It is very important for donors to continue donating in the weeks and months ahead in order to maintain an adequate local blood supply. If you are feeling healthy and well, please make an appointment before donating so we can maintain the proper social distancing. The safety of our donors and staff is our top priority!

Blue Ridge Humane Society will remain closed to the public for the immediate future due to the ongoing developments of the spread of COVID-19 and at the recommendations of local and national experts. The closures will continued to be evaluated by BRHS staff to determine a safe return to public operation.

Adoptions are still ongoing by appointment only. Interested adopters can view available animals online and fill out the adoption application in order to set up a meeting. The Administrative Office and Blue Ridge Humane Society Thrift Store are closed entirely to the public at this time.

Blue Ridge Humane is still in need of help from our community however. Your support through fostering, donations, supplies, and adoptions means the world!

BRHS asks that the public monitor its website, www.blueridgehumane.org, and their social media channels for regular updates, as the reduction in services is subject to change based on guidance received from local and national public health officials.

With a potential decrease in staff due to risk of exposure, a probable increase in animals entering shelters, and reduction in income, Blue Ridge Humane asks for the community’s help in the following areas:

• Foster homes needed: We are seeking foster families who are willing to house animals during a time when our Adoption Center might not be fully staffed to do so. Please consider opening your heart and home to a homeless during this pandemic. We provide food, supplies, and medical care. You provide your lifesaving home and love. Social distancing doesn’t exist when you’re spending your time with a pet in need! Contact [email protected] for more information.

• Supplies needed: When shopping for supplies, consider adding an extra bag of pet food, a bottle of hand sanitizer, or a package of paper towels for our Adoption Center to your Amazon order. We need them daily to function and are feeling the effects of the surge in their demand. You purchase items from our Amazon Wish List or send a gift card!

• Adopt: Help us clear our Adoption Center. We currently have amazing pets in our care looking for a home. If you’ve considered adding a four-legged member to your family, now is a great time!

• Donate: As our revenue stream is limited during this time, consider a monetary donation to help ensure the continuation of animal care of Blue Ridge Humane now only now but in the future.

For more tips on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and preparing a care plan for your pet read our Emergency Plan Preparedness post or for a list of community resources in place to help pet owners during this time read Pet Resources Available.

If you believe in our cause, consider making a donation or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.

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According to experts, outdoors might not be much safer as far as this fast-moving virus is concerned. Maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others, no matter indoors or outdoors, is the recommended practice during this pandemic.

 the Blue Ridge Parkway closed its year-round Visitor Center in Asheville, at Milepost 384 near the U.S. 74A entrance, out of safety concerns for staff, volunteers and visitors.

“Other year-round facilities on the parkway managed by local partners will remain open at this time,” according to a statement from the National Park Service. “These sites include the Folk Art Center at Milepost 382 and the Museum of NC Minerals at Milepost 331.”

The parkway motor road and all accessible trails will also remain open where not otherwise closed due to weather. Decisions regarding planned seasonal, spring openings, such as park campgrounds and visitor centers, will be made at a later date.

Similarly, Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced March 17 that Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove visitor centers are closed until further notice for public safety.

Seasonally open park campgrounds, picnic areas, roads, trails and restroom facilities located adjacent to visitor centers remain open and accessible to the public.

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site temporarily closed the Sandburg Home and Barn on March 17. This includes Sandburg Home tours, the park store, access to the goats and farm animals, all special events, all volunteer shifts, and in-park and off-site programs. Park grounds, except for the barn area, trails, and restrooms will remain open.

https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/

THE MUSEUM OF THE WORLD interactive

All nonessential, public-facing functions are closed. Essential operations — including emergency services, Public Health and Health and Human Services mandated services, sheriff’s office, permitting, solid waste, and Transportation — will continue.

“Since this is a rapidly evolving situation, we will reevaluate these changes as more information becomes available and provide more detailed information at buncombecounty.org,” said Day.

Until further notice, Buncombe is taking the following measures until further notice:

• Some nonessential employees will temporarily telecommute and/or be in emergency on-call status.
• For essential employees unable to work remotely, increasing physical working space between employees and modifying operations are among the options being evaluated.
• Public access to county facilities that house nonessential functions will be restricted or closed.
• All public libraries will be closed.
• All County parks will be closed.
• Permitting Office will be closed, but permitting remains available.

The county also offers the following online resources:

• Apply for Pistol Purchase Permit:  https://buncombeso.permitium.com/
• Pay Property Tax:  https://www.billpayit.com/buncombeconctax
• Request Birth, Death, Marriage Certificate: https://payonline.buncombecounty.org/RoD/Default.aspx
• Records: https://www.buncombecounty.org/Governing/Depts/register-of-deeds/recording/default.aspx
• Building Permits, Planning, Septic, Well, Water Testing Portal (account registration required, only “simple” permits can be applied for online):  https://onlinepermits.buncombecounty.org/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx

North Carolina Business Relief Resources

For all general questions, call Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) at 800.228.8443. BLNC staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. BLNC staff will connect your business to the appropriate organization for assistance. All inquiries will receive a response from a confidential business counselor within three (3) business days. “Se Habla Español.”

