BROKEN-Asheville Newcomer's Handbook 2008

the all-you-need-to-know 2008

NEWCOMER'S HANDBOOK

heville

BU N CO MB E CO U N T Y

Publication of the Asheville Citizen-Times

We’re Glad You’re Here

W

elcome to Asheville and Western North Carolina, the Land of the Sky. Asheville offers visitors seasonal views and opportunities all year long. From the white snow of winter to the colorful and beautiful leaves of fall, you can find and enjoy recreation, art, music, dining, plays, comedy, extreme sports, hiking trails, historic art deco architecture, friendly people, and so much more from this beautiful area of North Carolina.

During your stay, be sure and visit the Blue Ridge Parkway, the North Carolina Arboretum, the Nature Center and the wonderful art museums, from the Health Adventure to the Asheville Art Museum.

historic resort that offers a world-class spa and Donald Ross Golf Course that is as challenging as it is beautiful.

If you like houses, then we invite you to visit the largest house in America. None other than the Biltmore House built by George Vanderbilt.

We’re sure you can find enjoyment, fun, entertainment and a sense of American history in Asheville and Western North Carolina.

Again, we’re glad you’re here.

With Regards, Randy Hammer

President & Publisher

For those who want to be pampered, we recommend the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa. The Grove Park Inn is a The Asheville-Buncombe County Newcomer’s Guide is published by The Asheville Citizen-Times, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

Contacts: Retail Advertising Manager, Lisa Field 828-252-3907 or 800-800-4204, ext. 3907.

Desktop Publisher/Copy Editor, Tami Parcell.

Graphic Design, Melissa Sweeterman.

Cover photo Steve Dixon.

Telephone numbers are subject to change.

Volume 21

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 3

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 5

Get to Know Us

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elcome to Asheville, rated #1 of the Top 100 Places to Live in 2007 by Relocate-America in April 2007. Asheville is a city where the quality of life is high, the weather is mild, and the people are friendly.

Residents of the region routinely travel to Asheville for specialized health care and shopping, as well as the many shows, plays, sporting events, and recreational opportunities that grace the area’s entertainment calendar.

Surrounded by the majesty and charm of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the vibrant metropolitan area appeals to those seeking the intimacy and enchantment of a small city, as well as those in search of the cultural, educational, and economic provisions of a larger one.

From Baryshnikov and beach music to Itzhak Perlman and Phantom of the Opera, Asheville offers a multitude of entertainment and artistic opportunities.

Named Best Southern Town by Outside Magazine, August 2007 and #23 of 200 Large Metros Best Places for Business & Careers

by Forbes, April 2007. Named 7 of Top U.S. cities to Live by Frommer's Cities Ranked & Rated May 2007. Asheville has more than lived up to these designations by striving for the best in education, medical care, housing, transportation, and artistic and recreational opportunities.

Not only is the city’s beauty and charm a magnet for people from throughout the country, it regularly brings in visitors from the 18 counties that comprise Western North Carolina.

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 6

Among the city’s most prestigious artistic events are the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, the fairs of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, and Bele Chere, the city’s festive street fair that annually attracts thousands of people to the historic and bustling downtown community.

Educational opportunities abound with University of North CarolinaAsheville, Warren Wilson College, Montreat College, AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College, Western Carolina University, Brevard College, and Mars Hill College within easy driving distance.

Rich History

N

estled in a valley and surrounded by mountains, Asheville was a small crossroads town when pioneer planner and real estate broker John Burton founded it in 1793.

Known as Morristown during its early years, the city was also called Buncombe Courthouse until 1797, when it was incorporated and officially named Asheville in honor of North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe of New Hanover County.

At the time, Battle Square, present site of Battery Park Hotel, stood more than 100 feet above its present height and was called River Hill.

Buncombe attained county status on January 14, 1792 and was named for Revolutionary War hero Col. Edward Buncombe.

Asheville soon became a focal point for speculators and adventurers, but its growth was exceedingly slow until the mid-1800s when the railway system was constructed.

In 1882, the town of Asheville was expanded and made the city of Asheville. During that period, Mission Hospital was opened in a five-room house.

Near the turn of the century, George Vanderbilt began construction on his now-famous mansion, Biltmore House, to the south of the city. Other famous native sons include writers Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry.

But the greatest boom period in Asheville history came during the 1920s with the development of residential subdivisions. New buildings were under construction throughout the downtown, including the Jackson Building, City Building, Buncombe County Courthouse, Grove Arcade, Battery Park Hotel, Vanderbilt Hotel, Flat Iron Building and the Bon Marche Building.

More art deco architecture built in the late 1920s and early 1930s can be found in downtown Asheville than in any other southeastern city except Miami Beach.

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 7

Welcome Home Books, Music, Crystals & Gifts 828-687-1193 http://crystalvisionsbooks.com US 25 2 mi. S. of Fletcher 10 am-6 pm Mon-Sat

Since 1989

Hydroseeding • Landscape Installation Commercial Lawn Maintenance 206 Old Home Road, Asheville, NC 28804 STEVE WARD Horticulturist Phone (828) 645-3364 Fax (828) 658-8304

Veritas Christian Academy Academic excellence and Christ-centered teaching in an atmosphere of grace Pre-Kindergarten - 12th Grade 17 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 681-0546* www.veritasnc.org

XIFSF DIJMESFO MPWF UP MFBSO - OWNVK ITCFG [ UEJQ N CV % OR 4QEMO PV K $NCEM /QWPVCK * PFU Q GZR TK PV CN G TPK I UGTXKE WT KE NWO Q VF T G WECVKQP CTV OWUKE GPTKEJOGPV NQY UVWFGP V CEJGT CVKQ 5 PEG

UG WQJ P R V DC N % ITQ [VKPWO E CGN J Y

(828) 255-0664 FAX (828) 252-9710

MOSS BODY SHOP INC. COMPLETE BODY REPAIR

LEE FRADY Shop Manager WRECKER SERVICE

Auto Body EXPERTS

465 N. LOUISIANA AVE. ASHEVILLE, NC 28806 FREE ESTIMATES

SUSTAINABLE KITCHENS

THE LAZY SUSAN

“Kitchen Emporium�

625 Haywood Rd, West Asheville 828-225-3235 Hours: Tues-Sat 10:00~5:30

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 8

Statistics

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t 2,200 feet in elevation, Asheville is located on a plateau divided by the French Broad River. It is surrounded by mountains, many with elevations above 5,000 feet, and is 35 miles in area. Asheville is the county seat of Buncombe, which covers 656 square miles. Asheville has always been known for its mild yearround climate, with moderate winter and summer temperatures tempered by the surrounding mountains. The average annual rainfall is 47.07” and the average annual snowfall is 13.3”.

