Buncombe County Public Libraries is developing a long-term facilities master plan, and we want to hear from you. Libraries are a fundamental part of a thriving community, so your input is key to guiding the long-term development of public spaces.

Three virtual opportunities for input:

• Tuesday, Oct. 13, 9-10 a.m. Register here.
• Wednesday, Oct. 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register here.
• Friday, Oct. 16, noon-1 p.m.. Register here.

Learn more at buncombecounty.org.

The following City offices will open with limited capacity on Oct 12:

• City Hall, 70 Court Plaza (Max Capacity: 50)
• Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza and all fire stations
• Asheville Public Works and Development Services Department,  161 S. Charlotte St. (Max Capacity: 3)
• Parking Services, 45 Wall St (Max Capacity: 2)

Parks & Recreation Community Centers are currently being utilized as Learning Centers in partnership with local school systems and will remain closed for use by community groups and the general public.

Welcome to Sky Top Orchard!

We are asking guests to visit on weekdays whenever possible. We offer the same items you love on those days as we do on weekends plus it helps keep crowds down on weekends. Thank you!

The mountains of western North Carolina are full of pick your own u-pick orchards. We offer more. In addition to a long list of apple varieties, visit Sky Top Orchard and you’ll enjoy panoramic mountain views, orchard ponds with ducks and geese, a barnyard area with sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, peacocks and more, a bamboo forest to explore, lots of picnic areas and, of course, a mountaintop of fragrant apple and fruit trees. View our downloadable map to see all that we have to offer and visit our picking schedule to find out what’s available now.

When you purchase a bushel of apples, a wagon load of pumpkins or a cooler full of apple cider you’ll take home more than the makings for delicious fall recipes, you’ll take home a mountain of memories too. And don’t forget our famous apple cider doughnuts. They’re an autumn tradition. We bet you can’t eat just one.

Ready to join us on top of our mountain? Plan Your Visit Today!

To keep guests and our staff safe, we require face masks (covering both nose and mouth) by employees and guests in any area where social distancing is difficult so plan to wear them in the fruit stand, in line for doughnuts, in any areas that are not out in the orchard where you are picking. You must also maintain a distance of 6 feet in all lines and areas where you encounter others.

4 state exhibit – SC, NC, TN, GA

The entries have been chosen for this year’s annual juried exhibition. Thank you to all who entered.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will not be an awards reception this year, but we will make the awards announcements online at 11:00am on 26 September.

The exhibit can be viewed in our Solomon Gallery 15 September – 17 October, during normal business hours.
Tues – Sat 10am – 4pm

View the list of accepted entries.

Asheville Outlets is pleased to host a drive-thru food donation drive with Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) from Monday, October 12, through Friday, October 16, 2020 from

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day at the Food Court entrance.

Drivers can pull up, stay inside their vehicles and hand off donations safely to volunteers, all of whom will be wearing protective gloves and masks. ABCCM works to address poverty issues including hunger, homelessness and access to health care for the under-served in Buncombe County.

Help us Light Up State Street and fill our beautiful downtown with Halloween Cheer with this community pumpkin carving contest! All ages are invited to participate. Children (under 15) are $5 to register, and adults (15 or older) are $10. Pumpkins must be dropped off at BMCA on Tuesday, October 27 or Wednesday, October 28. BMCA will display and illuminate the pumpkins on State Street Thursday, October 29 through Saturday, October 31st. Winners will be chosen in both age groups for 4 different categories: scariest (must be family friendly), funniest, most creative, and art(ist) inspired​​. Participants must procure their own pumpkin.

2020 A YEAR OF COVID, TURMOIL, UNCERTAINTIES, HEROES & HOPE

The year 2020 for better or worse will go down in American history as a pivotal moment. It has been often said that history is written for and by the victors.

But nowadays in a world overwhelmed with 2-second tweets, forgettable social media, conspiracy theories and online rages; modern history seems to be written by the distracted, the delusional and the destructive.

Mountain Made, a local arts & crafts boutique in Grove Arcade, is taking a different approach. We are creating a public history journal of poetry, personal musing, thoughtful insights and yes, rants on “The Year 2020”. They could be funny or serious.