Is your business experiencing supply chain disruptions due to the impact of COVID-19?
Find the Manufacturer or Supplier your business needs at ManufacturedNC:

• This database of suppliers contains every kind of thing produced in NC. Whether you’re a manufacturer who wants to localize your supply chain or a business searching for packaging suppliers, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.
• If you are a N.C. manufacturer, please register your business with ManufacturedNC here. Other businesses may be looking for you!

Looking for funding resources that can provide low interest lending options?
North Carolina is home to a variety of non-profit lenders that can provide access to the capital your business needs. Each of these organizations is a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). These include (in alpha order):

Carolina Community Impact, Inc.
919.861.5321
Carolina Community Impact, Inc. provides access to credit building and asset building techniques and services through financial education and small-dollar consumer loans.

Carolina Small Business Development Fund
(formerly known as The Support Center)
919.803.1437
Founded in 1990 to promote economic opportunity for all, the Carolina Small Business Development Fund is passionate about supporting small businesses. Because those who go into business for themselves should
never be left by themselves. Offices are located across the state.

N.C. Community Development Initiative
919.828.5655
Initiative Capital, the N.C. Community Development Initiative’s lending arm, provides strategic lending and investment for community economic developers and businesses that create jobs, promote economic growth
and facilitate the development of affordable housing and community revitalization, particularly in low-resource areas of the state.

Self-Help Credit Union
Lending Office: 800.476.7428
Business Loan Webform
Self-Help’s mission is to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity for all. They do this by providing responsible financial services; lending to individuals, small businesses and nonprofits; developing real estate; and promoting fair financial practices. Branch locations are in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Thread Capital
919.212.4950
[email protected]
Launched in June 2018 by the N.C. Rural Center, Thread Capital gives N.C.’s small businesses and entrepreneurs access to the resources they need to thrive. Thread Capital provides small business loans up
to $50,000 to traditionally underserved entrepreneurs in North Carolina. Thread Capital also provides disaster recovery loans up to $250,000. Rapid Recovery loans provide immediate cash to businesses to keep
their doors open in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Resilient Recovery loans are designed to help small businesses be better prepared for future disasters.

Do you need business counseling services, including layoff aversion strategies?

Business Edge Services
919.814.0400 or Toll Free: 800.562.6333 (Choose Option 2 – Business Services)
[email protected]
Business Edge is a series of layoff aversion strategies and activities designed to help North Carolina employers prevent or minimize job losses. Through Business Edge, workforce partners collaborate with
business leaders to assess the needs of, and options for, “at-risk” firms, and to deliver services that address those needs.

Small Business and Technology Development Center
919.715.7272 or Toll-Free: 800.258.0862
The Small Business and Technology Development Center provides management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses, including those in distress. Most of the SBTDC’s services are free of charge, and all are confidential. Offices are located across the state.

Small Business Center Network
Find your local office at a community college.
The Small Business Center Network is here to assist you and your business with resources and assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBCN works in partnership with Federal, State and Local organizations to provide the information and strategies to help your business move forward. Offices are across the state in your local community colleges.

Do you need to file an Unemployment Insurance claim?

N.C. Division of Employment Security
888.737.0259
If you have lost your job or been laid off, file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. If you are not eligible for UI benefits, the business owner and/or employee may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). DUA is a federal program that provides temporary payments to people in a federally declared disaster area whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster. Business owners that are self-employed, farmers, or commercial fishermen, who are unemployed as a direct result of the disaster may be eligible.

Looking for other helpful government resources?

N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services: COVID-19 Recommendations for Businesses and Employers

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers

U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (Please note: North Carolina has not received a federal disaster designation yet.)

Wilbur, an irresistible young pig, who desperately wants to avoid becoming “pork chops,” meets an extraordinary spider who proves to be “a true friend and a good writer.” Based on E.B. White’s classic American children’s book, this treasured tale of endearing farm animals and the people who surround them explores bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship. Featuring a cast of local students and parents, Charlotte’s Web is a charming production fit for the whole family.

In adherence to the latest North Carolina state government restrictions of public gatherings, addressing the spread of COVID-19, Flat Rock Playhouse will be suspending all programming from March 16 – April 23.

If you purchased tickets for a performance that is being canceled, please contact the Box Office beginning 10 am on Monday, March 16 to arrange receipt of a gift certificate for the value of your ticket.  We also ask that you consider making a gift of your ticket. Theatre is a community that is built on the opportunity to come together to share stories and in this unprecedented circumstance, when coming together is not possible, we need your support more than ever.

In an effort to curtail the spread of COVID-19, Asheville GreenWorks’ two office locations at 318 Riverside Drive and 2 Sulphur Springs Road, will be closed for business for at least the next two weeks, March 16th – 27th. Organizational business will be conducted remotely, as feasible. In-person meetings may be scheduled as virtual meetings via conference call or video conference. Tracy Hyorth will be answering phone calls from 9:00AM to 3:00PM daily, except for Tuesdays, at our Sulphur Springs office (828) 254-1776.