Today, Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina and the 10th largest in the state

regional center for manufacturing, transportation, health care, banking and professional services, and shopping.

According to the population statistics in 2006, Asheville’s population was 75,948. In 2006, the population of Buncombe County, including Asheville, was 221,320, an increase of 7.28 percent since 2000. In 2006, the population of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area was estimated at 398,543. Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Madison Counties comprise the Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Source: NC State Demographics

Average Daily Temperature~56°

74°

81°

84°

84° 73°

72° 54°

32°

65°

59° 50°

27°

35°

45°

49°

58°

63°

65°

56°

43°

59°

58°

35°

29°

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 9

Get to know us

Buncombe County~Population by Age Source: Claritas, 2007

Age 0-4 5.87% (13,099)

Age 65+ 15.57% (34,729)

Age 5-14 11.87% (26,481)

Age 46-64 26.89% (59,996)

Age 15-24 12.66% (28,262)

Age 25-44 27.13% (60,523)

Economy Source: Claritas, 2007

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anufacturing and tourism, as well as health care, service and trade businesses, fuel Asheville and Buncombe County’s economy. As a result of this diversity, the city and county have an economy that has

provided increased opportunities to area residents. According to an estimate by the Census Bureau data, adjusted for inflation, Buncombe County’s median household income estimated for 2007 is $42,202.

% of population, Asheville/Buncombe County

Buncombe Co. Annual Income by Household 40 31.3% 30

20

14.9%

12.9% 7.6%

10 0

29.5%

up to

$14,999

$15,999$24,999

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 12

$25,000$49,999

3.9%

$50,000- $100,000- $100,000$99,999 $149,999 $149,999

Largest Employers Source: The Employment Security Commision of NC, 2007

Employment Range 1. Mission HOSPITALS

1,000 +

2. Buncumbe Co. Board of Education

1,000 +

3. State of North Carolina

1,000 +

4. Ingles Markets

1,000 +

5. County of Buncombe

1,000 +

6. Veterans Administration Hospital

1,000 +

7. City of Asheville

1,000 +

8. The Grove Park Inn Resport & Spa

1,000 +

9. The Biltmore Company

500 - 999

10. Asheville-Buncombe Technical

500 - 999

O

ne of the fastest growing facets of the economy is retail, and Buncombe County is home to the region’s two largest malls. Asheville Mall houses a wide variety of shopping alternatives, including anchors Belk, Dillard’s, Sears, and J.C. Penney, as well as dozens of specialty stores and dining alternatives.

Biltmore Square Mall includes Belk, Goody’s, Dillard’s, a sixscreen Regal Theater, and 60 specialty shops.

Among the other retail outlets in the Asheville area are River Ridge Market Place on Fairview Road, Westgate Shopping Center on Patton Avenue (US 19-23),

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 14

Innsbruck Mall and Riverbend Shopping Center off Swannanoa River Road, Biltmore Village, Southridge Shopping Center on Airport Road. In West Asheville, a number of retail stores and services can be found along Haywood Road.

Pack Place, a 130,000 square-foot office and retail complex, is part of Asheville’s ongoing downtown revitalization. Among the other downtown retail centers are The Grove Arcade Public Market, The Shops on Wall Street, the Haywood Park Hotel and Promenade on Haywood Street, Lexington Avenue, and Biltmore Avenue.

Restaurants Discover What the Locals Already Know...

Great Desserts, Fresh Deli Sandwiches, Salads, and The Best Coffee in Town!

505-2664 Visit the Grove Arcade. We're in the Stall Market.

Present this coupon: Buy one meal get one 1/2 off!

TUSCAN INSPIRED AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE LUNCH MON-SAT 11-3:30 DINNER MON-THURS 4:30-9:30 FRI-SAT 4:30-10 CLOSED SUNDAYS

828.281.0710 WWW.FIORESASHEVILLE.COM

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 15

Real Estate and Housing For information regarding real estate in the Asheville area contact: Asheville Board of REALTORS® Inc. 209 E. Chestnut St. | Asheville, NC 28801 828-255-8505 | Toll Free 1-800-392-2775 | Fax 828-255-0649

Buncombe Co. home sale stats Total homes sold

6,790

Average sales price

$277,643

Median selling price

$220,000

Average list price

$299,634

Median list price

$229,500

Average days on the market

103

Source: Asheville Board of REALTORS® Inc, thru November 2007

Financial Institutions

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uncombe County is served by twelve commercial banks, five savings institutions and eleven credit unions. These financial institutions offer extensive services including 24-hour automatic teller machines with over 85 branches in and around Asheville.

Total deposits from all FDIC financial institutions as of June 30, 2007 were $3,912,159.

Source: fdic.gov

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 16

Learning, Learning, Living Living & Leisure & Leisure

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he Asheville area has two school systems, the Buncombe County School system and the Asheville City School system. The Buncombe County School system is the eighth largest in the state and serves 25,570 students in 39 school programs.

The Asheville City School system serves approximately 3,850 students in ten schools. The city preschool program serves approximately 235 students ages birth to four.

fied as at risk. The Progressive Education Program offers special education curriculum. The Career Education Center is an extension of the high school curriculum.

The Career Education Center also offers classes not available in the home schools, including cosmetology, electronics, graphic communications, masonry, and welding.

