In February 2021, Buncombe County received an additional $1.75 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to continue building on efforts in collaboration with local leaders and the community to rethink the local criminal justice system, safely reduce Buncombe County’s jail population, and eliminate racial inequities. Community engagement is an essential component of justice system reform, and the Safety Justice Challenge (SJC) is seeking 10 community members to serve on a workgroup. This is a paid opportunity.

Community Members Needed

Community engagement for the Safety Justice Challenge is about involving people who are directly and indirectly affected by government policies and practices. The SJC Community Engagement Workgroup is seeking 10 community members to serve on the workgroup. For this workgroup, a community member is someone who is impacted by the justice system and is not affiliated with, or being paid by an organization to participate in the workgroup. Community members will receive a stipend funded by the MacArthur Foundation grant.

Please see the attachment for a complete timeline and application information. The application deadline has been extended until May 28, 2021.

Workgroup activities will include:

• Continuing to plan, facilitate, and host activities such as town halls, focus groups, listening session, criminal justice info sessions, and community meetings
• Reviewing content and material related to public education campaigns, information sessions, and community meetings
• Developing communication strategies between community and criminal justice system organizations

About the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

The current grant brings the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s total investment in Buncombe County to $3.55 million to date, and is part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, a $246 million national initiative to reduce over-incarceration and advance racial equity in local criminal justice systems by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.

Visit buncombecounty.org/justiceservices to learn more about the Safety Justice Challenge in Buncombe County.

The CDC released updated guidance for individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Per the guidance, fully vaccinated people can: Resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States Refrain from testing following a known exposure, if asymptomatic, with some exceptions for specific settings Refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic Refrain from routine screening testing if feasible For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to: Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations

• Claimants must make contact with at least three different employers each week and keep a record of their work search, as is required by state law. One of the three weekly job contacts can be satisfied by attending an approved reemployment activity offered by a NCWorks Career Center or a partnering agency.
• To continue receiving benefits, all unemployment claimants will be required to register with a jobseeker account on NCWorks.gov, North Carolina’s online portal for employment and training services. Jobseekers can use NCWorks.gov to search and apply for jobs, access labor market information, and find opportunities for workforce training. Over the next several weeks, existing claimants will receive notifications about registering for NCWorks.

New Performance Announcements from Brevard Music Center We have wonderful news! New performances have been added to our summer festival season! JUST ANNOUNCED! FRIDAY, JUNE 25: Jazz@BMC with Jane Monheit SUNDAY, JULY 11: BMC Presents: Shannon & Woody SUNDAY, JULY 18: BMC Presents: Fireside Collective TUESDAY, JULY 20: Sidney Outlaw in Recital SUNDAY, JULY 25: BMC Presents: Darrell Scott SUNDAY, AUGUST 1: BMC Presents: Coming Soon!

We have heard your request to increase our seating capacity, as well as offer options for both regular and socially distanced seating. We are now very pleased to provide both! 

We are currently reconfiguring our available seating to include both regular seating and socially distanced seating for every performance. We are very thankful for our open-air venues and large, beautiful campus so that we can provide you with your best experience.

We have temporarily paused our order processing in order to complete these changes as quickly as possible. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding while we continue to prepare for a thrilling season.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will general public ticketing begin?
General public ticketing will begin on June 1st. Previously received ticket orders will continue to be processed in order of donor level and submission date.

I have not submitted my ticket order. How do I submit an order? 
If you would like to place an order, we kindly ask that you please email your request to [email protected]. Please include your:

• Name
• Phone Number
• Email
• Name(s) or Date(s) of Performances
• How Many Tickets for Each Event
• Seat Preference (Regular Seating or Socially Distanced Seating)

Your order will be placed in line according to donor level and submission date. We will be sure to contact you if we have any questions regarding your ticket order. You will receive an email confirmation when your ticket order has been processed. Due to extremely high demand, please provide extra time for your ticket order to be processed. We apologize for the delay.

I have submitted my order but not received a confirmation that the order has been processed. When will I receive my confirmation? 
As soon as your ticket order is processed, you will receive a reservation confirmation by email. We truly appreciate your patience as we process your ticket orders as quickly as possible, in order of submission date and donor level. Due to extremely high demand, please provide extra time for your ticket order to be processed. We apologize again for the delay.

I have not purchased tickets and am currently on a waiting list. Will my order now be completed? 
If you are currently on a waiting list for tickets, we will be reaching out to process your order as soon as possible. We very much appreciate your patience as we reach out to everyone in order of donor level and when their request was submitted.

