Get to know the local government this week. | Photo by Sandra Cohen-Rose
Now through Friday, March 14 is Civic Learning Week — iCivics’ annual, national celebration of the knowledge and skills that provide a foundation for an informed population. We’re all about getting to know your local government, so we gathered a few resources on engaging with the City of Asheville and Buncombe County.
Local gov 101
City and County services | Find out where to go for services like getting a marriage license or applying for a code permit.
City or County boards | Improve the community by joining a board or commission.
Keeping up and speaking out
Between surveys, projects, meetings, and committees, it can feel overwhelming trying to keep your finger on the pulse. To stay up to date with civic happenings, the City of Asheville and Buncombe County both have online engagement portals. Comment on plans, submit remote comments for public meetings, and learn about all the functions of each board.
Climate Resilience Writing Workshop | 6-7:30 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free, RSVP | Read poetry about how connecting with nature inspires hope, then write your own piece.
Tribal Seeds | 7 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $38+ | Catch the reggae band performing tunes from their new album, “Ancient Blood.”
Wednesday, March 12
Singer-Songwriter ROUNDup | 6 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $21 | Watch 10+ local musicians come together to share their talents in support of BeLoved Asheville’s recovery efforts.
Thursday, March 13
Sewing Repair with WNC Repair Cafe | 4-7 p.m. | Leicester Public Library, Leicester | Free | Volunteer sewing experts can bring your damaged items back to life — plus, you can learn a thing or two about how to repair items yourself.
Open House | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Hanger Hall School | Free | Students + parents are invited to join Hanger Hall School for an informative open house to learn more about this dynamic middle school for girls.*
Friday, March 14
Jazz Jam | 6-9 p.m. | LEAF Global Arts | Free | The night starts with a class for aspiring jazz musicians — by 7 p.m., the free-flowing jazz jam begins.
An Evening of Celtic Music and Mythic Tales | 7-9:30 p.m. | Story Parlor | $32+ | Award-winning Scottish fiddler Jamie Laval will take you on a journey through Scotland, Ireland, and Brittany, sharing Gaelic love songs and fantastical tales.
Saturday, March 15
New Belgium Asheville Marathon and Half | 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pack Square Park | $65+, free for spectators | The route may look a little different this year, but you can still cheer on runners as they take 26.2 miles one step at a time.
NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition | 7-11 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl | $36 | Hear tunes from eight finalists at the internationally acclaimed songwriting competition, including Asheville local Erika Lewis.
Come for the melt-in-your-mouth ribs, stay for the fun. | Photos by Bain Stewart Media
Good food for a great cause? Count us in.
The fourth annual Southern Roots BBQ Reunion returns Saturday, April 12 at Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest, SC — just an hour’s drive from Asheville.
Feast on all-you-can-eatbarbecue from 35+ pitmasters (think: Hubba Hubba Smokehouse, Lewis Barbecue, and more), enjoy live music, shop the artisan market, and savor a selection of beer, wine, and spirits.
Plus, every ticket supports IDefine, a nonprofit supporting kids with Kleefstra Syndrome.
Help a high schooler dress to impress this prom season. Eblen Charities is hosting Prom Dress Express on Saturday, March 29 and Wednesday, April 2, offering free attire to students in need. Have a gown, tux, or accessories in the back of your closet? Donate them Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Civic
The Buncombe County Tax Department will move to 182 College St., between the parking garage and the Buncombe County Administration building, beginning Tuesday, March 18. The move is part of a concerted effort to maximize existing county-owned space and repurpose buildings for community needs.
Arts
Asheville Creative Arts (ACA) is celebrating a decade of enchanting performances and artistic expression. ACA will debut another season of innovative children’s theater beginning Wednesday, April 2 with “PETIT MONDRIAN” at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Check out the camps and classes on offer to get your kiddos on stage.
Announced
There’s more time to apply for FEMA assistance. The deadline has been extended to Monday, April 7 for North Carolinians. Apply online, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, or call 800-621-3362.
Seasonal
The ski season at Cataloochee wrapped up this past weekend, but there are already some things to look forward to for the resort’s 65th season — shorter lines. Construction will begin in May to upgrade the two-person lift to a four-person lift, replacing it for the first time since 1968. (WLOS)
Active
Thanks to support from the community, McHone Performance Training was able to rebuild after Helene devastated the fitness facility. The space hosts a grand opening this evening, showing off the new interior and equipment. Check out the personal training and fitness classes geared toward outdoor athletes.
Announced
We’re excited to introduce a new way to reach our readers — a limited-time digital display bundle + branded content bundle. Each bundle saves you 20% and includes at least three newsletter placements.
Eat
It’s Tuesday again — that means Oyster Night at The Lobster Trap. Dig into a mid-week treat with $2 house oysters all nightlong. *
Tech
HP Instant Ink smart printers automatically monitor ink levels and send new cartridges directly to your door before you run out. Get a $10 welcome credit.*
Category
Opening
Lake Lure welcomes visitors
Public works crews have made significant progress in Morse Park’s cleanup. | Via Town of Lake Lure
Following six months of intense clean-up, repair, and recovery, Lake Lure is welcoming visitors back as local businesses and recreation areas reopen.
Note: Visitors should be mindful that recovery efforts are still ongoing, especially in harder hit areas like Chimney Rock State Park, which remains closed as NCDOT crews work to restore safe access.
A non-profit organization supporting recovery efforts in Bat Cave, Chimney Rock, and Lake Lure has organized a list of businesses that have reopened, inviting visitors to be a “part of the comeback.”
Browse more than a dozen restaurants, lodges, cabins, and services that are now open in the area.
The Buy
The Buy
Introducing: Nordstrom Rack best-sellers you wish you bought sooner. Thank us later.
While there aren’t any in-person events happening around here for Civic Learning Week, there are plenty of virtual events that will take you right back to civics class. Explore documentary screenings, webinars, and a youth-led discussion with NC’s K-12 education officials.
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