The Buncombe County School system also operates Buncombe Community School (East and West campuses), The Progressive Education Program, and The Career Education Center. The Buncombe Community School is an alternative program for students who have been identi-

The Asheville City School system operates the Accelerated Learning Center, a school for middle grade students where a low pupil/teacher ratio (10/1) and emphasis on parent involvement encourage students to reach their maximum academic potential.

Asheville City Schools also offers a preschool and Family Literacy Center. The Asheville City School system elementary program has six schools; each of the schools supports a magnet theme or a specific concentration. Parents can select the magnet school they believe best suits their child. The schools and their magnets are:

Claxton Elementry

Hall-Fletcher Elementry

Dickson Elementry

Jones Primary/Randolph

Both the Buncombe County and Asheville City School systems offer advanced placement courses, honors programs, and classes for the academically gifted.

Humanities

Experiential Education

Science, Math and Technology Core Knowlege

Vance Elementry Classical Studies

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 17

Most schools in each system offer after-school childcare. All elementary schools in the Asheville City School system offer after-school care.

The Asheville City School system is directed by a five-member Board

of Education that is appointed by the City Council. The Buncombe County School system is directed by a seven-member Board of Education, with six members elected to represent the districts and the seventh member elected at large.

High School Enrollment Source: Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools, 2007-08 2,000

Number of students

1,500

1,000

500

Asheville

Enka

Erwin

N. Buncombe Owen

Reynolds

Roberson

Asheville City Schools

85 Mountain St. | Asheville, NC 28801 828-350-7000 InterimSuperintendent: Mr. Allen Johnson | 828-350-6145

Buncombe County Schools

175 Bingham Rd. | Asheville, NC 28806 828-255-5921 Superintendent: Mr. Cliff Dodson | 828-255-5876 See page 47 for a complete listing of schools in your area and enrollment information.

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 18

Private Schools Private schools include preparatory schools, kindergarten, elementary, and junior and senior high schools. For information about private schools, contact:

NC Division of Non-Public Education 1309 Mail Service Center | Raleigh, NC 27699-1304 919-733-4276 | www.ncnpe.org For information on Pre-Schools and Day Care: Buncombe County Child Care Services 59 Woodfin Place | Asheville, NC 28801 828-250-6700

Colleges and Universities

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he University of North Carolina at Asheville offers undergraduate liberal arts degrees and a Master of Liberal Arts degree. It is rated one of the top six public liberal arts universities in the nation. Additional graduate programs are available in Asheville though the Asheville Graduate Center on the UNC-A campus.

The school is located one mile north of downtown Asheville at One University Heights. For more information on UNC-A call 828-251-6600.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College offers technical and pre-baccalaureate programs in allied health and public service education, business and hospitality education, engineering and applied technology, and arts and sciences.

A variety of noncredit classes also are available through the college’s Continuing Education Division.

The campus is located one mile south of downtown Asheville at 340 Victoria Road. For more information on A-B Tech, call 828-254-1921.

Western Carolina University, a fast-growing campus of the University of North Carolina, offers undergraduate and graduate courses in Asheville, at Western's main, 600-acre campus in Cullowhee and online. Winner

of national awards in teacher education, entrepreneurship and criminal justice, Western also has a strong tradition of excellence in nursing and business administration.

WCU classes in Asheville include accountancy, birth-kindergarten education, business administration, college student personnel, community counseling, community college administration, community college teaching, educational leadership, elementary education, engineering technology, English, English education, health sciences, mathematics, math education, middle grades education, nursing; public affairs, school counseling, social science education, special education, technology.

Programs most in demand by incoming freshmen are forensic s c i e n c e a n d a n t h ro p o l o g y, construction management, music, education, nursing, health sciences, communication and motion picture and television production.

Western's Pride of the Mountains Marching Band - with more than 300 members - also draws interest from a large number of prospective students.

For more information, go to www. wcu.edu or call WCU Programs in Asheville at 828-251-6642 Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 19

Undergraduate courses offered in Asheville include clinical laboratory sciences, criminal justice, industrial and engineering technology, nursing, and special education. For more information, call WCU Programs in Asheville at 828-251-6642.

Warren Wilson College is a private, liberal arts college that combines a unique “triad” of strong academics, work for the school, and service to the community, for a more involving, more meaningful education. The students choose from 31 majors and concentrations including the college’s Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing, which is ranked among the top 20 nationwide by US News & World Report.

The campus is located just east of Asheville. For more information on Warren Wilson College call 828-771-2000, or visit online at www.warrenwilson.edu.

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 20

South College has educational programs for students seeking positions in such diverse settings as industry, government, business, law and medicine. Six associate of science degrees and three certificate programs are designed to instill in students a desire for continual learning in a rapidly changing technological society.

Classes are offered in small class settings on an eight-acre campus off Patton Avenue in Asheville.

For more information about South College call 828-252-2486.

Shopping

A

sheville offers a wide variety of shopping opportunities, including major malls, in-town and suburban shopping centers, quaint market districts, and outlet parks.

anchored by Sears, Belk, Dillard’s, and J.C. Penney.

Asheville’s downtown is an eclectic mix of specialty shops, apparel stores, arts and crafts galleries, bookstores, and restaurants. The Grove Arcade Public Market located on O.Henry Ave. features stores, restaurants, and fresh produce. Antique shops are concentrated in the Lexington Avenue area.

Biltmore Square Mall on Brevard Road, southwest of Asheville, has Belk, Dillard’s, and Goody’s as anchor stores.

Historic Biltmore Village in South Asheville offers a variety of arts, crafts, gifts, antiques, and men’s and women’s apparel shops, grouped in turn-of-the-century buildings.

Asheville Mall in East Asheville is a major shopping complex

East-South Tunnel Road area is anchored by Barnes & Noble, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Best Buy.

River Ridge Market Place at I-240 and Fairview Road in East Asheville features an outlet park.

Westgate Mall at 40 Westgate Plaza, just west of downtown Asheville, includes many specialty shops, and Earth Fare grocery store featuring organic and natural foods.