I have purchased my tickets. Should I reach out to the box office?
We will take care of everything! If you would like to reach the box office, we kindly ask that you please email [email protected], or leave a message with your name and phone number and we will return your call as soon as possible. Please note that leaving multiple messages will cause delays. We apologize for the delay and deeply appreciate your patience as we reach out to everyone as quickly as possible.

What is the best way to reach the box office?
If you would like to reach the box office, we kindly ask that you please email [email protected]. We truly appreciate your patience as we respond to messages as quickly as possible.

he Visit NC Farms Phone App, developed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, connects millions of North Carolina residents and visitors to farmers and local food – one community at a time.

The Visit NC Farms App connects the dots in communities across North Carolina. Using cell phone technology, residents and visitors can find farms closest to them with products and activities that interest them.

Visitors can use the app to explore farms, farmers markets and local restaurants that are off the beaten path and unique to each community. Beginning June 1, 2021 Buncombe County Soil & Water District will be accepting applications for listings on the VisitNCFarms app. The app will launch in September 2021.

Interested in joining the app? Contact Buncombe County Soil & Water District at (828) 250-4785 today!

FAQ:

Why should I list my farm on the Visit NC Farms App?

• Showcasing your farm on the app allows you to reach a broader audience of potential customers and repeat patrons.
• You’ll be listed among an expansive and ever-growing collection of agriculture-based offerings.
• With both a map and a list view, users will be able to easily find the farm closest to them or filter based on offerings.
• Your farm listing will feature a brief summary, engaging imagery, and push button shortcuts to call, visit your website, or get directions.
• User and member feedback ensures that the app stays relevant and up to date.
• Your farm listing gives you access to real-time marketing opportunities through push notifications to app users.

Why should my community invest in the Visit NC Farms App?

• There are significant social, economic and environmental benefits to promoting Agritourism in your community. It’s the perfect way to educate people about your community.
• Agritourism experiences show off the social dimension of agriculture. When consumers connect with the families and farmers growing their food, they leave more likely to advocate for and spend more on local foods.
• As a benefit to participation, communities involved in the app received branded premium items to promote user interest in the app and North Carolina agritourism.
• The Visit NC Farms app is affordable, scalable and replicable.
• 77% of all Americans now own a smart phone of some kind. (92% of 18-29 year olds)
• In a Covid-19 economy, consumers are turning to local farms for food. Local farms are pivoting to meet the surge in demand. The Visit NC Farms App is ensuring they get connected.
• 59% of travelers say they will avoid crowds on their next leisure trip, and almost 30% of North Carolinians are more interested in traveling closer to home. This makes nearby rural and outdoor attractions the most likely destinations in the near future. Consider the app as a marketing tool to drive NC residents to the agriculture economy in their own backyards!

How is the app growing in North Carolina?

• The pilot project was launched by Orange County in the fall of 2017. After their investment and initial success, the app expanded to other counties.
• The project is now live or in development with 37 North Carolina counties. Recent additions now in the development phase include Durham, Guilford, and Alamance counties.
• User engagement increased 52% and user downloads increased 41% in March as consumers concerned about health and safety turned to local farms for fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
• The Visit NC Farms App is now reaching nearly 10,000 active users (and counting).
• Data from active app users provides crucial information to better meet app user needs and stakeholder goals.
• “The key is for rural communities to recognize that they have valuable assets, one of which is the very nature of rural life. In an increasingly congested and impersonal world, there is great appeal to a close-knit community. The qualities associated with rural life are particularly conducive to the creation of entrepreneurial ecosystems and the free flow of information, skills and resources…”
• Don Macke has nearly 40 years of community economic development and policy experience, is the co-founder of the Lincoln, Nebraska-based Center for Rural Entrepreneurship and director of the center’s entrepreneurial communities solution area.

How is the app promoted?

• Each community has access to marketing materials including posters, banner stands, buttons, stickers and window clings. Website badges are created for participating sites.
• The app is promoted by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Marketing Division. Welcome and Visitor Centers across the state, the State farmers markets and other statewide venues will share the app messaging.
• Being a part of the app is cooperative advertising. Each farm or community partner also promotes the app to their lists and followers so your audience grows exponentially.
• North Carolina Farm Bureau is supporting this effort across the state.
• As the app grows, the marketing efforts will expand as well. Think billboards!

How much does it cost?

• Thanks to the generous donations from Farm Bureau Insurance and Farm Bureau we are able to offer this service to any farms, local stores, farmers markets, and local restaurants for FREE!

