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 the tax year 2021 can be filed anytime between Jan. 1-April 28, 2021. Additionally, anyone receiving a change of value notice after April 1, 2021 has thirty days from that notice date to file an appeal.

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. outlined a timeline for Group 3 frontline workers becoming eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, beginning with anyone working in child care or in PreK – 12 schools on February 24. Because vaccine supply continues to be limited and the Group 3 population of frontline essential workers is so large, the state needs to move to the next group gradually. Those working in child care and schools, such as teachers, bus and van drivers, custodial and maintenance staff, and food service workers, will be eligible first. This includes staff in child care centers and homes, Head Start Programs, Preschool and PreK programs, traditional public schools, charter schools, and private schools. Under the timeline outlined in the media update, the state plans to move to additional frontline workers on March 10th.

Keith’s Corner features inspiring musical performances and personal stories from our very own Keith Lockhart and special guests.

Opening the Door to Change presents the history of education in Western North Carolina, with a particular emphasis on Madison County, from the mid-nineteenth century through the late twentieth. Here, learning has taken many forms, from in-home instruction, common, subscription, and religious schools, to colleges of farming and craft. The curriculum of these schools, as well as their very construction, and in some cases closing, was deeply entwined with the changing needs and values of the Western North Carolina Appalachian community.

 The exhibition focuses on the dynamic relationship between community values and education, with a special focus on how students and their families navigated the economic, geographic, and racial challenges to education. Trends and changes in curriculum, assessment, and classroom design will also be explored.

The virtual exhibition will feature didactic panels showcasing a survey of schools within Madison County and highlighting the effect community values had on the curriculum, function, and format of these institutions. Online visitors may also get a sneak-peak at an original film, produced by the Museum, presenting the oral histories of several Madison County residents sharing their personal recollections and memories of past school-days.

Additional films will spotlight the Historic Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School and Laurel School, with first-hand accounts from former students and teachers.

This virtual exhibition is sponsored by the Madison County Tourism and Development Authority.

The pandemic has been really hectic for all of us, but we know it’s been especially hard for the education world. At RiverLink we recognize all of the effort and sacrifices teachers have gone through, and we want to help!

Our RiverRATS program works to virtually engage your students in topics related to water quality. Whether it’s stormwater, erosion, macroinvertebrates or any other river-centric topic you need to cover, our educators are here to help! Some examples of possible programming include:

• Microscope Macros: Using our digital microscopes we can take a close look at the body parts of various stream dwelling macroinvertebrates and discuss how they fit within stream ecosystems.
• Pre-Recorded Video Lessons: We’ve created a couple videos using our interactive stormwater and stream table models. Our educators can share these with your class and facilitate a discussion afterwards.
• Ask an Expert: Let your students lead the lesson and ask any burning questions they might have about rivers or water quality. We can also coordinate with City of Asheville staff, other environmental groups, and local scientists to have them join your class as well.

Our program is mainly focused on working with grades 3rd-8th; however, adjustments can be made to cater our content to grades K-12 as well.

If you’d like to schedule a virtual lesson with us or discuss other ways we could engage with your students, you can send us an email at [email protected].