Innsbruck Mall on Tunnel Road is anchored by Big Lots!, Office Depot and Anna's Linens.

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 21

Get to know us Riverbend Marketplace on Swannanoa River Road is anchored

by Wal-Mart Superstore, Kohls, PetsMART, and Family Christian Store.

Overlook Village, which features T.J. Maxx ‘n More, Books-AMillion, and Ross stores, is located across from Asheville Mall on South Tunnel Road.

A Wal-Mart department store and other specialty shops anchor Wal-Mart Plaza, Hendersonville Road, South Asheville.

River Hills Shopping Center, at the junction of highways 70 and 81, features Circuit City, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Office Max, Goody’s, Carmike Ten Theaters, Michael’s and Target.

Asheville has four shopping centers anchored by Kmart stores on Tunnel Rd., Patton Ave. Brevard Rd., and Hendersonville Rd. Biltmore Parkway Center, located on Hendersonville Road at the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance, is anchored by a Harris-Teeter supermarket and includes specialty shops and restaurants.

Locally owned Ingle’s supermarkets also anchor shopping centers in all areas of the city.

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 22

Southridge Shopping Center on Airport Road features Target, Lowe’s, Office Max, Best Buy, Marshalls, Lowe's, Linens 'n Things and a World Market Store.

Northland Shopping Center, North Merrimon Aveue near Beaver Lake features The Fresh Market. Stein Mart is also located nearby.

Libraries

W

hether you want to read the latest bestseller, hang an art print in your living room, watch a Hollywood classic on video, or pick up a form at tax time, the Buncombe County Public Libraries is the place to go.

With more than 344,000 books, 4,800 video titles, 40 newspapers, 450 magazine titles, as well as photographs, telephone books, directories, indexes, and audiocassettes, Pack Memorial Library and its ten community branches offer many services free to anyone with a library card.

To obtain a card, you must bring a valid identification with your correct Buncombe County address, such as a driver’s license, bank statement, printed check, etc.

Students at local colleges and universities get a library card free with a valid student ID.

The library also boasts the North Carolina collection, especially helpful for genealogists, and photograph and postcard collections offering a glimpse into Asheville’s past. The Thomas Wolfe collection preserves the works of the city’s most famous son.

Want to read yesterday’s headlines? The library keeps back issues of the Asheville CitizenTimes on microfilm dated from 1869, and the New York Times back to 1851.

Branches are located at Black Mountain, East Asheville, EnkaCandler, Fairview, Leicester, North Asheville, South Asheville, South Buncombe (formerly Skyland), South Asheville (Oakley) Swannanoa, Weaverville, West Asheville.

For county residents who cannot get to a library branch, the Bookmobile travels to them.

For information contact: Pack Memorial Library (Main) 67 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801 | 828-250-4700 Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 2-5 p.m. Sundays (Sept-May)

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 23

Buncombe County Libraries Black Mountain Library 105 Dougherty Road

250-4756

East Asheville Library 902 Tunnel Road

250-4738

Enka-Candler Library 1404 Sandhill Road

250-4758

Fairview Library 1 Taylor Road

250-6484

Leicester Library 1561 Alexander Road

250-6480

North Asheville Library 37 N. Larchmont Drive

250-4752

South Asheville Library (Oakley) 749 Fairview Road

250-4754

South Buncombe Library (Skyland) 260 Overlook Road

250-6488

Swannanoa Library 101 Charleston

250-6486

Weaverville Library 41 Main Street

250-6482

West Asheville Library 970 Haywood Road

250-4750

Law Library 10th floor Courthouse

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 24

250-4734

Good Government

T

he City of Asheville is governed by the Asheville City Council, which consists of a mayor and six council members chosen in non-partisan elections.

City Council sets policy, adopts ordinances, and sets the tax rate. The council-appointed city manager is the administrative head of the city, directly responsible for its day-to-day operations

and its 900-plus employees.

Formal Council meetings are at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month in City Council Chamber on the second floor of City Hall. Work sessions are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 3 p.m. in the first floor north conference room in City Hall, and are open to the public.

The information and referral number in City Hall is 828-251-1122. A list of department heads in the City of Asheville:

Department Heads

Mayor’s Office

828-259-5600

City Manager

828-259-5604 or 5602

City Attorney

828-259-5610

City Clerk

828-259-5601

Economic Development Director

828-259-5433

Budget and Research Director

828-259-5629

Civic Center Director

828-259-5736

Engineering Dept. Director

828-259-5617

Finance Director

828-259-5598

Human Resources Director

828-259-5690

Parks and Recreation Director

828-259-5800

Planning Director

828-259-5830

City Development Director

828-232-4500

Community Development Director 828-259-5830 Public Works Director

828-259-5935

Transit System

828-253-5691

Water Resources Director

828-259-5955

Asheville City Hall 828-251-1122 70 Court Plaza, P.O. Box 7148 Asheville, NC 28802 Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 25

County Government

B

uncombe County is governed by a five-member board of county commissioners, chosen every four years in partisan elections. Commissioners set policy, determine budgets for several agencies and set a property tax rate that applies countywide. The county manager is the chief administrative officer who prepares and recommends the yearly budget to commissioners and is responsible for program development and personnel management.

Board meetings are conducted every first and third Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. on the second floor of the Buncombe County Courthouse (Room 204).

M e e t i n g m i n u t e s a r e available for public inspection on the County’s Web page at www.buncombecounty.org.