We have setup two interactive art stations inside the gallery:

* The first one is where you can quickly put down your thoughts on some blank paper (the original “i-pad”) and leave it with us.

* The other is a shared, public painting series where you can lay brush to canvas if you are more a visual person.

Upon reopening, the Nature Center will be open seven days a week, from 10 am until 4:30 pm.  Asheville residents receive a discounted rate with local ID and children under the age of 3 are free.

Beginning October 7, the three-hour documentary-styled art installation Question Bridge: Black Males will be on view at the Asheville Art Museum. This innovative transmedia project facilitates a dialogue between Black men from diverse and contending backgrounds, and creates a platform for them to represent and redefine Black male identity in America. The work will be on view during regular public hours from October 7, 2020 through March 15, 2021.

Question Bridge: Black Males is a project that explores critically challenging issues within the African American male community by instigating a transmedia conversation among Black men across geographic, economic, generational, educational, and social strata of American society. Question Bridge provides a safe setting for necessary, honest expression and healing dialogue on themes that divide, unite, and puzzle Black males today in the United States.

From burgers to chicken fingers, to grilled cheese and pasta, Twisted Laurel has something for even the pickiest of eaters. Twisted Laurel knows these times are weird, though, and just plain crazy. They want to celebrate kids and their hard-working parents by offering a Free Kids Meal to all children under 12 with the purchase of any full-priced entrée!

John Grisham’s new novel, A Time For Mercy, the follow-up to his beloved novel A Time to Kill, launches nationally on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and Grisham will kick off his online book tour with a noon Zoom conversation with another best-selling novelist, Wiley Cash.

This webinar is presented jointly by Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café in downtown Asheville, and UNC Asheville, where Cash is writer-in-residence. Access to the Zoom webinar is reserved for members of the public who purchase the book from Malaprop’s; special free access to the webinar will be offered to UNC Asheville students, faculty and staff. Those who pre-order A Time for Mercy from Malaprop’s will receive an email with the Zoom webinar link. Pre-orders are now being accepted at this web page:
https://www.malaprops.com/event/ticketed-live-stream-john-grisham-and-wiley-cash-time-mercy

More about A Time For Mercy from the Publisher

Jake Brigance is back! The hero of A Time to Kill, one of the most popular novels of our time, returns in a courtroom drama that showcases #1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham at the height of his storytelling powers.

In what may be the most personal and accomplished legal thriller of John Grisham’s storied career, we deepen our acquaintance with the iconic Southern town of Clanton and the vivid cast of characters that so many readers know and cherish. The result is a richly rewarding novel that is both timely and timeless, full of wit, drama, and—most of all—heart.

John Grisham is the author of thirty-five novels, one work of non-fiction, a collection of stories, and seven novels for young readers.

Wiley Cash is the New York Times bestselling author of three novels – A Land More Kind Than Home, This Dark Road to Mercy, and most recently The Last Ballad. He won the SIBA Book Award and the Conroy Legacy Award, and was a finalist for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize. He is writer-in-residence and teaches creative writing at UNC Asheville where he earned his undergraduate degree.

From the moment of their unveiling at the National Portrait Gallery in early 2018, the portraits of Barack & Michelle Obama have become two of the most beloved artworks of our time. Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of President Obama and Amy Sherald’s portrait of the former first lady have inspired unprecedented responses from the public, and attendance at the museum has more than doubled as visitors travel from near and far to view these larger-than-life paintings. After witnessing a woman drop to her knees in prayer before the portrait of Barack Obama, one guard said, “No other painting gets the same kind of reactions. Ever.” The Obama Portraits is the first book about the making, meaning, and significance of these remarkable artworks. Richly illustrated with images of the portraits, exclusive pictures of the Obamas with the artists during their sittings, and photos of the historic unveiling ceremony by former White House photographer Pete Souza, this book offers insight into what these paintings can tell us about the history of portraiture and American culture. The volume also features a transcript of the unveiling ceremony, which includes moving remarks by the Obamas and the artists. A reversible dust jacket allows readers to choose which portrait to display on the front cover. An inspiring history of the creation and impact of the Obama portraits, this fascinating book speaks to the power of art―especially portraiture―to bring people together and promote cultural change.

