Community News

Today is June 19 – Juneteenth – The holiday celebrating the day when news of emancipation and the Civil War’s end finally reached the last group of slaves in America.

Although slavery had officially ended On January 1, 1863, with Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, there was no official attempt to liberate enslaved African Americans in the western union territories…. Until this day in 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas to tell enslaved Black folx of their freedom. A few months later in December of 1865, slavery in America was formally abolished in the 13th Amendment (with stipulations).

47 states (including NC) recognize today as a holiday and a reminder that freedom for Black people has been delayed by the ongoing institutional and systemic oppression of BIPOC in the United States.

Want to celebrate but don’t want to leave the house? 

• Search Instagram, Etsy, and other social media sites for Black artists and companies and then purchase their products! 
• Educate yourself and your friends and family about the importance of racial inequality in the United States. 
• Buy gift cards from Black-owned businesses.
• Contribute to Kickstarters for Black-owned businesses.
• Contribute to funds and organizations that go directly to the Black community, including signing petitions, donating, following on social media and bail funds, .
• Watch a movie or tv show, listen to a podcast or music, or read a book that features Black comedy and/or joy. 
• Get take out from a Black-owned business.

OR you and your family can join one of the multiple celebrations happening in Asheville –

This year, the Hillcrest Community is hosting their ninth Juneteenth Festival: Celebrating Freedom. The commemoration will run from noon to 8 pm at 100 Atkinson St. Social distancing and sanitation protocols will be followed to limit the risk of COVID-19 transmission. 

Local hip-hop artist, Thomas Boyd, known as Ready Red, told the Mountain Xpress that the observance will feature a “series of wrestling and hip-hop performances that focus on telling the story of emancipation, soul food prepared by (local-restaurant) Daddy D’s Suber Soulfood, as well as neighborhood residents and kid-friendly activities.” Boyd also mentioned that “the event is open to anyone who wants to attend.” 

With July 4th celebrations right around the corner, this an opportunity for our community to remember the darker parts of our history that we tend to roll under the rug. This observance aims to spotlight and celebrate Asheville’s Black community and encourage liberation from white-supremacy and colonialism.

Black-owned businesses in Asheville –

Arts 

• Cleaster Cotton
• Curve Theory
• James Love
• Jenny Pickens
• Joseph Pearson
• Portrait Soul Readings
• Pro 16 Productions
• Still Smiling Photography
• Tia Nicole Photography
• Valeria Watson
• Viola Spells

Food

• AVL Cake Lady
• Cooking with Comedy Catering
• Daddy D’s
• Dreadlife Kitchen
• Ms. Quitas Kitchen
• Smallcakes
• Sweet Thangs
• Tiger Bay Cafe
• The Cake Studio

Health & Wellness

• Asheville Pro Lash & Salon
• Black Lotus Massage
• Blaze Dance Studio
• Della Terra Beauty
• Closs Maintenance
• Jolie de Shea Hair Design
• Keep It Clean
• OSEGA Dream Academy
• Salon Roche

*Information provided by &the_undergrowth on Instagram

To find more information search “Juneteenth Asheville” on Facebook. Other events in Asehivlle include celebrations at the Pisgah View Apts and on Eagle Street. 

mountainx.com/news/asheville-celebrates-juneteenth/ (Laura Hackett)

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While housing-stable folx are more frequently in their home spaces due to the pandemic, many more are exploring food production in small gardens. News team correspondent, Andrew Rainey, speaks with Chloe Lieberman of the Wild Abundance Permaculture and Homesteading School about how COVID-19 has impacted organizational models, online vs in person operations, what can be done in your garden in June, and how to find more information about gardening support and classes this season.

Welcome To Our School of Permaculture, Carpentry and Earthskills

 

This weekend we can participate virtually in Virtual or V-LEAF Festival and a virtual Downtown After 5 Events!

LEAF Global Arts Executive Director Jennifer Pickering and Asheville Downtown Association Executive Director Meghan Rodgers joined Asheville FM to explain how to participate.

Listen to the interview here:

 

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Throughout the wake of COVID-19 and practicing social distancing, information and resources will be posted here under “What You Need to Know: COVID-19 in Buncombe County”

As of 11 am on May 14, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services tallied 16,507 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19. That’s an increase of 691 cases, or 4.4% since the May 13 numbers were released.

NCDHHS counted 615 deaths statewide, an increase of 18, or 3%, from the May 13 report.

Buncombe County announced on its coronavirus case dashboard that the county had 108 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of 2:23 p.m. May 13. Four people had died in Buncombe from COVID-19.

On May 14, at 5 am, DuPont State Recreational Forest will begin the first phase of its reopening plan. 

• The forest trails will reopen daily until 10 pm, but gathering areas will remain closed.
• Holmes Educational State Forest opens to the public at 9 a.m.
• Minimal services, facilities and assistance will be available for visitors.
• Parking is limited to Fawn Lake Access Area, Guion Farm Access Area and Corn Mill Shoals Access Area. 
• All picnic areas, swimming areas and waterfronts will remain closed.