Buncombe County Commissioners 60 Court Plaza Asheville, NC 28801-3565 828-250-4001

For general information call 828-250-4000 Other Numbers Include Buncombe County Public Libraries

828-250-4711

Commissioners Office

828-250-4001

Chairman Nathan Ramsey

828-250-4006

Commissioner Bill Stanley

828-250-4007

Commissioner David Young

828-274-2555

Commissioner David Gantt

828-252-2852

Commissioner Carol Weir Peterson

828-250-4005

County Manager, Wanda Greene

828-250-4100

Cooperative Extension Service Director

828-255-5522

WNC Regional Air Quality Agency Director 828-250-6777 Board of Elections

828-250-4200

County Attorney

828-254-6315

County Clerk

828-250-4105

County Planner

828-250-4102

Election Services

828-250-4200

Emergency Medical Services Director

828-255-5638

Health Department

828-250-5000

Permits & Inspections

828-250-5360

Recreation Services Director

828-250-4260

Register of Deeds

828-250-4300

Department of Social Services Director

828-250-5700

Tax Collections Manager

828-250-4910

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 28

State Goverment

T

he two senators and three resentatives from Buncombe County are among 170 members of the North Carolina General Assembly who meet in Raleigh biannually in regular session to adopt a state budget and enact various other laws. The General Assembly is composed of 50 Senators and 120 Members of the House.

State elections are held every two years on a partisan basis, with Democratic and Republican parties selecting nominees in May primaries to run against each other in November general

elections. Other political parties may also nominate candidates, although none has ever won in North Carolina.

Senators and Representatives are:

Sen. Martin Nesbitt Sen. Tom Apodaca Rep. Charles Thomas Rep. Susan Fisher Rep. D. Bruce Goforth

Taxes The sales tax in Asheville and Buncombe County is 6.75%.

There are several exemptions in the areas of industrial, agricultural and consumer purchases such as medicines sold on prescription.

Sales of motor vehicles are taxable at three percent.

Asheville residents pay both City and County taxes. Property tax rates as of July 1, 2007, were 42 cents per $100 valuation in the city, and 53 cents per $100 valuation in the county. The City also has a 15-cent supplemental school tax. For City and County tax information contact:

Buncombe County Assessor Gary Roberts

Buncombe County Court House

Asheville, NC 28801-3570 828-250-4920 Residents of North Carolina must pay state income tax. Filing date is April 15. For state income tax information contact:

North Carolina Department of Revenue 2800 Heart Drive Asheville, NC 28806 828-667-5087

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 29

Law Enforcement

T

he Asheville Police Department, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department and the North Carolina Highway Patrol all operate within Buncombe County, which has one of the lowest crime rates in North Carolina.

Asheville’s Class Three rated City Fire Department has nine fire s t a t i o n s , n e a r l y 2 0 0 firefighters and 14 pieces of motorized equipment operating within the city limits. Buncombe County has 21 volunteer fire departments.

In addition, there are units of Emergency Medical Services and Civil Preparedness with stations throughout the county.

The Asheville Police Department is located at 100 Court Plaza.

William Hogan (828-259-5880) is police chief.

The Sheriff’s Department is located at 202 Haywood Street. Van Duncan (828-250-4474) is sheriff.

The main fire station is located at 100 Court Plaza. Greg Grayson (828-259-5636) is fire chief.

Police Department Emergency: 911

Non-emergency 24 Hour: 828-252-1110

Information

8:30 am - 5 pm: 828-259-5870

Animal Control:

City: 828-252-1100 County: 828-253-1195

Sheriff’s Department: Emergency: 911

Non-emergency: 828-255-5555 Information: 828-255-5000

Fire Department: Emergency: 911

Non-emergency, Asheville: 828-259-5636 Fire & Safety: 828-251-4011 Fire Chief: 828-259-5636 Station #1 100 Court Plaza: 828-259-5527 Station #2 315 Livingston St: 828-259-5460 Station #3 50 Oregon Ave: 828-259-5464 Station #4 9 Miller Rd: 828-259-5770 Station #5

1074 Hendersonville Rd:

828-259-5466

Station #6 970 Haywood Rd: 828-259-5462 Station #7 37 East Larchmont: 828-259-5783 Station #8 904 Tunnel Rd: 828-259-5487 Station # 9 749 Fairview Rd: 828-259-5785 Station #10 1903 Old Haywood: 828-271-6120 Station #11 7 Rocky Ridge Rd: 828-271-6122

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 30

Other Important Numbers Quick Access to Community Services & Volunteer Opportunities: 211 cell 828-252-HELP (4357) Buncombe County Emergency Management: 828-255-5638 Carolinas Poison Center (Charlotte, NC): 800-848-6946 or 800-222-1222 Civil Air Patrol: 828-687-2875 Crimestoppers: 828-255-5050 Forest Service: 828-649-38215 Helpmate (for victims of family violence): 828-254-0516 Magistrate’s Office: 828-250-4690 Pisgah Legal Services: 828-253-0406 Rape Crisis Center: 828-252-0562 State Highway Patrol: 828-298-4252-Emergency 828-298-4256-Non-Emergency Suicide Prevention: 800-273-8255

Legal Organizations North Carolina State Bar Lawyer Referral Service 800-662-7660 ncbar.org or ncfindalawyer.com

North Carolina Bar Association

28th Judicial District (Buncombe County chapter) 828-252-5733

Complaints against attorneys in Buncombe County: Buncombe County Bar Association 828-252-5733

Pisgah Legal Services

828-253-0406 or 800-489-6144 Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 31

Business Organizations Better Business Bureau of Asheville-Western NC 828-253-2392

Homebuilders Association of Greater Asheville 828-299-7001

Asheville Merchants Corporation 828-251-4146

Asheville Downtown Association 828-251-9973

ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens)

828-253-1255, for physical and mental special needs

North Carolina Department of Insurance Western office: 828-251-6483

American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina Legal Assistance: 1-919-834-3390

Asheville Board of REALTORSÂŽ 828-255-8505

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 32

A Healthy Place to Live

A

variety of hospitals and physicians in nearly every specialty make Asheville and Buncombe County the medical referral center for the state’s western counties.

T h e re a re m o re t h a n 5 0 0 physicians and 100 dentists in the Asheville area. Virtually all specialties and subspecialties are represented in our community, from neonatology to gerontology.

Newcomers to Western North Carolina appreciate the sophistication of the region’s medical community. Mission Hospitals, a private, non-profit health system offers a range of health care services comparable to those found in major teaching hospitals in much larger cities.

Call: 828-213-1111

Centers of Excellence Include: Owen Heart Center: Complete services for medical cardiology and heart surgery, plus a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program.

