In partnership with Land of Sky Regional Council, Buncombe County Public Libraries (BCPL)has announced the launch of the Library Laptop Loan Program beginning Friday, April 16. The program is aiming to help bridge the digital divide, as many people in the community rely on their local library for internet connectivity. The program, funded through a grant from the State Library of North Carolina through the CARES Act, comes at a time when much of life has moved online due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. BCPL will have laptops & hotspots available to Buncombe County library cardholders, 18+ with good standing that they may check out for one month at a time. To check out a laptop, hotspot or both, call the Ask-a-Librarian line at (828) 250-4700 to request a device. There is no charge for the service but charges may be incurred for late returns or losses.
MANNA FoodBankhas announced a new fundraising campaign, entitled Outpace Hunger, which will help turn a favorite activity into food for WNC families. Running through October, participants in the program set an activity-based fundraising goal and share their personal fundraiser with friends and family. Next, they track their progress and encourage people to support their effort to raise money for meals as they come closer to their goal. All ages and all activities are welcome. Individuals, family groups or local businesses can sign up to participate and can issue challenges to others. To learn more, sign up or track the progress of participants, click here.
It’s the 50th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child, and Buncombe Partnership for Children has a $10,000 matching gift challenge is up and running. Donations will support Buncombe Partnership for Children’s work with local children ages birth to 5 years old. Double your impact on children, families, and teachers and help meet the match by celebrating this special time of year with your generosity.
Community:
Best of Asheville, presented by Asheville Radio & Media Group, is open for voting now through April 23. With nine primary categories, ranging from Eat & Drink to Home & garden to Things to Do, there are 235 sub-categories. Individuals and businesses can vote once a day and the results will be revealed on Thursday, June 24. Vote here.
Happenings:
AdventHealth Hendersonville is holding a free webinar about options for ankle replacement and minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. In the webinar, Dr. Peter Mangone, an orthopedic surgeon, will discuss common symptoms, conditions and the most recent state-of-the-art treatment options for patients with ankle and foot pain. Dr. Mangone will explain what to expect during an evaluation and treatments available, including when a total ankle replacement is an option to consider. Additionally, he’ll share minimally invasive procedures, including the latest foot and ankle bunion correction surgery. The webinar will be held Thursday, April 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. Space is limited. Click here to register or call 855-774-5433.
Asheville Wellness Tours has two new experiences this month, including ‘Tarot Tuesdays’ and Family Friendly Forest Bathing. Tarot Tuesdays, held each Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. online, will offer a short, virtual taste of Tarot for $20 per person for 10 minutes per person. The group is limited to 5 guests. Family Friendly Forest Bathing, an opportunity to feel disconnected from the screens and be in nature with your family, will be held on Fridays at 1 p.m. The experience should allow 3 hours, will take place in the forests of WNC and cost starts at $55 per person. Public walks are limited to 10 guests and private walks will accommodate up to 20 guests. Click here to sign up for an event.
Opening:
Tru by Hilton, a new hotel in East Asheville, opened this past week. Located at 1500 Tunnel Road, the hotel offers a range of amenities including a fitness center, free breakfast, business center and heated outdoor pool. Click here to book a room and click here to see a video of the hotel.
Opportunity:
NerdsToGo, a company providing mobile IT solutions to residential consumers and small businesses, is looking for field technicians or “nerds” to join their team. The company is looking for individuals with A+ certifications as well as a background in networking essentials. The “nerd” will be responsible for desktop configurations, installations and upgrade of personal computer hardware and software, maintenance and more. Click here to view the job listing.
Friday Services is looking to hire for multiple positions in WNC. The staffing agency has jobs in Fletcher, Black Mountain, Mills River and Etowah. Friday Services will be at the WNC Career Expo, in-person at Rabbit Rabbit on Thursday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. They will also be at the NC Works Career Fair at 48 Grove Street, Asheville on Wednesday, April 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Click here to apply for a job through Friday Services.
Resources:
TheCity of Asheville Business Inclusion Office is conducting three free training sessions to help local businesses learn how to work on local government contracts. These training sessions, which are facilitated by the A-B Tech Small Business Center, are taking place Tuesday, April 13 through Thursday, April 15. In these sessions, business owners will learn if doing business with the government is right for them, how to do it and what to do once they have a contract with the local government. Click here to learn more and register.
Hope4NC is launching a Crisis Counseling Program in 15 counties in WNC through Vaya & RHA Health Services. Hope4NC is a free, state-wide program funded by FEMA, currently helping people affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers a 24/7 helpline which offers support and referrals to local resources and serves, as well as crisis counseling centers with counselors working in five counties. To individuals, the program offers a free, confidential service for short-term, strength-based counseling and emotional support, as well as assessments and referrals to local resources for mental health, disability and substance abuse services. To service providers, organizations and community groups, the program can provide public education, an extra layer of support, support groups and outreach and community networking. Click here to learn more about the program.