassle as possible to you, our residents.

Thank you,

City of Asheville

Q&A

Question: Why use paper bags for leaf collection?

Answer: The City of Asheville began encouraging the use of brown paper bags for leaf collection after a local vendor confirmed for the City that they are compostable, and therefore using them is a more environmentally sustainable practice.

Collecting leaves in paper bags is also a big time saver for Sanitation staff. This helps the Sanitation Department save money and provide more efficient service for our taxpayers.

An estimated 10,000 tons of brush and leaves are collected annually within the city limits. The use of biodegradable materials is a better waste management practice.

Numerous cities across the U.S. require paper bags for collection. So far, the City of Asheville is encouraging (not requiring) their use.

Q: Where do I find them?

A: Paper leaf collection bags are available at local home and hardware stores as well as many grocery stores. You can also buy them online. Please be sure to buy bags without plastic liners.

Q: Aren’t paper bags more expensive?

A: They are comparable in price to other options. For example, you can find an eight-count package of 30-gallon bags for as low as 39 cents each.

Q: Won’t the paper bags disintegrate if it rains?

A: Though these bags are heavy duty, rain can affect them. If that happens, Sanitation workers will still collect your leaves, using a shovel to scoop them up.

Q: What can go in paper bags?

A: Leaves and small twigs only should go in the paper bags. Garden and yard waste such as vines and tree or shrub limbs should go to the curb for brush collection. No grass clippings please.

Q: If I don’t want to use bags, can I use a container instead?

A: Yes! Please do label your container “leaves” so that our Sanitation workers clearly understand they have leaves in them.

Q: How else can I dispose of my leaves?

A: Compost them at home! Composting eliminates the chore of bagging leaves. Along with leaves you can compost much of your kitchen waste.

Compost improves your soil and helps retain water. Use it in flower and vegetable gardens, around trees and shrubs, and on houseplants and lawns.

So feed your landscape, not the landfill.  For composting tips, visit this link.

Want more information?

Please visit the City of Asheville Sanitation webpage. You can also email questions to [email protected].

The Venardos Circus, a unique Broadway-style circus, is returning to Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC from Wednesday, October 20 through Sunday, November 7, 2021.

• Showtimes: Wednesday/Thursday/Friday: 7 p.m.; Saturday: 1 p.m./4 p.m./7 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m./4 p.m.
• Admission Tickets: Adult General Admission: $27; Child General Admission (12 years and younger): $17

Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers are also the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus. Guests will be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition, enjoying an amazing assortment of aerialists, acrobats, juggling, balancing, comedy, daredevilry, magic, musical production and more. Complete show schedule and tickets available at www.venardoscircus.com/asheville.

As part of October’s NC Countdown to College and National Transfer Student Week, UNC Asheville will waive application fees for first-year and transfer students from North Carolina, Oct. 18-22, 2021. The application fee typically costs $75. Students may choose to apply for regular decision or for Early Decision, which gives priority consideration to students who are certain that UNC Asheville is their first-choice university. The deadline for Early Decision is Nov. 1.

If you are a resident of Woodfin, Weaverville, or the Woodfin Water and Sewer District, then you’re eligible to vote in the upcoming municipal election on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. Buncombe County Election Services wants to make sure you have all the information you need and is committed to having a safe and secure election. For more information about precautions regarding COVID-19, click here.

Below is information about voter registration, sample ballots, absentee ballots, Early Voting, and more. If you have additional questions, visit our website at buncombecounty.org/vote or contact our office by phone at:  (828) 250-4200.

What’s on the ballot?

• Town of Weaverville Mayor
• Town of Weaverville Town Council Members
• Town of Woodfin Commissioners
• Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District Trustee
• Three ways to vote: Absentee by Mail, Early Voting, and Election Day
• You may request an absentee ballot until Oct. 26.
• Early Voting period which runs Oct. 14-30.
• • Election Day

  Where to vote

  On Election Day, polls are open from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. As long as you are in line by 7:30 p.m., you will have the chance to vote.

A recent grant award by the Perry N. Rudnick Endowment Fund to help renovate and save the Tebeau Children’s Center. In addition to bringing Head Start, Early Head Start and NC Pre-K education programs to Henderson County’s underprivileged children under 5 years old, the renovation project will restore a community landmark that has provided childcare since the mid-1970’s!

WCCA is trying to raise the necessary funding to renovate the old daycare center and turn it into a modern early childhood education center.

WCCA has been awarded a $25,000 grant by the Perry N. Rudnick Endowment Fund of
the Community Foundation of Henderson County. The funds will be used to help
renovate and save the 70-year old Tebeau Children’s Center in Hendersonville, NC.
● The old daycare center which is located near Pardee Hospital off 9th Avenue between
Hendersonville Elementary and Middle School has been around since the mid-70’s. It
was called Stay ‘n Play, then Lovin’ & Learning, and Hendersonville School for Little
Folks. Generations of Henderson County families have relied on the center for childcare.
● After it closed in early 2020, WCCA bought the Tebeau Drive property. WCCA is in the
process of renovating and remodeling the facility to make it a modern early childhood
education center to serve nearly 100 children and families.
● David White, CEO for WCCA said “We’re grateful to partner with a group like the Perry
N. Rudnick Endowment Fund and the Henderson County Community Foundation to
save a piece of Henderson County’s past. Their support is an investment in future
generations of our children!”
● WCCA has raised just over $402,000 of the $850,000 needed to renovate the Tebeau
Center in time for its opening in April 2022. If you would like to help support this
worthwhile effort, please visit WCCA.org and donate!

Rabbit Rabbit is hosting a Winter Tree Carnival beginning Nov. 8. Businesses and organizations can adopt a tree to decorate or adopt a tree for a nonprofit to decorate. Trees will be on display beginning Nov. 8 through Jan. 3

The free display of trees is sponsored + decorated by local community members, nonprofit orgs + bizzes, and a portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Manna FoodBank.

Although cases per 100,000 per week decreased to 295 this week from 351 the week prior, COVID cases, rates, and percent positivity remain at high levels. The percent positivity decreased slightly to 8.3% from the mid-9% range for the past month. Hospitalizations remain level but high. Currently 13.4% of inpatient hospital beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients, and 54% of ICU beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients. Last week, there were 14 COVID-19-related deaths reported in Buncombe County.

Because of sustained high transmission levels, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) recommended extending the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces until the end of October. Buncombe County Commissioners voted to extend the requirement through Oct. 29, 2021. Read the entire declaration.

To date, BCHHS has administered almost 100,000 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with about 3,000 of those coming in outreach settings. Currently 65% of the total Buncombe County population is partially vaccinated, and 73 percent of the eligible population is partially vaccinated.

According to recent NC DHHS data, unvaccinated individuals have a risk that is 4 times that of their vaccinated counterparts in becoming ill with COVID-19. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals have a risk of death that is 14 times that of their vaccinated counterparts.

Last week, the FDA recommended COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots for individuals who received Pfizer and are:

• 65 or older
• At high risk of severe COVID-19
• At high risk of occupational exposure

The CDC and ACIP are expected to meet Sept. 22 regarding recommendations. When recommendations are finalized, BCHHS will announce booster vaccine opportunities using its emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or click here.

It is also anticipated that Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 will be announced soon.

Currently, $100 incentive cards are still available through the NC DHHS extension while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results. Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. Beginning Sept. 27, StarMed will offer testing at Harrah’s Event Center.