SAHC is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 service year. Application deadline May 31 May 31:  Application Deadline June 1 – June 11:  Interviews Scheduled June 14 – June 25:  Interviews Conducted June 28 – July 2:  Offers Made September 1:  First Day of Service Overview, Eligibility, & Compensation Project Conserve individually places members in service with one of our host site organizations working to protect the unique natural resources of the southern Blue Ridge Mountain region. Full-time (1700-hour) positions will serve 11-months from September  through July. During their terms of service, members will promote conservation through education, volunteerism and direct environmental service. Members participate in required trainings and service days each month with the full Project Conserve team. Trainings may cover a broad range of topics including conflict resolution, forest management, trail construction, invasive plant identification, environmental education, volunteer management, and disaster preparedness.

Para ver esta presentación en español haga clic en: https://youtu.be/edDO_Jl3LUM

Even if you don’t think you are eligible, there are funds and services available for residents of Buncombe County for COVID-19 relief, housing assistance, food, medical, children, employment, you name it. These conversations can be complicated, so let’s make it simple, Let’s Talk about what these services are, who can benefit from them, and how. Join us for Let’s Talk: Getting Back on Your Feet with Economic Services.

Buncombe County Health and Human Services has programs for those who need assistance getting back on their feet as a result of COVID, or through life’s unexpected circumstances. Programs consist of providing residents with free rent, food, energy and utility assistance, health assistance, employment training, emergency assistance, and more.

Check out the video above, below are links with more information about the services provided:

• First, call (828) 250-5500 if you want to inquire about any benefits. You will be connected with a case workers that will work to connect you with everything you are eligible for.
• Information on COVID-19 related Housing and Utility Assistance
• Information on Food Assistance
• Apply for Benefits Online
• Do you Qualify for Medicaid?
• Information on the STEP Program for Continuing Education
• Emergency Assistance through Eblen Charities
• More information on Economic Services/Public Assistance

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), has reopened all adventure activities and river outposts for the 2021 season featuring new food and beverage venues, expanded courses, and the return of events and live entertainment to main resort campus in Bryson City.

• Launched whitewater rafting on seven rivers in the Southeast and aerial adventures to high demand
• Two new food and beverage venues launching on NOC’s 500-acre campus including a renovated coffee and donut shuttle bus as well as a beer venue featuring New Belgium beer and custom beer blends
• Expanded courses at NOC’s Paddling School for kayakers to learn new skills and experience Southeastern rivers
• Full calendar of live music from local and regional bands, and the return of events like Women’s Paddlefest and river releases
• Relia’s Lost Kitchen dinner series kicking off this month with a sold out Orin Swift Wine Dinner; more to follow through October.

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.

NC Households Can Get Assistance with Monthly Internet Bills From Federal Programs The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program provides households with a discount of up to $50 a month off of a household’s internet bill. That increases to $75 a month for those living on tribal lands. Eligible households can also get a one-time discount of $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer through participating providers. The program’s enrollment is now open for qualifying households. A household qualifies if the household’s income is at or less than 135 percent of federal poverty guidelines. A household can also qualify if at least one member: Participates in a federal benefits program, such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Lifeline Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program, Lost a job or a significant amount of income in the past year, Received a Federal Pell Grant, or Is part of an internet service provider’s low-income or COVID-19 program.

Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!

Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.

A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.

You can charter the caboose on:

• Nantahala Gorge
• Tuckasegee River

Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Rafting

Enjoy this trip combining the Great Smoky Mountains Railroads trip with the Waterfall Jeep® tour. You’ll begin your trip in Bryson City, NC, with a 2 hour (approximate) railroad excursion over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. As you travel on the train, watch paddlers challenge the rapids. At the top of the line, disembark from the train and climb aboard Wildwater’s customized Jeep® for a 2-hour (approximate) personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, up to the Appalachian Trail and back. A delicious deli lunch is included.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

* Children 40 – 80 lbs. are required to sit in the front passenger seat with the airbag disengaged using a child booster seat. Children 80 lbs. or greater will sit in the back using a lap seat belt. If there is more than one child in the 40 – 80 lb. range, the second child will sit in the back using a lap belt.

V-Auction Benefits Arts! Auction ends Sunday June 13th midnight  – get your bid going for this key LEAF fundraiser!

Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!

SUPPORT THE MUSEUM We’re kicking off our Spring Annual Fund Campaign! With your help, we’ve been able to do some amazing things this past year, from hosting major traveling exhibitions like Across the Atlantic to delivering 1,600 Art Kits for Kids to local students and fostering in-depth conversations about art and artists through virtual programs. Your gift to the Annual Fund supports all of this and more.

Unique outdoor sculptural works by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, known as “Stick Man,” will reside in Antler Hill Village. Renowned worldwide for his monumental creations, Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. The visual appeal of these large-scale artworks may be appreciated up close as guests are encouraged to walk through and around the creations, affording the opportunity to admire the artistry and technical skills required to make the sculptures.