Ruth and Billy Graham Children’s Health Center: Inpatient hospital and pediatric intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit for newborns, outreach services, and a growing office practice of pediatric subspecialists.

Urology: Comprehensive medical and surgical treatment of all urogenital problems. Includes lithotripsy for treatment of kidney stones.

Orthopedics: Joint replacement, treatment of orthopedic trauma including amputation and correction of congenital problems.

Helen Powers’ Women’s Health Center: High risk obstetrics.

Comprehensive, family-centered childbirth. Education and support for women of all ages.

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 33

Oncology: Diagnosis and treatment for adult and childhood cancers, with increasing emphasis on prevention. Membership in national research efforts. Full radiation oncology facilities.

Supportive patient care.

Emergency and trauma services: Designated level 2 trauma services, 24-hour emergency service, one-hour fast-track acute care services open 12 noon to 10 p.m., and hospital operated air and ground transport services.

The Asheville - Mountain Area Chapter of the American Red Cross has a blood donor collection and distribution center that serves the needs of 20 hospitals in the region. In addition, health and safety classes are taught on a weekly basis. Their location is 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC 28804, 828-258-3888, Fax: 828-258-1785.

CarePartners Rehabilitation Hospital and Outpatient S e r v i c e s, 6 8 S w e e t e n C re e k Road, Asheville, NC 28803 828-274-2400 CarePartners Rehabilitation Hospital is a licensed 80-bed hospital offering services to individuals with physical, cognitive, and developmental impairments, including brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, amputation, industrial injury, chronic pain, and orthopedic disabilities. The rehabilitation hospital and outpatient center are located on the main campus. There are four outpatient therapy clinics throughout Buncombe County.

CarePartners Health Services also provides hospice and palliative care, home health services, adult day services and private duty services. www.carepartners.org

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 34

Asheville VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805 (828-298-7911). With 112 acute care beds and 120-bed Extended Care and Rehabilitation Center, the VA hospital serves as a major referral center within the VA system for heart surgery for eligible veterans.

Park Ridge Hospital, P.O. Box 1569, Fletcher, NC, (828-6848501). A 103-bed, not-for-profit, multi-specialty hospital is conveniently located just minutes from Hendersonville and Asheville. Owned and operated

by Adventist Health Care System, Park Ridge is committed to offering the entire community the benefit of state-of-the-art, lifesaving technology provided by highly qualified and caring professionals. Full range OB-GYN care includes traditional and alternative birthing and midwifery services. Also a valuable service to the community, HOPE Behavioral Services provides services for women, geriatrics and a 12-bed Medical Psychiatry Unit within the hospital. 828-681-2271 (1-800-954-HOPE (4673)).

Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care Centers are neighborhood medical centers designed for people who need immediate medical attention but whose illness or injury is not life threatening.

Healthcare services are also provided for area businesses and industries.

South Asheville 1812 Hendersonville Rd 828-274-1462 West Asheville 8 New Leicester Hwy. 828-252-4878 Weaverville 155 Weaverville Blvd.

828-645-5088

Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care Centers are neighborhood medical centers designed for people who need immediate medical attention but whose illness or injury is not life threatening.

Healthcare services are also provided for area businesses and industries.

South Asheville 1812 Hendersonville Rd 828-274-1462 West Asheville 8 New Leicester Hwy. 828-252-4878 Weaverville 155 Weaverville Blvd.

828-645-5088

Bayada Nurses, 141 Asheland Avenue, Suite 201, Asheville, NC 28801 828-210-4333. Since 1975, Bayada Nurses have been helping people have a safe home life with comfort, independence and dignity, despite illness or disability. The Asheville office offers both personal care and skilled nursing services. We service the counties of Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, McDowell, and Yancey. Our field staff is comprised of experienced CNAs, LPNs and RNs that have been screened, bonded and insured.

An experienced RN provides clinical supervision. Bayada Nurses is JCAHO accredited and offers free insurance processing.

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 35

Buncombe County Health Department 35 Woodfin Street, Asheville, NC 28801

Important Numbers

Main Line

250-5000

Administration

250-5203

Breast & Cervical Cancer Control

250-5260

Community Health

250-5055

Dental Services

250-5011

Disease Control

250-5109

Environmental Health

250-5016

Septic Permits

250-5016

Water Testing

250-5016

Health Education

250-5040

Immunization

250-5096

Nutrition

250-5168

Personnel Office

250-5206

Pharmacy

250-5233

Primary Care

250-5246

Restaurant/Septic Inspection

250-5016

Social Work

250-5299

Water Testing

250-5016

WIC/Nutrition

250-5170

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 36

Body & Soul

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 37

Life of the Arts

A

sheville’s cultural opportuni ties are abundant and varied, ranging from the Asheville Symphony, traditional mountain music and dancing, arts and crafts, professional theater productions, first-run feature films, foreign film series, several locations for live music, and many other activities.

The Asheville Art Museum, Folk Art Center, Asheville Art League, Asheville Area Arts Council, Pack Place, and others provide a showcase for native and contemporary folk and artistic talent.

Pack Place and The WNC Nature Center provide educational opportunities, and the worldfamous Brevard Music Center offers a full summer program.

Community celebrations such as Bele Chere, Light Up Your Holidays, Goombay, Riverfest, Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, Kituwah, and Shindig on the Green are popular throughout the year.

Museums and Attractions Biltmore Estate – The renowned 250-room French Renaissance chateau built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, is the largest private residence in America. It contains Vanderbilt’s original collection of 70,000 pieces of art, antiques and furnishings. Visitors may tour the house, gardens, and winery. The estate is located on U.S. 25, just north of Exit 50 or 50B on I-40 in Asheville. (Call 828-225-1333 or 1-800-624-1575 or go to www.biltmore.com.)

Pack Place - The place for everyone! The vibrant centerpiece of downtown Asheville, this bustling complex includes the Asheville Art Museum, Colburn Gem and Mineral Museum, Diana Wortham Theatre, The Health Adventure, and the YMI Cultural Center. An Asheville landmark, Pack Place offers meeting rooms and creative spaces for hosting special events.

