The hot spots

The big picture

• Grants: Funding from the government can help cover the costs of land acquisition and construction. For example, the Community Development Block Grant Program provides annual grants to fund housing projects.
• Land dispositions: Transferring property to local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit developers can reduce the cost of affordable housing.
• Taxes: When transforming office space into housing, systems like plumbing, heating, and cooling typically need replacing. This can be an opportunity to make improvements to energy efficiency — which can be rewarded with tax incentives and credits.

• Witchy Workshop: Tarot with Cats | Friday, Jan. 5 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic, 841 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $15 | Learn to read tarot, and show your support for the cats in the lounge.
• Kokedama Workshop | Friday, Jan. 5 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | PlantHouse, 2 Hendersonville Rd., Ste. A3, Asheville | $25 | Create your own Japanese moss ball, and learn about the history of this botanical art — the workshop is 16+.

• Kid Hop Hooray! | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $2-$6 | Let the little ones dance their sillies out with family-friendly music and snacks from The Hop.
• “My Own Private Rodeo” Cassette Release Celebration | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 7 p.m. | Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave, Asheville | Free | Enjoy a little throwback with the debut of Wagging’s harmony-drive, primitive pop album.

• Sunday Scrabble Club | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 1:30-5:30 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville | Free | Test your linguistic skills with the classic word game — it’s okay to come late or leave early.
• Public Tour: Discovering Art in Asheville | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 2-3 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Sq., Asheville | Free with admission | Join this guided tour through the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions.

• Menopause Cafe | Monday, Jan. 8 | 6-8 p.m. | Hello, Gorgeous! Professional Bra Fitting & More, 61 N. Merrimon Ave., #107, Asheville | Free | Sit in on the informative event to talk experience, ask questions, share laughter, and make connections.

1. Try a new hobby.
2. Find a fun way to move.
3. Go organic with groceries.

• Access to wholesale pricing (products are up to 30% off traditional grocery stores)
• Free two-day shipping with orders $49+
• All organic or non-GMO food
• Guaranteed price matching and more

• As part of National Radon Action Month, Buncombe County’s Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency is encouraging residents to test their homes for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas. The NC Radon Program has a limited number of free tests available.

• Start preparing for the polls. Absentee ballots for the 2024 primary election are now available to registered and eligible NC voters. Absentee ballots can be requested through Tuesday, Feb. 27 — one week before the Mar. 5 election. Submit your request in the portal or mail it to the Buncombe County Board of Elections.

• Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts is continuing its 20th anniversary celebration with the “How to Stay Healthy in the Winter” event. On Wednesday, Jan. 10, College President Dr. Cissy Majebé will deliver remarks and college staff will share information on staying well this season + provide free mini acupuncture treatments.

• West Asheville Tailgate market is now accepting applications for 2024 — so if you’re looking for a venue for your goods or wares, this is the perfect time to set up shop. The market is on Tuesdays, running from April through November. Check out the application.

• There’s no place like home. Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications from qualified applicants for Glenn Bridge, a neighborhood of detached homes + townhouses being constructed in Arden. Interested applicants can attend an info session on Tuesday, Jan. 9. Support the organization by getting involved.

• At its Tuesday, Jan. 2 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution and interlocal agreement to join The North Carolina Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System (North Carolina CLASS). North Carolina CLASS is an investment pool for the County’s idle funds, allowing them to be invested and earn interest.

• Twice the fun in 2024. In response to the more than 4,000 attendees in 2023, the Asheville Celtic Festival is expanding to two days this year. On Saturday, Feb. 17 + Sunday Feb. 18, the indoor/outdoor festival will showcase Celtic music, share history and traditions, present battles and performances, and offer food and ales.

• Did upping your writing skills make the resolution list? Join the Great Smokies Writers Program to try your hand at multiple forms of creative writing, led by published writers and experienced teachers. Five-week and 10-week courses start as early as late January. See courses + register.*

• One of our top New Year’s resolutions? Getting our finances in order. Money Pickle matches you with a trusted advisor tailored to your needs through a complimentary video call to help you navigate your money. Book your free session.*

• Got 2024 travel plans? Sign up for a free Going account and get notified when flights are up to 90% off. Hello, trip of your dreams.*