Eblen Charities will host its 11th annual Winter Coat Giveaway on October 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their warehouse location at 23 Hamilton Street, near Mission Hospital in Asheville. Over 3,000 winter coats and items, collected last spring through a partnership with WLOS, Carolina Furniture Concepts, and Two Men and a Truck, will be distributed free of charge to those in need. Donations are still being accepted at the Eblen Charities office, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit eblencharities.org or contact Kathy Soule at ksoule@eblencharities.org.
The WNC Nature Center is developing a permanent native pollinator garden as part of its Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project, featuring nature play areas, a planted meadow, shaded coverings, and an education kiosk. This initiative, inspired by the success of the seasonal “Beauty of Butterflies” exhibit, aims to engage guests of all ages with the beauty and importance of pollinators like butterflies, which have faced significant decline due to habitat loss and climate change. The project will include interactive elements such as a giant caterpillar and musical butterflies, promoting nature play and its numerous benefits for children’s social-emotional well-being, academic performance, and physical health. The community can support this $400,000 project, which has already raised over $250,000, through donations. To contribute, visit wildwnc.org/donatetogateway or contact the Friends of the WNC Nature Center at development@wildwnc.org.
Funding:
Dogwood Health Trust has awarded a three-year, $2.1 million grant to MANNA FoodBank to strengthen food systems in Western North Carolina. The grant will support over 100 partner agencies, eliminate transportation and storage fees for pantries, and fund the “Our Farms, Our Families” program to connect local farmers with families in need. This partnership aims to increase access to fresh, nutritious food and provide a dignified, choice-based shopping experience for more residents, especially in rural areas.
Happenings:
The City of Asheville is holding a Block Party Career Fair on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, located at 50 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Asheville, NC 28801. This event will showcase exciting career opportunities within the city, allowing attendees to engage with City staff, receive resume tips, and discover positions that align with their skills and career goals. The fair will feature music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Media representatives are encouraged to attend and can access promotional materials to inform the community. More information on employment opportunities can be found on the City of Asheville’s website.
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts will kick off its 2024/2025 season with comedian Karen Morgan on Thursday, September 26, at 7 p.m. in the Diana Wortham Theatre, featuring opener Kathy Gilmour. Morgan, known for her observational humor reflecting on her upbringing in the ’70s and ’80s, offers relatable comedy for audiences, particularly Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. Tickets are priced at $45, with children’s tickets available for $22. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit worthamarts.org or call 828-257-4530 x1.
The YWCA of Asheville is hosting a Health and Wellness Open House on Saturday, September 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., inviting the community to explore wellness options in a welcoming environment. Attendees can sample classes, meet personal trainers, tour the gym, learn about new programs, and enjoy door prizes. The event aims to provide a supportive space for all, aligned with the YWCA’s mission of inclusivity, empowerment, and holistic wellness. For more details, visit ywcaofasheville.org.
The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) will host its tenth annual “Under the Stars” fundraiser on Thursday, October 3, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at The Mule @ Devil’s Foot Beverage, with a VIP reception starting at 5:00 PM. The event, presented by Eaton and Hedrick Industries, will feature music, dinner, drinks, games, and silent and live auctions. Proceeds will support AMOS’s mission to enhance access to science education in Western North Carolina, including expanding the museum space and providing free field trips and programs for students facing financial barriers. Tickets are $65 for members, $70 for non-members, and $80 for VIP admission. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ashevillescience.org.
Land of the Sky Association of Realtors, Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust, and Pinnacle Financial Partners are hosting a free “Homebuying 101” workshop on Thursday, October 3, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at 21 Restaurant Ct, Asheville, NC. The event, led by Keisha Johnston, Community Mortgage Advisor, will cover topics such as mortgages, working with lenders, preparing to buy a home, and affordable homeownership options. RSVP today to learn more about navigating the homebuying process.
Poverty is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., responsible for 295,431 deaths in 2019, highlighting the need to address it as a public health issue. The inaugural Health is Wealth Summit, scheduled for October 5 at MAHEC in Asheville, aims to tackle this challenge by bringing together medical providers, community organizations, and human services to collaborate on strategies for improving health and well-being through poverty alleviation. The event, organized by ABIPA, Impact Health, IFPHA, and other local partners, will feature a keynote by Dr. Somava Saha, a panel discussion with local leaders, and an afternoon Health and Advocacy Fair offering resources and opportunities for community engagement. Attendees can participate in the full-day summit or just the fair, as the event seeks to inspire collective action against poverty and promote health equity in Western North Carolina. Register for the full-day Summit here: https://ow.ly/CK3J50Tn7l6 or just for the Health & Advocacy Fair here: https://ow.ly/cbCv50Tn7lh.
Join Sky Land School of Real Estate and the Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS® for an in-person Planning & Zoning Resource course on October 30, 2024, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Learn how communities can grow sustainably and equitably with smart growth principles. Led by instructor Nate K. Johnson, this session will cover strategies for advocating for your community’s future. The cost is $85, with an additional $10 to add CE. LOTSAR members receive a discount. Lunch will be provided. Register at lotsar.org or skylandschool.com.
Hire:
Bank of America has appointed David Dowd as the new president of Bank of America Asheville. In this role, Dowd will lead the bank’s efforts to connect clients, teammates, and communities with the full range of the bank’s services across its eight business lines. He will focus on growing market share, deepening client relationships, and deploying the bank’s resources to support economic mobility and community development. Dowd, who is also Senior Vice President of Business Banking, has a strong track record with Bank of America and a deep commitment to the Asheville community, where he is actively involved with several local nonprofits. He holds an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Linguistics from the University of Montana and resides in Asheville with his family. Bank of America serves approximately 69 million clients across 3,800 financial centers and 15,000 ATMs, offering a comprehensive range of financial services globally.
Opening:
Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors announces the opening of Maguro, a new Japanese restaurant at 14 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville, near White Duck Taco Shop and Charmed Asheville. Maguro offers a unique dining experience by blending traditional Japanese techniques with modern culinary innovations, featuring a diverse menu of tapas, sushi, and noodle bowls. Diners can enjoy fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, and a variety of lunch specials, including hibachi dishes starting at $12. Karen Weiner, Director of Property Management at Crawford Square, highlights the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere and high-quality cuisine. Maguro joins the Pack Square Collection, which includes notable establishments like Charmed Asheville, Rhubarb, and Posana. For more information, visit maguroasheville.com.
Opportunity:
The Land of Sky Regional Council, with support from the Duke Energy Foundation, is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to support underserved businesses in Western North Carolina. Eligible businesses located within Duke Energy’s service area in Madison, Buncombe, Yancey, Mitchell, and Avery counties can apply. The grants are intended for capital improvements and equipment purchases to help sustain operations, encourage innovation, and promote business growth. Applications are open until October 4th. For more information, contact Jessika Bond at Land of Sky Regional Council. Click here to apply.