“Here is the Square” traces the

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 38

history of downtown Asheville’s Pack Square, and is the starting point for numerous walking tours.

Pack Place offers unique museum shops and is located in the midst of the galleries and restaurants of downtown Asheville. Call 828-257-4500 or visit the web site at www.main.nc.us/packplace.

Smith-McDowell House Museum, Asheville – Step back in time at Asheville’s oldest house now restored as a museum. Included in the National Register of Historic Places, this house was built in 1840 by the wealthiest man in Buncombe County and was later home to other important citizens, including a mayor and Civil War major. The museum, with its Olmsted designed grounds, is located at 283 Victoria Road on the campus of AB-Technical Community College. Call 828-253-9231.

Arts and Cultural Event Host Organizations Asheville Area Arts Council

828-258-0710

Asheville Art Museum

828-253-3227

Asheville Civic Center

828-259-5736

Asheville Community Theater

828-253-4931 or 828-254-1320

Asheville Lyric Opera

828-236-0670

Asheville Symphony

828-254-7046

Brevard Music Center

828-884-2011

Colburn Gem and Mineral Museum

828-254-7162

Diana Wortham Theatre

828-257-4530

Fine Arts Theatre

828-232-1536

Flat Rock Playhouse

828-693-0731

Folk Art Center/Southern Highland Craft Guild

828-298-7928

Folkmoot U.S.A., International Folk music and Dance Festival

828-452-2997

Four Seasons Arts Council, Hendersonville

828-693-8504

HandMade in America

828-252-0121

Haywood Arts Repertory Theater (HART) Waynesville

828-456-6322

Haywood County Arts Council

828-452-0593

Health Adventure

828-254-6373

Montford Park Players

828-254-5146

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival and Shindig On the Green

828-258-6101 x789

Pack Place Education, Arts and Science Center

828-257-4500

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater

828-689-1384

Toe River Arts Council, Burnsville

828-682-7215

Transylvania County Arts Council, Brevard

828-884-2787

Walker Arts Center, Asheville School

828-254-6345

YMI Cultural Center

828-252-4614

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 39

North Carolina ArboretumLocated just south of Asheville, this 426-acre property is positioned in one of North America’s most interesting and diverse botanical regions. Cultivated gardens reflect the unique culture, craft, and beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Miles of nature trails offer leisurely walking as well as challenging hiking and biking. Located at mile marker 393 off the Blue Ridge Parkway and two miles south of Interstate 26 and Exit 2, the gardens and grounds are open to the public 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., seven days a week except Christmas. The Visitor Education Center is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.

to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Call 828-665-2492 for information and a listing of educational programs. www.ncarboretum.org Western North Carolina Nature Center – A leading environmental educational resource, the Nature Center offers regional animal and plant life in a natural environment.

Located on Gashes Creek Road just off Swannanoa River Road and adjacent to Recreation Park, the Nature Center is open daily year round, except winter holidays. Call 828-298-5600 or visit the web site at www.wncnaturecenter.org.

Other Attractions Antique Car Museum/Grovewood Gallery

828-253-7651

Asheville Parks & Recreation

828-259-5800

Asheville Tourists Baseball

828-258-0428

Blue Ridge Parkway

828-298-0398

Botanical Gardens

828-252-5190

Farmers Market

828-253-1691

Grandfather Mountain

828-733-4337

Grove Park Inn Resort

828-252-2711

Lake Julian District Park

828-684-0376

Lindville Caverns

828-756-4171

Riverside Cemetery

828-350-2066

Thomas Wolfe Memorial

828-253-8304

Unto These Hills

828-497-2111

Vance Birthplace

828-645-6706

WNC Agricultural Center

828-687-1414

WNC Nature Center

828-298-5600

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 40

Houses of Worship

N

ewcomers searching for a place of worship will find a welcome sign on the doors of nearly 300 religious institutions of varying beliefs in Asheville.

The Baptist church heads a long list of Christian denominations with more than 100 churches

under the Buncombe Baptist Association.

The second-largest Christian denomination in the Asheville area is the United Methodist Church, with 60 congregations in Buncombe County.

Denominations in the Asheville Area African Methodist Episcopal

828-253-5191

African Methodist Episcopal Zion

828-669-2221

Anglican

828-686-8505

Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry

828-259-5300

Assembly of God (Pentecostal)

828-254-5519

Baha’i Faith

828-251-1051

Baptist (First Baptist Church)

828-252-4781

Baptist (Independent)

828-254-2187

Baptist (Free Will)

828-253-5487

Baptist (General State)

828-254-2187

Baptist (Southern)

828-667-9818, 828-664-9444

Catholic

828-252-6042, 828-684-6098

Christian and Missionary Alliance

828-253-2784

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

828-252-1503

Church of Christ

828-274-2829, 828-254-4196

Church of God

828-285-8484, 828-254-2222

Church of God in Christ

828-254-4951

Church of God of Prophecy

828-252-3303

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

828-684-2895, 828-253-1810

Church of the Nazarene

828-253-2095

Christian Science

828-252-1787

Eckankar, Religion of the Light & Sound of God

828-254-6775 Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 41

Episcopal Church

828-274-2681

Full Gospel

828-254-2059

Greek Orthodox

828-253-3754

Interdenominational

828-253-4109

The Islamic Center

828-258-8360

Jehovah’s Witnesses

828-274-9416

Jubilee Community

828-252-5335

Lutheran, ELCA

828-253-0043

Lutheran, LCMS

828-252-1795

Mennonite

828-298-4487

Methodist-United

828-253-3316, 828-298-3211

Non-denominational

828-281-3777

Pentecostal Holiness

828-684-2158

Presbyterian

828-252-8872, 828-298-4745

Presbyterian Church, PCA

828-253-6578

Presbyterian Church, USA

828-253-1431

Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)

828-258-0974

Salvation Army

828-258-2283

Seventh-Day Adventist

828-274-2014

Unitarian Universalist Church

828-254-6001

United Church of Christ

828-252-8729

Unity Center of Christianity

828-684-3798

Unity Church of Asheville

828-252-5010

Universal Fellowship

828-684-0838

Wesleyan

828-253-3980

Word of Faith

828-254-2059

Synagogues: Beth Ha Tephila Congregation

828-253-4911

Beth Israel Synagogue Conservative

828-252-8431

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 42

Transportation & Communications

A

sheville is located at the junction of Interstates 26 and 40, with an I-240 connector that passes through downtown. Ten U.S. and state highways also serve the Asheville area. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway has four accesses in the Asheville area.

