ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.

“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”

The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.

ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.

This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

Whether you’re just getting into craft beer or we’re on your brewery bucket list, a Mills River tour is for you — so we recommend you reserve a spot! Our interactive tours offer everything from hop handling to nature hikes to — what you really came for — beer sampling.

Space on each tour is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Make yours below. Looking to book a private tour? Fill out the private tour form, and we’ll get it organized. See you soon!

Whenever you want!   Supplies available at 2 Sulphur Springs Road If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776. Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request). Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information. Need to know Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806. All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup. Links & Attachments Cleanup Record DIY Cleanup Instructions-C5tsCUvm.pdf Do’s and Don’ts – Roadside Cleanups-j81w1uHK.pdf Syringe Safety-DBjtozsc.pdf

About the Art League of Henderson County

The Art League of Henderson County is – like art itself – for everyone, and our membership is open to both artists and art lovers. Since its founding in 1972, members of the Art League have believed in the value of the visual arts to our community. The Art League offers diverse opportunities to enrich the cultural life of Henderson County through public programs and art projects throughout the year.

For artists, the League provides opportunities to exhibit their art and improve their skills. These include workshops, artist open studio tours, lectures and demonstrations.  Program events offer an opportunity for members and visitors to interact and learn.  Small, informal groups gather to share ideas, offer advice, and build camaraderie. Field trips to museums and special exhibits are scheduled to a variety of venues.

Adult classes and workshops, open to the public, are offered in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media. Our experienced instructors are experts in their fields, and limits on class size permit ample individual attention to students.

The annual Fabulous Fakes exhibit in April provides an opportunity for artists to create their own fun versions of master works which are exhibited in a variety of gallery venues. Throughout the year, the Henderson County Library hosts exhibits of member works, often featuring a theme or an art medium.

Every spring, the League’s ArtScape Project hangs a new collection of colorful banners in downtown Hendersonville. ArtScape is supported by sponsors from local businesses, artists, and art lovers.  A brochure is available at the Henderson County Visitor Center and in locations around town. Throughout the year, visitors are invited to take a walking tour of this public showcase for our talented artists.

October provides an opportunity to see artists at work and learn about their inspiration and some of their secrets at the Art League’s Open Studio Weekend Tour.  Brochures and maps are available at the Visitor Center for this popular event.

The Art League of Henderson County continues to be committed to the vital role that the arts play in building a strong, vibrant, and diverse community.

What does Farm Beginnings® include?

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

• Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

• Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers

• One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership

• Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

• Access to field days with regional partners

• Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

• Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

• 15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.

Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.

Admission

• Individual – $3 per session
• Individual Season Pass – $100
• Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)

Locations

• Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
• Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road

Events

• Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.

• Pools will open Saturday, May 25!

  Dates of Operation:
  Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
  Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
  August 12th through September 2nd

  Pools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!

  Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
  Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
  Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
  Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pm

  Cost is $3 per person per day

Sit back if you dare as we illuminate Asheville’s darkest history with astonishing stories of spirits & spies, ghosts & goblins, hauntings & hoodlums and mountain-made murder & mayhem.

Hear stories of . . .

  The legendary PINK LADY at the Grove Park Inn
  The GHOST of Church Street
  The 1936 UNSOLVED MURDER that shook Asheville
  The CHILD SPIRITS at the haunted hospital
  The architect walled into his own church!
  The KILLING SPREE of 1906
  NAZI AGENTS based in Asheville
  ARSON at hospital that claimed Zelda Fitzgerald

Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.

Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.

Admission

• Individual – $3 per session
• Individual Season Pass – $100
• Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)

Locations

• Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
• Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road

Events

• Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.

• Pools will open Saturday, May 25!

  Dates of Operation:
  Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
  Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
  August 12th through September 2nd

  Pools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!

  Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
  Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
  Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
  Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pm

  Cost is $3 per person per day

Camp Bluebird 2024 is coming This September! Together, We Soar! Make a Difference in the Lives of Adult Cancer Survivors:   Did you know almost 2 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2023 alone? Each year, millions of people are directly impacted by cancer with an estimated almost 40% of Americans being diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.   For those who’ve heard the dreaded three words “You have cancer,” their lives have changed forever, and their new journey is often filled with tears, worry, isolation, and heartache. At Camp Bluebird, we want to help survivors realize their story is not over when they get their diagnosis, they have merely started writing a new chapter…one filled with resilience, hope, and a new sense of determination. And most importantly, we want them to know they are not alone in this journey. A camp dedicated to survivors and their journeys of healing and hope…What is Camp Bluebird?   Camp Bluebird is a 3-day, 2-night camp where survivors join together for companionship, arts, wellness and therapeutic activities, and even a DJ dance party! Our camp is designed to empower survivors on their journeys of healing and rediscovery while making lifelong friendships.   This year’s camp will take place September 10-12, 2024 at the Bonclarken Conference Center in historic Flat Rock, NC.     We hope you will consider helping  as we reach more campers and make a greater impact in the survivor community! CAMP BLUEBIRD’S MISSION   At Camp Bluebird, our mission is to provide space for cancer survivors from all walks of life to come together for support, encouragement, and understanding.  A place where hearts find rest, strength ignites and spirits SOAR as we share in a journey of healing and hope. VISIT CAMP BLUEBIRD WEBSITE Donate Securely Online With generous donations from our community and friends like you, we can ensure every deserving survivor can experience the magic of Camp Bluebird. Every donation, no matter the size, makes an impact.   Donations not only help those with financial hardships, but also help pay for camp activities, programs, and supplies. Will you help make an impact this year? Donate Online Now Your gift today makes a difference in the lives of Cancer Survivors!

The Artist Support Grant supports emerging and established artists taking the next steps in their career, with grants ranging from $500-$3,000. Funded by the North Carolina Arts Council, this regional grant program supports artists in creating work, improving business operations, or bringing work to new audiences. Region 17 is led by Haywood County Arts Council and supports artists in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties. The application cycle opens late July and closes in early September.

Check Out Our New Arts Discounts Page We have exciting news! The ArtsAVL website has a new feature: a discounts page!  At any time, you can head on over to artsavl.org/discounts to see special discount offers our members are offering. View Offerings

About the Art League of Henderson County

The Art League of Henderson County is – like art itself – for everyone, and our membership is open to both artists and art lovers. Since its founding in 1972, members of the Art League have believed in the value of the visual arts to our community. The Art League offers diverse opportunities to enrich the cultural life of Henderson County through public programs and art projects throughout the year.

For artists, the League provides opportunities to exhibit their art and improve their skills. These include workshops, artist open studio tours, lectures and demonstrations.  Program events offer an opportunity for members and visitors to interact and learn.  Small, informal groups gather to share ideas, offer advice, and build camaraderie. Field trips to museums and special exhibits are scheduled to a variety of venues.

Adult classes and workshops, open to the public, are offered in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media. Our experienced instructors are experts in their fields, and limits on class size permit ample individual attention to students.

The annual Fabulous Fakes exhibit in April provides an opportunity for artists to create their own fun versions of master works which are exhibited in a variety of gallery venues. Throughout the year, the Henderson County Library hosts exhibits of member works, often featuring a theme or an art medium.

Every spring, the League’s ArtScape Project hangs a new collection of colorful banners in downtown Hendersonville. ArtScape is supported by sponsors from local businesses, artists, and art lovers.  A brochure is available at the Henderson County Visitor Center and in locations around town. Throughout the year, visitors are invited to take a walking tour of this public showcase for our talented artists.

October provides an opportunity to see artists at work and learn about their inspiration and some of their secrets at the Art League’s Open Studio Weekend Tour.  Brochures and maps are available at the Visitor Center for this popular event.

The Art League of Henderson County continues to be committed to the vital role that the arts play in building a strong, vibrant, and diverse community.

Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.

Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.

Admission

• Individual – $3 per session
• Individual Season Pass – $100
• Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)

Locations

• Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
• Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road

Events

• Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.

• Pools will open Saturday, May 25!

  Dates of Operation:
  Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
  Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
  August 12th through September 2nd

  Pools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!

  Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
  Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
  Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
  Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pm

  Cost is $3 per person per day

Come enjoy our most popular Asheville tour!

Duration

1 hour and 30 minutes

About

Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties are not permitted on this tour. The Fender Bender Bus is bachelorette/bachelor friendly!