Tarzan Train

The City of Asheville has partnered with Asheville GreenWorks to launch the Adopt-A-Spot program. Businesses, organizations, or individuals can choose a City-owned piece of property that they wish to adopt. The responsibility of the adopter will be to maintain either an edible or pollinator garden in this location. The program provides recognition of adopters through dedicated signage at the site. Make a positive impact on Asheville by promoting stewardship of publicly owned places.

Types of Spots to Adopt

The Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville is proud to announce The Glass Animals’ “Dreamland” Tour in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on March 28, 2022. Tickets for the event will go on publicly via ONLINE ONLY on Thursday, May 6 at 10:00am via Ticketmaster.com. Adding to an already incredible year, Glass Animals have announced their North American “Dreamland Tour.” The run kicks off August 30th in Lewiston, NY and takes the band across North America well into 2022. The shows add to their already sold out UK tour dates, previously announced Red Rocks shows and confirmed festival performances at Bonnaroo, Life Is Beautiful, and Outside Lands. For more information about this event, please click here.

In addition, last week the band was selected as 2021 Billboard Music Awards finalists for Top Rock Song “Heat Waves” and Top Rock Album Dreamland. This is the first time the band has been recognized by the BBMAs. The Billboard Music Awards LIVE will take place Sunday, May 23rd at 3pm EST/5pm PT on NBC.

Earlier this month, Glass Animals performed “Heat Waves” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where the band took over Margate’s Dreamland Theme Park and brought it back to life with an electrifying performance—watch HERE. In addition, they performed on The Ellen Degeneres Show where they took over a skate rink and used fan submitted footage to fill the television screens behind their performance—watch HERE.

ONLINE, LIVE INSTRUCTION OFFERED IN THE SPRING AND STARTING FALL 2021, IN-PERSON AT WCU BILTMORE PARK!

Each workshop offers 5.5 SHRM Recertification Credits
Certificate: $625
$159 to $199 per Workshop

REGISTER ONLINE

Everything from managing remote employees to living in a world where the line has become blurred between what happens online and offline, means what worked last year could be ineffective in the coming years. Managers and supervisors need to learn how to adapt to a compromised economy and an up-and-coming workforce that’s progressively challenging the “status quo” for work ethics and work habits.

Understanding how to plan, strategize and adapt to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, is why managers and supervisor’s need to develop the right tools.

The workshops below will help bring you and your management team into 2021-2022 with the right skills. Designed as 4 to 6-hour online “live” sessions, participants will learn about each topic, while also engaging in hands-on activities and group discussions.

WHAT DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION MEAN TO LEADERSHIP PRACTICE
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 9 am – 3:30 pm
Diversity? Inclusion? A welcoming and inclusive environment? What does it all mean—in practice?  These are words we hear across our various sectors, yet they are critical to our collective development and future.  Diversity in the workplace has been linked to greater performance outcomes, but inclusion is critical for the retention of diverse employees.

GET READY FOR GENERATION Z IN THE WORKFORCE!
Friday, June 4 from 9 am – 3:30 pm
Generation Z (also known as the iGeneration or Digital Natives) roughly started between 1996 to 2012. At the moment, that means they are between the ages of  9 and 25. Without a doubt, we all will have to manage someone from the digital age along with diverse multigeneration work culture. What is the perfect mixture? How does one approach a challenging situation with cancel culture being prevalent? With the correct training, communication, and emotional intelligence, any team will have the perfect synergy.

EFFECTIVE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ)
Friday, June 11 from 9 am to 4 pm
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to identify and manage our own emotions, as well as tune into and respond appropriately to others’ emotions. High EQ in the workplace is essential.

NEW VISIONS IN LEADERSHIP POST-PANDEMIC
Thursday, June 17, from 9 am to 2 pm
As companies and schools, organizations and religious institutions struggle to redefine themselves in the aftermath of COVID-19, the leaders of these organizations are called upon to help chart a new course for their customers, employees and stakeholders.

CRISIS COMMUNICATION
Friday, September 17, 2021 / WCU Biltmore Park and online via Zoom
Crises are a fact of life. Regardless of the type of organization, we all are at risk. Manufacturers experience serious accidents and product recalls. Restaurants reel from outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Educational institutions deal with deadly shootings. Government and business leaders commit crimes and/or act unethically, etc.

POWERFUL COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR WOMEN
Friday, October 8, 2021 / WCU Biltmore Park and online via Zoom
Many women have built successful careers, but too few women have reached the highest levels in corporations, government, education and non-profit organizations. In ways that men do not, women must navigate a variety of obstacles, including stereotypical views, cultural expectations, and their own self-doubt and lack of confidence.

Fiscal Management: When Budget Cuts Impact Challenging Decisions – Coming Soon!

Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback – Coming Soon!

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