Local news in brief from our issue of Aug. 22, 2018

BUILDING CAREERS: YouthBuild student Anthony Bowers, right, learns to use a jig saw to construct a wooden donation box. Photo courtesy of Green Opportunities

GO seeks apprentices for YouthBuild program

Green Opportunities is recruiting 16- to 24-year-old Buncombe County residents for its YouthBuild training program, a tuition-free pre-apprenticeship program designed for out-of-school youths. GO’s next YouthBuild training cycle will begin on Monday, Sept. 10.

YouthBuild is a recognized pre-apprenticeship program that helps at-risk youths complete high school or state equivalency degree programs, earn industry-recognized certifications for in-demand occupations, and undergo training to build housing for low-income or homeless individuals and families in their communities.

Participants who complete the program will graduate with CPR and first aid certification, OSHA 10 certification and a nationally-recognized HBI pre-apprenticeship certification in carpentry. Students also receive personalized support services from a GO case manager, as well as assistance finding and securing employment. Additionally, they are eligible to receive a small stipend to help them meet their financial needs while participating in the program.

To apply for the YouthBuild program, contact Eric Howell at Eric@greenopportunities.org or 828-398-4158 x118. Visit www.greenopportunities.org to learn more.

Mercy Urgent Care offers $25 sports physicals

Through Dec. 31, Mercy Urgent Care is offering $25 sports physicals for local elementary through high school student athletes at Mercy’s four urgent care locations in Buncombe County and its Transylvania County location. The new Burnsville location, opening on Aug. 31, will also offer the same special rate.

Parents and guardians of student athletes should bring their student’s school’s physical form to the physical. Students 18 and older must present a valid photo ID. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid photo ID. Insurance will not be accepted for this special offer.

Buncombe seeks input on new county manager selection

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and interim County Manager George Wood announced open community sessions on the skills, personality traits and other characteristics a new county manager should possess.

On Thursday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m., District 2 Commissioners Mike Fryar and Ellen Frost will meet with residents at Weaverville Town Hall, 30 S. Main St., Weaverville.

On Monday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m., Commission Chair Brownie Newman and District 1 Commissioners Jasmine Beach-Ferrara and Al Whitesides will meet with residents at Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville.

On Thursday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m., District 3 Commissioners Joe Belcher and Robert Pressley will meet with residents at Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville.

In addition to the community input sessions, Buncombe County is also asking for input online at buncombecounty.org/letstalk through Thursday, Aug. 30.

Asheville City Council to meet Aug. 28

A number of public hearings (complete list at avl.mx/584) appear on the agenda for the next meeting of Asheville City Council, held Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 5 p.m. in council chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 70 Court Plaza. Prior to the meeting, the full agenda will be available online at avl.mx/3xb.

At 3 p.m. the same day, Council will hold a work session at 3 p.m. in council chambers to review the 2019-20 budget process.

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About Virginia Daffron
Managing editor, lover of mountains, native of WNC. Follow me @virginiadaffron

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