The Buncombe County Planning Department’s 2043 Comprehensive Plan recently won the prestigious Vernon Dienes Special Project Plan Award from the American Planning Association’s Small Towns and Rural Division. The plan, recognized for addressing development while preserving community values, emphasizes intentional community involvement and balances growth with conservation efforts. Through extensive public engagement, the plan reflects residents’ desires to protect the county’s natural beauty and rural character. The Growth, Equity, and Conservation Framework guides decision-making, prioritizing areas for growth while preserving environmentally sensitive and agriculturally important lands. Small Area Planning for Rural Centers aims to support place-based economic development. The award reflects the Planning Department’s commitment to inclusive planning practices and recognition of the county’s unique rural landscape. Read more.
Funding:
Impact Health has awarded $400,000 in grants to eight Western North Carolina-based organizations to bolster their community health workforce and connect residents to the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) and other health-related resources. The HOP program, led by Impact Health, utilizes Medicaid funding to cover nonmedical services like transportation, nutrition, housing, and interpersonal safety. Thirty organizations applied for funding, highlighting the growing recognition of the importance of community health workers (CHWs) in the region. Awardees were selected based on their commitment to community service, equity, advocacy, and collaboration. Each organization will receive $50,000 to invest in their CHW workforce and participate in pilot activities over the next year. Learn more.
Happenings:
Starting May 31, 2024, the Montford Park Players, North Carolina’s longest-running Shakespeare theater, will present Richard II as part of their Muse of Fire: Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses season. This season celebrates the nine Shakespearean plays recounting the English Wars of the Roses. Richard II depicts the rule of King Richard II in England and the eventual overthrow by Henry Bolingbroke. Directed by Jason Williams, the production stars Emilie Soffe as King Richard and Eric Vik as Henry Bolingbroke. All shows are free of charge. Learn more.
Mast General Store will celebrate Land Trust Day on June 1 by donating 20% of the day’s sales to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, which serves Asheville, Waynesville, and surrounding areas. Land Trust Day coincides with National Trails Day, highlighting the importance of trails and land conservation efforts. This marks the 20th year of Mast Store’s support for land trusts. The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, established in 1974, protects over 70,000 acres of land in North Carolina and Tennessee, preserving habitats, freshwater sources, farmland, and natural landscapes. Lisa Cooper, Mast Store’s president, emphasizes the vital role of conservancies in safeguarding resources for current and future generations. Visit the Mast Stores in Asheville and Waynesville on June 1 to learn more about the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and land trusts. Their website is Appalachian.org.
UNC Asheville and Explore Asheville are proud to announce the hosting of the American Kennel Club (AKC®) Disc Dog Challenge at UNC Asheville’s recently renovated Karl Straus Track & Field Facility on June 2, 2024. Nearly 45 dog athletes will compete against the scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The event, in collaboration with the UpDog Challenge, promises a day of exhilarating competitions, showcasing the skills and agility of dog athletes. Admission is free, and the first 400 spectators, along with leashed, well-behaved dogs, can enjoy the action from bleachers. The event will be filmed for broadcast on ESPN later this summer. The newly renovated Olympic-level facility, made possible by a $1,500,000 investment from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, aims to benefit Bulldog student-athletes while attracting local, regional, and national athletic events. Read more.
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity hosts Blueprint Breakfast for Dinner on June 6th, featuring breakfast-inspired dishes prepared by local chefs such as Michelle Bailey, Brian Crow, and Steven Goff. The event, produced by Shay & Company, aims to support affordable housing initiatives. Lead sponsors include SanStone Health & Rehabilitation and Wells Fargo. Proceeds will fund the construction of the Blueprint Breakfast House, an energy-efficient home in Habitat’s Glenn Bridge neighborhood. Festivities include live music, wine tastings, raffles, and more. Attendees can support the cause and make a lasting impact in the community. Tickets available on Eventbrite; visit ashevillehabitat.org for additional information.
Black Mountain PTO and Pisgah Brewing join forces to present ‘Vibes for the Valley,’ a benefit concert for Black Mountain Afterschool Programs on June 8. The event, featuring Scott McMicken & THE EVER-EXPANDING, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, and Hannah Kaminer & The Wistfuls, will include a silent auction. All proceeds support afterschool programs. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show. The concert aims to compensate educators and expand afterschool offerings at Black Mountain public schools. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact communications@blackmountainpto.org. Get tickets here.
ActionCOACH Business Growth Partners proudly presents The Asheville Business Summit, scheduled for August 20, 2024, at the Embassy Suites in Downtown Asheville. Featuring keynote speaker Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH, alongside Master Coach Bill Gilliland, the summit offers strategies for business scaling and sustainable success. Highlights include a VIP dinner, networking opportunities, and an exhibition hall showcasing local businesses. Early bird registration is open until June 30, with special bundle rates available. Presented by ActionCOACH Business Growth Partners, the summit aims to foster business growth and community development in Western North Carolina. Sponsorships by Valor Private Wealth and other partners support this premier event. Visit wncsummit.com for registration and event details.