Dogwood Health Trust warns of a fraudulent website falsely claiming to offer grants through the WNC Small Business Initiative. The legitimate program, funded by Dogwood and administered by Appalachian Community Capital in partnership with the Community Reinvestment Fund, accepts applications exclusively through the official ACC portal until November 27, 2024. Protect your personal information and report suspected fraud to the North Carolina Department of Justice at ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint.
The Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued an open burning ban, effective December 4 at noon through December 7 at 9 a.m. due to adverse weather conditions. Fires in small pits, grills, or chimneys under three feet in diameter are exempt. Open burning is always prohibited within Asheville city limits.
UNC Asheville, with support from the NC General Assembly, is offering free in-state tuition for Spring 2025, covering up to $2,061. Current and new students are eligible, with the application deadline extended to December 6. Additional aid includes up to $2,500 in Emergency Grants for Hurricane Helene impacts, $900 in housing credits, and up to $840 in dining credits. Emergency Grant applications close December 2. Learn more at unca.edu.
Happenings:
FEMA and the Small Business Administration will host a webinar on Disaster Response: Small Business Resources, Insurance, and Claims on December 10, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EDT. The session will guide small businesses through the insurance claims process and provide resources for disaster recovery and resilience. Register here.
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Asheville Mall and Mobile DRCs are open to assist survivors of Tropical Storm Helene. Services include federal assistance applications, SBA loan consultations, and referrals to local resources. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is January 7, 2025. Apply online.
Asheville Mall: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Mobile DRCs:
Fairview Public Library: Dec. 6-7, 9-10
Weaverville Town Hall: Dec. 11-13
Eblen Charities, in partnership with Ingles Markets, WLOS, and iHeartMedia, will host the 13th Annual Ingles Magical Christmas Toy Drive from December 5-7, 2024, at Ingles Store #31 on Smokey Park Highway in Asheville. The event collects new, unwrapped toys, books, clothing, gift cards, and monetary donations to benefit the St. Nicholas Toy Store, which provides holiday gifts to local children in need. Last year, the initiative supported over 3,000 children, including families affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit eblencharities.org for more details.
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts will host A Swannanoa Solstice on December 22, 2024, with performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This annual celebration features music, storytelling, and dance, blending local and global folk traditions. The 2024 lineup includes returning artists Zoe & Cloyd, Josh Goforth, EJ Jones & The Piper Jones Band, Becky Stone, the A.C. Reynolds Chorale, and M A R, along with newcomers Newberry & Verch. Tickets are $60 for adults and $22 for children under 15. Visit worthamarts.org for details and tickets.
Asheville Media Group (AMG) has launched the Santa Pal Toy Drive, running December 2-11, to benefit the Asheville Optimist Club’s Santa Pal program, which has brought holiday cheer to local children and families for over 85 years. This year, the program is focusing on families impacted by Hurricane Helene. Community members can donate new, unwrapped toys, coats, and blankets for children ages 2-12 at participating drop-off locations, including Massage Envy South, Alan’s Jewelry & Pawn, and AMG’s offices. A special drive-thru donation event will be held on December 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit participating locations to help brighten the holidays for Asheville children.
Hire:
Eblen Charities has appointed Brian Hall as its new Executive Director, effective January 1, 2025. Hall, widely recognized for his community work and disaster response efforts, will succeed Beth Russo. Hall expressed his commitment to continue supporting the community, especially after Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact.
Formation PR + Brand, a Hendersonville-based strategic communications firm, has named Derek Coté as its new Creative Director. With over 20 years of experience in design, branding, and marketing, Coté will lead the agency’s creative strategy and development, contributing to its growth and client impact. Coté’s background includes roles as an art and design professor, art director, and marketing manager, with expertise in creating innovative, on-brand campaigns. Formation PR + Brand, founded in 2007, has served nearly 300 clients nationwide, emphasizing social and economic impact. Learn more at formationpr.com.
Opportunity:
Applications for the Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant open December 5. This program provides up to three months of rent, mortgage, or utility assistance for Buncombe County residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. Payments will be made directly to landlords, mortgage companies, or utility providers. Visit buncombecounty.org/publicassistance for details.
The American Pickers will return to North Carolina in February 2025 to film episodes of their popular History Channel series. They are looking for unique antiques and stories from the region. If you have an item to sell, contact americanpickers@cineflix.com with photos and descriptions.