Historical and hysterical, The Hey Asheville tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances and loads of Asheville information. You’ll get to see the best of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!

Find out what makes Asheville so unique on LaZoom’s City Comedy Tour. It’s the perfect mix of history, comedy, and entertainment. Our guides are trained professional actors working with an original script. It’s like a theatre on wheels! The tour highlights downtown Asheville, historic neighborhoods, the South Slope, and the River Arts District.

Age Restrictions

13 and up. No exceptions.

Stops

10 minute beer & bathroom break at Green Man Brewery

What’s Included

Guided tour of Asheville on a Purple Bus
Funny actors, fun bits
Actual History about Asheville
Green Man Brewery Stop

What’s Not Included

Beer/Wine (Must be purchased from LaZoom or the Brewery Stop)
Cash! You’ll want to tip the guides for changing your life for the better.

Unleash your curiosity of the unknown when you retreat to a dark sky oasis where the stars are innumerable
and beckon overhead. Let the magnificence of space overwhelm you as you discover the mysteries that still
confound scientists, it just might drive you to become tomorrow’s astronauts, physicists, and engineers.
Come learn how different telescopes work and use them and real data to explore space just like professional
scientists do. PARI is a unique site, rich in space science history, and is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains
of North Carolina, where an abundance of adventures awaits. From Space and Science to tubing, waterfall
swimming and roller skating, there are fun, refreshing activities for everyone.
Your Next Adventure Awaits!
When you look up at night and see a field of twinkling lights or the bright crescent of the Moon, what is it
you think of? Maybe you wonder what makes the stars burn and how they came to be, or what planets might
orbit them and the worlds they hold. Perhaps you see patterns that tell a story or point the way to a place
beyond the horizon. Or, do they instill in you a sense of adventure and desire to explore?
Space is a frontier that sparks imagination and curiosity to discover and understand. It invokes the same
spirit that drove ancient peoples to sail into the unknown and pioneers to set out across continents. To reach
into space requires tenacity and grit, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds who’ve studied,
experimented, and pushed humanity’s abilities forward again and again.
The summer of 2024 will begin PARI’s twenty- third summer camp season. It brings camp programs where
campers explore the ways that researchers delve the depths of our universe to make new discoveries, and the
challenges that humans face when leaving the Earth to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
It is also the third summer of our new partnership with Clemson University. This collaboration expands our
ability to inspire with new topics and resources and will reach even more campers who will become the next
generation of scientists and explorers.
Have you got what it takes to conquer STEM and Space?
PARI Summer Camps
Mission Control: Martian Frontier
-Do you have what it takes to plan a mission to another planet?
Gain confidence, learn space science, and strive to make it to a new world in this combination role-play—academic
camp. The wide variety of topics makes this camp a good fit for a range of interests. You’ll tackle challenges in
space craft and habitat design, astronaut health and well-being, and capturing public interest while swaying others
to support your plan.
This camp is designed for middle and high school aged campers.
Above & Beyond
-Models the research process followed by professionals in space science!
Our signature and most academically intensive camp explores the universe through astronomy, physics, and
astrobiology. Use real research-grade instruments and data to investigate objects like super-nova remnants and
distant star clusters, or map the Milky Way. One small step as a space explorer, one giant step in launching your
career in space.
This camp is designed for high school aged campers.
3D Planets – PARI Edition
Lunar and Martian Geography, 3D Modeling & Printing
What is the surface of other planets like? How do we find out and turn that information into a three dimensional
model? Can we accurately recreate other places in the solar system with a 3D printer in a way that anyone can
see and touch and gain an understanding of places beyond Earth? Campers will investigate these questions and
delve into the processes of making science accessible to all. The PARI edition will feature a field trip to a unique
mountain location to experience the beauty of the Land of Waterfalls.
This camp is available in versions for either middle school or high school aged campers.
Clemson & PARI Summer Camps
3D Planets – Clemson Edition
Lunar and Martian Geography, 3D Modeling & Printing
What is the surface of other planets like? How do we find out and turn that information into a three dimensional
model? Can we accurately recreate other places in the solar system with a 3D printer in a way that anyone can
see and touch and gain an understanding of places beyond Earth? Campers will investigate these questions and
delve into the processes of making science accessible to all.
The Clemson Edition of this camp will feature a guest speaker from Clemson University who will engage campers
with the science and research going on there. Campers will also hike to a unique mountain location in the Land of
Waterfalls.
This camp is designed for middle school aged campers.
Advanced 3D Planets – Clemson Edition
Lunar and Martian Geography, 3D Modeling & Printing
What is the surface of other planets like? How do we find out and turn that information into a three dimensional
model? Can we accurately recreate other places in the solar system with a 3D printer in a way that anyone can
see and touch and gain an understanding of places beyond Earth? Campers will investigate these questions and
delve into the processes of making science accessible to all.
The advanced version of this camp is designed for high school aged campers and will go deeper into the math
behind how the data is modeled in the computer. We will also learn to represent 3D models with code.
The Clemson Edition of this camp will feature a field trip to Clemson University where students experience the
science and research going on there.
This camp is designed for high school aged campers.
3D Planets – Clemson Edition
6/16/2024 3 PM – 6/21/2024 10 AM
Ages 11 – 15
Advanced 3D Planets – Clemson Edition
6/23/2024 3 PM – 6/28/2024 10 AM
Ages 14 – 17 years
3D Planets – PARI Edition
6/30/2024 3 PM – 7/5/2024 10 AM
Ages 11 – 15
Above & Beyond
7/7/2024 3 PM – 7/18/2024 10 AM
Grades 9th – 12th
Martian Frontier
7/21/2024 3 PM – 8/1/2024 10 AM
Grades 7th – 12th
Empowering today’s campers to become tomorrow’s leaders in space and science discovery

Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.

Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.

Admission

• Individual – $3 per session
• Individual Season Pass – $100
• Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)

Locations

• Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool – 285 Livingston Street
• Recreation Park Pool – 65 Gashes Creek Road

Events

• Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.

• Pools will open Saturday, May 25!

  Dates of Operation:
  Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
  Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
  August 12th through September 2nd

  Pools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!

  Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
  Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
  Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
  Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pm

  Cost is $3 per person per day

Camp Bluebird 2024 is coming This September! Together, We Soar! Make a Difference in the Lives of Adult Cancer Survivors:   Did you know almost 2 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2023 alone? Each year, millions of people are directly impacted by cancer with an estimated almost 40% of Americans being diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.   For those who’ve heard the dreaded three words “You have cancer,” their lives have changed forever, and their new journey is often filled with tears, worry, isolation, and heartache. At Camp Bluebird, we want to help survivors realize their story is not over when they get their diagnosis, they have merely started writing a new chapter…one filled with resilience, hope, and a new sense of determination. And most importantly, we want them to know they are not alone in this journey. A camp dedicated to survivors and their journeys of healing and hope…What is Camp Bluebird?   Camp Bluebird is a 3-day, 2-night camp where survivors join together for companionship, arts, wellness and therapeutic activities, and even a DJ dance party! Our camp is designed to empower survivors on their journeys of healing and rediscovery while making lifelong friendships.   This year’s camp will take place September 10-12, 2024 at the Bonclarken Conference Center in historic Flat Rock, NC.     We hope you will consider helping  as we reach more campers and make a greater impact in the survivor community! CAMP BLUEBIRD’S MISSION   At Camp Bluebird, our mission is to provide space for cancer survivors from all walks of life to come together for support, encouragement, and understanding.  A place where hearts find rest, strength ignites and spirits SOAR as we share in a journey of healing and hope. VISIT CAMP BLUEBIRD WEBSITE Donate Securely Online With generous donations from our community and friends like you, we can ensure every deserving survivor can experience the magic of Camp Bluebird. Every donation, no matter the size, makes an impact.   Donations not only help those with financial hardships, but also help pay for camp activities, programs, and supplies. Will you help make an impact this year? Donate Online Now Your gift today makes a difference in the lives of Cancer Survivors!

The Artist Support Grant supports emerging and established artists taking the next steps in their career, with grants ranging from $500-$3,000. Funded by the North Carolina Arts Council, this regional grant program supports artists in creating work, improving business operations, or bringing work to new audiences. Region 17 is led by Haywood County Arts Council and supports artists in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties. The application cycle opens late July and closes in early September.

Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.

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