Public Workdays for the month of March have been postponed. At this time, we are planning to go ahead with the Tree Giveaway on March 29th, but please keep an eye out for communications on details about the event, as the format may change or we might decide to postpone it.

Stay healthy and safe!

Get Growing! Thankfully during this time of social distancing, we don’t need to distance from the garden or farm. Here are some resources to help: Gardening Basics Ask Ruth Gardening Blog Series Ask Tom Farming Blog Series Participate in our Online Spring Gardening Series Workshop More Resources for Growers & Consumers during Covid 19 Visit Our Covid 19 Resource Page

• Henderson County Department of Public Health
• NC Department of Health and Human Services
• Centers for Disease Control
• World Health Organization

Participating restaurants offer a variety of special Prix Fixe Menus for lunch, dinner or both. Check the Henderson County Restaurant Week website for participating restaurants and their menus.

A Few Farm Store Updates…

• Moving forward, our hours will be Wednesday – Sunday, 1pm – 4pm.
• We will be accepting orders via online only. https://www.hickorynutgap.com/product-category/home-delivery/?utm_source=Farm+General+Interest&utm_campaign=ad50dba514-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_25_12_35&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c6a6d890c6-ad50dba514-34117913 We will not be accepting orders over the phone.
• Orders placed after 7am will be available for pickup the following business day.
• We are shipping orders and also offering drive-through pickup from the Farm Store.
• The deli and kitchen will be closed until further notice.

Video Table of Contents

Audio Table of Contents

Beginning March 18, the Meals On the Bus mobile feeding site will operate its traditional summer route, stopping at six neighborhoods on the following schedule:

• King Creek: 10:30-10:55 a.m.
• Dodd Meadows: 11:05-11:30 a.m.
• Shorty Collins: 11:40 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
• Leisure Lane: 12:15-12:35 p.m.
• Sugarloaf Apartments: 12:55-1:20 p.m.
• Conner Creek Mobile Home Park: 1:35-2 p.m.

Families who lack transportation should contact their child’s school so HCPS staff can deliver meals to their children.

 The Bob Moog Foundation announced today that it will temporarily close the Moogseum, located in downtown Asheville, NC, until March 31, 2020. The closure comes in response to a call for Americans to practice social distancing to help “flatten the curve” of an anticipated widespread Coronavirus outbreak.

“Given the critical importance of early self-isolation in stemming the spread of COVID-19, we believe it is our moral imperative to protect our staff, as well as our visitors and our community by temporarily closing the Moogseum to the public,” stated Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa. “During this time, the work of the Bob Moog Foundation will continue, with our staff working remotely to advance our projects. While the considerations around the spread of the virus remain fluid, we will continue to reassess when we will  reopen the Moogseum.”

The decision to close the Moogseum comes with considerable financial ramifications. During this time the Foundation encourages supporting its work through donations or a variety of other means, explained here: http://bit.ly/BMFWaysToSupport.

The Moogseum, which opened on May 23, 2019, is an interactive facility which brings the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog alive for people of all ages to experience. It is the hallmark project of the Bob Moog Foundation, representing the convergence of its work in education and archive preservation.

Coloring is great way to combat stress and anxiety. Download and print these free coloring sheets and note cards featuring works from Collection artist Lorna Blaine Halper. During this time of social distancing, we can’t think of a better way to show someone you care than sending them a card via snail mail. Use our coloring template or craft your own!

We want your input! Name that Creek is a RiverLink program that connects communities with local unnamed streams through naming campaigns. There is a small unnamed stream that runs through a wooded area between Walton Street Park and the AB Tech campus, and drains into the French Broad River. We need your help in picking an official name for it! Click on the link below to share your input. Voting ends Friday, March 27!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc26N7Q8o9r9iyk-VLqvvA9fi0LegijJO_LTrgdkLoWt2bH_Q/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

Survey  JUST Click the type that you want.  What type of content would you like to see most from us? DIY activities for kids DIY activities for adults Interactive programs/webinars Deeper dives into the artwork

Hello Flat Rock Playhouse Patrons, Donors, Friends, and all-around ‘Peeps!’

Please take a few minutes to take the survey and help us as we begin planning for the 2021 season and beyond.  We’ve listed a pretty large range of shows because we want to know what you’re interested in seeing on the stage.  Please choose your TOP 10 favorites in each category; Musicals and Plays. You will also have the opportunity to write in a title or author that may not otherwise be listed.  Please only choose ten of each so we can narrow down your preferences.

As an added note, we endeavor to give you exactly what your heart most desires.  That said, there are many factors that go into selecting shows.  Are the rights available? Can we afford to produce it properly? Does it align with our Union obligations?  These questions and many more are all part of the process and influence what productions we select.  It’s important to everyone at Flat Rock Playhouse that we deliver as much of what the audience desires as we can whenever we can.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your preferences with us.  We are hugely grateful for the insight!

Sincerely,

The Artistic Team

Flat Rock Playhouse