Asheville Regional Airport, 15 miles south of downtown Asheville on I-26, is serviced regularly by jet and commuter airlines. Daily flights provide service to more than 180 domestic and 40 international cities with just one connection. The airport

has an 8,000-foot runway and all modern navigational aids.

Complete facilities are provided for private and corporate aircraft.

The Asheville Transit Authority operates bus routes throughout the city. Private bus carriers serve limited rural and suburban areas.

Modern buses are available for charter services and tours.

More than 70 freight carriers, many with terminals in Asheville, provide transport service to the area.

Transportation

Airlines Continental Express

1-800-523-3273

Delta Connection ASA & Comair

1-800-221-1212

Northwest Airline

1-800-225-2525

US Airways provides non-stop jet service to Charlotte and Raleigh/Durham.

1-800-428-4322

Buses Asheville Transit at 360 West Haywood St. provides service around the city of Asheville. 828-253-5691 Greyhound - Trailways Bus Lines at 2 Tunnel Rd. provides passenger service 828-253-5353 and package express 1-800-231-2222 Young Transportation at 843 Riverside Dr. provides passenger service, charters, service for conventions, and tour services.

Limousines/Shuttle Service

Airport Ground Transportation All American Limousine Blue Ridge Limousine Carolina Limousine & Transport Elite Transportation

Taxi Service

A-Red Cab Company Beaver Lake Cab Metro Cab New Blue Bird Taxi Yellow Cab Company Your Cab II

828-258-0084 828-681-0051 828-667-9935 828-232-4046 828-665-2055 828-254-1155 828-232-1112 828-252-1913 828-254-1155 828-258-8331 828-253-3311 828-259-9904

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 43

Newspaper and Television

A

sheville and Western North Carolina are served by the Asheville Citizen-Times, which publishes daily and on Sunday.

The Citizen-Times also publishes approximately 20 special sections each year on virtually every aspect of mountain life and business and weekly publications on real estate and employment.

There are also several weekly and monthly publications in Asheville and Buncombe County.

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 44

WLOS-TV serves Western North Carolina as well as upstate South Carolina. Located in Asheville, WLOS is an affiliate station of ABC and offers six daily news broadcasts.

Asheville Media Co.

14 O. Henry Ave. Asheville, N.C. 28801 828-252-5611 or 1-800-800-4204 www.citizen-times.com

Settling In

G

etting settled in a new community can be confusing. This handy guide will help you get connected and on your way to enjoying your new home and neighbors.

Utilities

Progress Energy, 1-800-452-2777.

A deposit is required unless the customer has a positive credit history or a guaranteed contract signed by a current Progress Energy customer in good standing. The deposit is two times the average monthly bill of the dwelling to be occupied.

The Public Service Company of North Carolina PSNC Energy, 521 College St. 1-877-776-2427, provides gas service to the Asheville-Buncombe area.

The local water supplier is Regional Water Authority of Asheville, Buncombe, Henderson Counties, 70 Court Plaza, 828-251-1122. A $25 non-refundable service fee plus a $100

deposit is required. The water authority offers next working day installation.

For sewer connections contact the Metropolitan Sewerage District, P.O. Box 8969, Asheville, N.C. 28814, 828-254-9646.

Garbage Collection

The City of Asheville collects trash once per week. All garbage must be placed in a maximum of six bags, cans, or roll-out containers.

Bags or cans must be at the curb by 8:00 a.m. on your collection day. Call 828-251-1122 to learn more about trash collection or to arrange for pick-up of large items.

Commercial dumpster service is available through private contractors.

Those living outside city limi t s m u s t c o n t r a c t w i t h a private hauler for trash collection.

Call 828-250-5460 to learn more.

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 45

Adopt-A-Street

Help to reduce litter in the City of Asheville by participating in the Adopt-A-Street program.

Participants agree to pick up litter from their adopted street at least four times a year. Trash bags, gloves, and safety vests are provided. For more information about adopting a street or other litter clean-ups, call Quality Forward at 828-254-1776.

Telephone

Most Asheville-Buncombe area telephone service is operated by BellSouth, 1-888-757-6500 or 1866-620-6000. Applications may be handled by telephone. A credit check may be required.

Woodfin and Weaverville areas are served by Verizon, 1-800-483-4000 (for residential customers) and 1-800-483-5300 (for businesses).

Barnardsville area residents should check with TDS Telecom, 1599 Barnardsville Hwy., 828-626-2981.

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 46

Cable Television

Charter Communications serves the Asheville area, offering 223 channels including 78 Analog/Digital Video channels, 34 Premium channels, 7 High Definition channels, 52 Digital Music Express channels, 52 PayPer-View channels, and cable Internet service. The number of channels on the basic cable services varies from location to location, as do installation fees and monthly cable rates.

Greater Asheville Area: 1670 Hendersonville Rd, 1-800-955-7766 Waynesville: 1496 Sulphur Springs Rd, 1-800-955-7766 Black Mountain: U.S. 70 and Blue Ridge Rd, 1-800-955-7766

School Get toEnrolling knowinus

T

o enroll children in Asheville City or Buncombe County public schools, parents must first call or visit the neighborhood school. To register a student entering school for the first time, parents need the birth certificate, immunization record, previous report card, and medical release from the county Health Department or a personal physician. A Social Security number is required.

To confirm which system (city or county) manages the nearest neighborhood school, call 828-232-4240. