Applications for the 76th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, are now available. The parade rolls, dances and marches through Downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 19 beginning at 11am. Before applying please read the detailed rules and information for participants here. The parade only runs smoothly if everyone follows the rules and direction from Parade organizers. Application available here. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 14 at 5pm. Sponsors and Partners make the Parade possible. Thanks to Bojangles, Explore Asheville, Ingles Markets, City of Asheville, Go Mini’s Portable Storage, Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum, Apple Tree Honda, Deerfield, Sun Soo Martial Arts, WLOS, Star 104.3, 99.9 Kiss Country, Kudzu Brands, Kimpton Hotel Arras, Aloft Asheville Downtown, Asheville Color & Imaging.

Buncombe County voters will have the opportunity to vote on two bonds in the upcoming election for open space and housing. If approved, the bonds would generate $30 million and $40 million respectively. With an eye toward oversight and transparency, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution at its Aug. 16 regular meeting establishing a general obligation bonds community oversight committee to monitor the investment of those bond dollars.

The Community Oversight Committee will review the investments made from the bond revenues to confirm that 100% of bond funds are invested in accordance with law and for the purposes indicated on the ballots. Committee members will serve until all bond funds have been committed.

The application process for the Community Oversight Committee is now open, although creation of this Committee is contingent on the bonds passing during the Nov. 8 election.

Community Oversight Committee Description: The Committee shall have five members comprised of one person with an accounting background, one person with a banking background, one representative of the affordable housing community, one representative from the conservation/greenways community, each to be appointed by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, and one member to be appointed by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Committee members will serve until all bond funds have been committed.

Positions: 5

Term Length: Until all bond funds have been committed.

The Artist Support Grant provides funding emerging or established artists to create work, improve their business operations, or bring their work to new audiences. Grants range from $500-3,000.

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.

The Buncombe County Behavioral Health Justice Collaborative (BHJC) is looking for community members who have been impacted by the justice system to participate in an advisory group. If you have experienced any of the challenges below, the BHJC welcomes you to share your insight and participate in creating ideas and strategic initiatives to better serve our county.

• Have you interacted with law enforcement during a time of personal crisis?
• Have you or a loved one been charged or incarcerated due to experiencing a behavioral health challenge like a mental health crisis or substance use disorder?
• Have you or a loved one received services for mental health crisis, harm reduction, opioid use, or support for alcohol or other drug use?
• Do you want to help shape how our community responds to these types of needs?

Background

The BHJC’s purpose is to act as an advisory working group to the Justice Resource Advisory Council by increasing coordination and collaboration between Buncombe County Government, local governments, and community partners around efforts that intersect behavioral health and justice services. This body seeks to channel the right resources to the right place at the right time in response to behavioral health needs like substance use and harm reduction in the community with the goal of promoting public safety and improving outcomes for those in need.

Meetings currently occur on the first Friday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon, in downtown Asheville with parking validation provided.

Interested in applying? Applications are due by Oct. 9, 2022. See below for requirements and information on how to apply.

Application information

Those applying will be prioritized if they fall into the experienced categories below. The goal is to have a diversity of perspectives and expertise:

• Justice involvement (previously charged, convicted, or incarcerated)
• Behavioral health involvement (mental health and/or substance use, and/or previous history with institutional commitment)
• Family member of a justice involved and/or behavioral health-involved person

BHJC community members commit to participating in BHJC activities for a one-year term.

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.

 2022 Buncombe voter guide is published online & in paper!

These handy non-partisan guides provide you with important election dates, tips on how to make sure your vote counts, and responses from your local candidates with their stances on important issues heading into the midterm.

Click here to view the digital version and share it with your friends & family.

If you’re interested in distributing paper voter guides to your neighbors or community members, please reply back to me here.

Voting details for the 2022 General Election:

• Early voting runs Thursday, October 20 through Saturday, November 5 (at 3 PM)
• Election Day is Tuesday, November 8.

Find early voting sites by selecting your county on the lookup tool at demnc.co/voteearly.

You can also check your voter registration status, Election Day polling place, and possible sample ballot at demnc.co/poll.

Food Makes a House a Home

Every October, Asheville-area REALTORS® join together on a month-long campaign to help feed thousands of families that face hunger everyday across Western North Carolina. With each house closing in October, a participating REALTOR® will make a $100 donation to MANNA FoodBank in honor of their client, in lieu of a traditional closing gift, providing 400 meals to our WNC Community. Participation in this campaign elevates the REALTOR® within industry by demonstrating the appreciation for their client in a way that has a tangible impact in their community. Realty firms may match their REALTORS® donation, stretching the impact of the gift even further. Every dollar raised in this campaign helps provide food for 4 meals to our WNC community.

October 1 – November 3, 2022

Join our FEAST Fall Fund Drive!

Our FEAST program reaches over 1,150 students a year in Asheville, Buncombe County, and Madison County with hands-on cooking and gardening classes in schools and afterschool programs. Help us fully fund this important program this fall!

Bountiful Cities FEAST teachers work within Asheville City and Buncombe County schools, Hot Springs Elementary and Francine Delany New School to give students  hands on experience. We are not funded by the school systems, and yet we integrate with the grade level curriculum to provide history, science, reading, math, and art education in addition to gardening and cooking. Our goal is to give students tools that will last a lifetime. If they have seeds they will know how to have food.

Help us reach our goal of $30,000 to fully fund our FEAST program this fall! Donate today!

The Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) is now accepting proposals for the remainder of fiscal year 2022-2023. The JCPC announces the availability of small allocations totaling $84,902 in state funding for local nonprofits and public agencies working to serve youth involved in, or at-risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The JCPC addresses the gaps in youth services by promoting prevention, intervention, treatment and aftercare strategies and programs which strengthen families and support community safety.

Click here for Request for Proposals (RFP)

The JCPC is seeking innovative projects designed to address the identified needs in our community – highlighted in the 2021 Risk Needs Summary Report:

• Runaway from Home or Placement
• School Behavior/Adjustment
• Substance Use Within Past 12 Months
• Abuse Neglect History
• Sexual Behaviors During Past 12 Months
• Mental Health Needs
• Basic Physical Needs/Independent Living
• Conflict in the Home Within Past 12 Months
• Family Supervision Skills

Based on these factors and possible gaps in the Continuum of Services, the following program types will be considered for funding:

• Runaway/Temporary Shelter
• Comprehensive Clinical Assessments (CCAs)
• Restitution/Community Service
• Teen Court/Restorative Services
• Substance Use Services
• Parent / Family Skill Building
• Vocational Skills
• Interpersonal or Experiential Skills
• Structured Day / Tutoring / Academic Enhancement / Mentoring

Application Information

The Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) is responsible for reviewing and allocating funds to programs designed to serve youth involved in, or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system, and to reduce the number of youth who enter the state’s youth development centers. Any nonprofits or public agency interested in applying for JCPC funds is required to send a representative to the applicant orientation.

NEW applicants are required to attend a mandatory orientation (prior applicants may also attend). For information about the program application workshop and other technical assistance contact Lorraine Williams, Area Consultant, Community Programs Western Area Office, 828-405-4056, [email protected].

Interested organizations are required to complete an online application through NC ALLIES (A Local Link to Improve Effective Services). Organizations can review application instructions here.

Current JCPC funded programs requesting additional funds should submit a budget revision in NC ALLIES and email JCPC Admin [email protected] a summary detailing the amount of the request and purpose for additional funds.

Private nonprofits are also required to submit in NC ALLIES, No Overdue Tax forms, Conflict of Interest Statements, and, if requested, proof of 501(c)(3) status.

Application submission deadline is Thursday, October 6th, 2022, by 5 pm. All applications must be submitted in NC Allies; once the application is submitted in NC Allies, send a copy via email to [email protected].

­­­­Applicants will be required to present their proposal during an Allocations Hearing. Applicants will be contacted with the date and time of this meeting upon submission.

For additional information regarding the application process contact Hannah Legerton, JCPC Administrator, (828) 250-4087

Please see the linked Request for Proposals and visit Buncombecounty.org/grants for more information.

Note: The JCPC had allocated $84,902 to Trinity Place Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter for the upcoming year; unfortunately the program announced their closure effective 5/15/2022. The JCPC has until 12/31/2022 to reallocate funding that had been designated for Trinity Place.

Buncombe County is committed to building a healthy, safe, well-educated, and thriving community that is equitable and sustainable. Buncombe County invests in our community through eight grant programs supporting organizations working in support of the Buncombe 2025 Strategic Plan focus areas and goals. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are critical to our grants processes, and Buncombe County encourages participation from organizations led by and providing service to people of color/BIPOC individuals.

More about the Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Program

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Division of Juvenile Justice partners with Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils in each county to galvanize community leaders, locally and statewide, to reduce and prevent youth involvement with the juvenile justice system. The intent is to provide community-based alternatives to youth development centers and to provide community-based programming, treatment, counseling or rehabilitation services for youth involved in, or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system.

This is an initiative of the NC Department of Public Safety, Division of Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Community Programming, and the Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.

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.

Have you ZOOMed yet? Buncombe County Public Libraries give library card holders access to free passes for local museums and attractions. It’s called a ZOOM pass, and you can check one out with your library card.

Starting in September, the library has two new and one returning ZOOM pass attractions for library card holders of all ages.

The Asheville Art Museum has returned to ZOOM. We’re excited to add Team ECCO Aquarium and Shark Lab in Hendersonville, and thanks to our partnership with Buncombe Parks & Recreation we are now offering free paddleboat and launch passes for Lake Julian Park. These new partners join the other popular attractions like the Nature Center and the Arboretum on our ZOOM pass team.

We have an online reservation system at the library website you can use to reserve a one-day pass for the location of your choice. Passes may be reserved up to one month in advance and most passes are family passes that will admit several adults and children. You can pick up your pass at any library up to one week before your reservation.

There’s so much to do in Buncombe County and you can now use your library card to do it! If you have any questions, ask at your library.

The Organic Growers School is looking for dedicated individuals interested in serving on our Board of Directors! We are currently seeking socially conscious, diverse, impact-driven individuals to join our Volunteer Board of Directors. The board of directors plays a critical role in the Organic Growers School. Members of the board are involved in program and policy oversight, financial management, strategic direction, and fundraising.   OGS is looking for energetic, passionate people to:  Build community networks  Act as change catalysts in the community  Serve as ambassadors for organic growing & OGS   If you believe in the value of organic growing and want to be part of OGS’s change agenda, we have a chair for you at our boardroom table!   Applications are due by October 10th.

Byer’s Precision Fabricators announced today that they have been named as a semi-finalist in the “Coolest Thing Made in NC” Competition.

Great companies start with great people, and you’ll find both at the WNC Career Expo. Plan to join us Tuesday, October 11 from 11 AM – 4 PM.