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 1½ hour layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Free election event! Carolina Public Press and 103.3 Asheville FM will host on Oct. 13 a debate featuring the five contenders for three Asheville City Council seats. The forum, which starts at 12 noon, will be broadcast on Asheville FM and available at carolinapublicpress.org. Frank Taylor, managing editor at Carolina Public Press and KP Whaley, general manager of Asheville FM, will co-moderate. JMPROTV will provide Spanish translation of the debate, which will be hosted via Zoom.

As global apparel consumption continues to rise—an expected increase of 60% by 2030—that growth could have a dangerous impact on the environment. Currently, 87% of textiles are landfilled or incinerated and 10% of GHG emissions come from fashion industry. As Earth’s resources become more and more constrained, the global fashion industry is looking toward innovative materials and strategies to reduce its environmental impact and carbon footprint. But bringing consumers and others in the apparel industry value chain along on the sustainability journey can be a challenge.

Register at: https://www.greenbiz.com/webcast/sustainable-innovation-textile-industry?utm_medium=email&utm_source=webcast&utm_campaign=webcast&utm_content=october-13-webcast&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWkdFM1lUZGxNalF6WXpreCIsInQiOiJwcDlLVHNnK205d3BcL3B4NlFxMkpsY1F3d2Y2a2xBQlBkdlNGOGFtdklOK0ZjSHZ0TXE2SWZ4c3ZjK1U2UjZwa1hhcm1leXM1XC9GRDMyVXMxanVKZ0ZQa3JwamNXdElpSTk2XC9pQUlKTzdKUjRqYkJkcjdWWlwvMlwvdVNnVVFXTU5ZIn0%3D&utm_source=September+2020+Newsletter&utm_campaign=june+2020&utm_medium=email

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 13, most Buncombe County Public Library branches will reopen to the public with limited hours and services.

The safety of our patrons and staff is our highest priority, and our General Services staff has been working diligently to finish precautions to allow metered access in accordance with the Governor’s orders for 50 percent capacity. We look forward to welcoming you back in person.

The library schedule will be:

• Tuesday, 2-7 p.m.
• Wednesday, 1-6 p.m.
• Thursday, 1-6 p.m.
• Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Sunday & Monday, Closed

Note: The East Asheville Library remains closed for construction and Pack Library will reopen for service at a later date.

During these hours, the libraries will provide in-person check out and browsing. As we comply with reduced occupancy limits, we are encouraging brief “grab and go” visits to allow us to serve a larger number of patrons. Computer use is available, and seating will be provided for computer users only. The meeting rooms and study spaces will not be available for public use.

In-person library programs, including storytime, will not be offered, however, virtual programs will continue to be available. Learn more here. Curbside hold pickups will stop on Oct. 8. Late fees will resume on Oct. 27.

Our local history room is currently undergoing renovations, but the NC Room staff will continue to provide phone and email research assistance at (828) 250-4740 or [email protected].

Per the Governor’s mandate, all persons over the age of five will be asked to wear a face covering for the duration of their visit in the library. If you don’t have a face covering, we can provide one for you.

The Steady Collective is dedicated to promoting the wellness of people who use drugs through empowerment and respectful collaboration. This outreach event is open to all and includes comprehensive harm reduction to improve overall community health by reducing the rate of drug overdose and the spread of infectious disease with education, advocacy, and direct services.

Participants receive educational material, naloxone, syringes, and supplies at no cost.

Come and see us at The West Asheville Tailgate Market October 13 between 3:30 and 6:30p We will have 5 different kinds of G-F Vegetarian and Vegan Tamales to go as well as Vegan plain Venezuelan Arepas and our famous G-F Vegan Chili! We’ll see you there! The early bird gets the worm!

We have been working hard to establish Emergency Safety Guidelines in order to safely operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It’s important for all to remember that we are able to be open because we are an open-air grocery store, not a social gathering.

 Taught by Amanda Klinikowski 

6 week class meets on Tuesdays.

