The YMCA of Western North Carolina has announced the expansion of its 21st Century Community Learning Center Horizons program, a free, grant-funded initiative focused on academic support and enrichment for middle school students in the Enka and Erwin districts of Buncombe County. The program, based at Enka Intermediate and Eblen Intermediate schools, provides afterschool and summer activities in STEM, literacy, arts, and physical wellness, aimed at improving reading and math skills, social development, and critical thinking. The expansion addresses the needs of nearly 25% of local students living in poverty, offering vital support to families facing transportation and work challenges. Learn more.
Explore Asheville, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority announced that visitors contributed nearly $3 billion to the Asheville and Buncombe County economy in 2023, marking the second consecutive year of such economic impact. Representing 20% of the county’s GDP, visitor spending primarily supported food and beverage, retail, transportation, recreation, and lodging sectors. With nearly 14 million visitors, including 5 million overnight guests, the tourism industry supported 29,148 local jobs and generated over $1 billion in wages, while also providing $265 million in state and local tax revenues. This substantial contribution reduces the local tax burden, saving each household approximately $2,600 annually. Learn more.
Groundbreaking:
City of Asheville leaders, including Mayor Manheimer, council members, and City Manager Campbell, joined the Asheville Tourists organization and partners to break ground on the McCormick Field Centennial Restoration and Capital Improvement project. This renovation, supported by the City, Buncombe County, and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, aims to upgrade the facility to Major League Baseball standards and create new opportunities for community programming. Learn more.
Happenings:
RiverLink invites you to Asheville’s second annual No Water No Beer event on September 26, from 5-8 PM at Burial Beer’s Forestry Camp. For $35, attendees receive two beers, delicious food, and the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring a range of river and lifestyle items, including a popular paddleboard package from Hellbender Paddleboards. The event supports RiverLink’s clean water initiatives. Tickets must be purchased by September 18. Join us for a celebratory evening of great drinks, food, and community!
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2024-2025 season, running from September 2024 through May 2025, featuring a lineup of world-class performers, including Cirque Kalabanté, The Comedy Zone, American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, Duo Baldo, The Acting Company, and more. Over nine months, the season will showcase more than 47 performances across music, theater, dance, comedy, and more, along with 20 additional performances as part of the Student Series for school groups and families. Tickets are on sale now at worthamarts.org or through the box office, with multi-show discount packages available for added savings.
Moving:
MountainCare, a nonprofit offering adult day services, announced that its Buncombe Adult Day Program is moving to a new location downtown at the First Baptist Church of Asheville (FBCA), becoming fully operational on August 28, 2024. This move provides enhanced accessibility and additional space for community-dwelling older adults with cognitive and physical impairments, offering a safe environment for socialization and activities. Previously located on Sweeten Creek Road for nearly 30 years, the program’s relocation to FBCA aligns with a shared vision between MountainCare and the church. The new facility at Five Oak Street, which includes ample parking and accessible entrances, will also allow for additional enrollments and expanded services. MountainCare looks forward to continuing its nearly 40-year mission of supporting adults with special needs and their caregivers in this new, vibrant community setting.