Other closed areas:

• High Falls Access Area
• Hooker Falls Access Area
• Lake Imaging Access Area
• Visitor Center and office
• Triple Falls Trail and staircase
• Base of High Falls Trail
• Wintergreen Falls
• The area at the base of Bridal Veil
• Three Lakes Trail
• Hooker Falls
• Fawn Lake
• Lake Dense
• Lake Alford

Visitor behavior will be a key factor for providing continued public access and preventing additional closures during this period of phased reopening, the N.C. Forest Service said.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/05/13/dupont-forest-partially-reopens-may-14-many-popular-spots-stay-closed/5187737002/

According to the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services, residents who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will be eligible for free viral testing, regardless of their insurance status.

The testing will be available on:

• May 12, from 1-4 pm at the Hillcrest Community Center (100 Atkinson St.) 
• May 14 from 1-4 pm at the Buncombe County Schools Central Office (175 Bingham Road) 

Although the testing sites are open to any Buncombe County resident experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, they are intended for people without direct health care access, people who can’t afford a COVID-19 test and people who have limited access to a health care provider testing for COVID-19, the release said. 

Other ways to get tested:

• Check Buncombe County’s digital ‘self-checker’ for symptoms – It can be accessed via a red link on the Buncombe coronavirus response page. It takes about 5-7 minutes to complete and is only for residents of the county who are 18 or older.
• Get tested for COVID-19 is through a primary care provider.
• Get tested through MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore, Mercy Urgent Care and Range Urgent.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/05/11/coronavirus-free-testing-returns-buncombe-county-may-12/3108439001/

On May 8, Parks and Recreation staff began the process of reopening City of Asheville Parks that were closed as a part of Buncombe County’s original Stay Home, Stay Safe declaration.

Parks being reopened include:

• Dog parks
• Boat accesses
• The fishing pond located at Azalea Park
• The disc golf course at Richmond Hill Park 
• All parking lots associated with parks

Still closed:

• Playgrounds 
• All bathrooms and buildings located within parks 

Community members are still encouraged to exercise at home and run or walk in their own neighborhoods instead, a news release from the city said, and to try to visit city parks that are “traditionally less crowded” or visit during off-peak hours.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/05/11/coronavirus-nc-asheville-city-parks-partially-reopen-dog-disc-golf-azalea-open/3109830001/

On May 13, Beaver Lake, the privately-owned recreation area off Merrimon Avenue reopened to the public. Guests at Beaver Lake require a permit to fish, boat or walk their dog on the grounds.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/05/13/coronavirus-beaver-lake-reopens-public/5184545002/

 

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Phase 1 of a process set forth by Gov. Roy Cooper, Buncombe County will begin lifting Stay Home, Stay Safe restrictions starting May 8 at 5 pm.

People who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are still strongly encouraged to stay home and travel only for absolutely essential purposes in Phase 1, but in general, people may go out for nonessential goods and services from any business that is not closed. The order also strongly recommends practicing social distancing practices and wearing cloth face coverings when outside the home.

Key Points:

• Retail businesses can operate only at 50% capacity. Restaurants and bars are still required to offer only takeout and delivery.
• Retail businesses will be required to screen workers for COVID-19 symptoms and perform frequent sanitation practices.
• Working from home is still encouraged for companies and positions in which it is possible.
• Mass gatherings are still limited to 10 people or fewer, excluding outdoor church and worship services, as long as the group can still adhere to social distancing guidelines. Indoor church services are still limited to no more than 10 people.
• People may travel to another person’s home for social purposes, as long as no more than 10 people gather and the activity occurs outside.

In Phase 1, any business that can adhere to social distancing guidelines will be able to open with the exception of personal care and grooming businesses and entertainment facilities.

These exclusions include, but are not limited to:

• Barber shops
• Beauty salons (including waxing and hair removal centers)
• Hair salons
• Nail salons
• Tattoo parlors
• Tanning salons
• Massage therapists (except that massage therapists may provide medical massage therapy services upon the specific referral of a medical or naturopathic health care provider)
• Bingo parlors
• Bowling alleys
• Indoor exercise facilities (like yoga studios, martial arts facilities, indoor trampoline and rock climbing facilities)
• Health clubs, fitness centers and gyms
• Indoor/outdoor pools
• Live performance venues
• Movie theaters
• Skating rinks
• Spas,
• Gaming and business establishments which allow gaming activities (like video poker, gaming, sweepstakes, video games, arcade games, pinball machines or other computer, electronic or mechanical devices played for amusement)

Additional changes include:

• Child care will now be open for working parents and those seeking work.
• Campgrounds are allowed to operate for 828 area code residents.
• Outdoor sporting events and activities can occur with 10 or fewer participants as long as there is no close contact.
• Libraries can open at 50% capacity.

A few things that will remain the same are:

• Maintaining 6 feet of distance and avoiding close contact with others is still advised.
• Playgrounds are still closed.
• Visitation at long term care facilities is still prohibited.

To review the order in-depth click Here.

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