Have you ever wanted to use your voice, body, and imagination to say something you believe in?! Then this is the class for you! Each day we will warm up our bodies, voices, and imagination and work together to create an original skit with movement based on one of Aesop’s Fables! Our final class session will be recorded and shared with friends and families. This class is taught using ZOOM video conferencing.

This October, we’re selling the wine and beer from our concessions inventory for you to take home! Come see us at the theatre any Tuesday or Wednesday evening in October and purchase a six pack of local beer, a four pack of cider, or a bottle of wine to take home! We’ll have a table set up at the front door, so you won’t even have to come inside, plus we’ll be wearing masks, checking IDs and encouraging you to social distance if there’s a line!

Prices: $6.00 for 6-pk 12 oz beer, $8.00 for 4-pk 16 oz cider, $8.00 per bottle of wine. Credit cards only, no cash sales. Prices do not include sales tax, which will be added.

Lights, camera, action! “Let’s go to the movies” in this fun class celebrating

Weekly Zoom class, one 20-minute private coaching
Instructors: Anna Kimmell, Matthew Glover

Tuesdays from 4:30 – 5:30 PM

Lights, camera, action! “Let’s go to the movies” in this fun class celebrating songs of the silver screen! In a combination of weekly Zoom sessions and one private coaching, young actors will work with Studio 52 faculty to develop their skills in vocal technique, acting through song, and movement. The semester culminates in a one-of-a-kind movie musical revue, presented in a final virtual screening! 

Highlands Sports Car Club’s Night Series provides an opportunity for competitors to get a mid-week autox fix without taking up an entire day. All events are held on Tuesday evenings at the WNC Agricultural Center located across from Asheville Regional Airport.

This event is limited to 100 participants and will not count towards season points eligibility for a championship trophy.

No spectators are allowed on the Ag Center premises. 

If registration is full and you end up on the wait list, please do not come to the event unless you have been contacted and your registration has been officially moved to a confirmed entry. You will be emailed ahead of time if a slot opens.

Event Schedule:

Check-In: 5:00 – 6:15 pm *

Tech Inspection: 5:00 – 6:15 pm **

Novice Walkthrough: 6:15 pm

Driver’s Meeting: 6:30 pm

First Vehicle Off: 7:00 pm

* Everyone must check-in at the entrance.

** Our Annual Tech sticker will be available for $3 and will count for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Graphic design networking. Registration required. Free.

During WatchStack, we will gather in a Zoom meeting and highlight a talk that YOU, the audience, will select. Then we will facilitate a “stacked” dialogue where everyone will have the opportunity to comment and share thoughts and responses to the talk. All are welcome. We are currently highlighting Black and POC voices.

Find yourself a comfy space where you can be uninterrupted for 60 minutes. Please plan to show up at 5:30pm EST, we will start the programming at 5:33 and locking the room shortly after establishing the container. This means if you are too late you won’t be able to get in. This is to help maintain the quality of creating a safe container for authentic sharing.

Afterwards you’ll be invited to go go forth and share the talk with someone else in your circle and create something inspired by it and share.

Please note that the Zoom link will be sent out 48 hours before the meeting and then again day of. It will not be published publicly to avoid a room takeover. Please do not share the link publicly once you get it.

Early Childhood Education is one of the industries most affected by COVID-19. New regulations and operation standards have restricted access to early childhood education providers like daycares, corporate child care, exceptional needs programming, and even crisis nursery care. In this conversation we will discuss how county leadership, early childhood care providers, and public health are working together to support and improve access to early childhood education for Buncombe County residents.

Speakers include:

• Al Whitesides, Buncombe County Commissioner
• Susan Creede, Communicable Disease Nurse with Buncombe County Health and Human Services
• Jonathan Williams, NC Statewide School Age Program Coordinator for Southwestern Child Development Commission
• Rev. Spencer Hardaway, Reverend at Rock Hill Baptist Church
• Chrissy Wolfe, Child Care Health Consultant for Mountain Area Health Education Center
• Jenny Vial, Director of Child Care Resources for Buncombe Partnership for Children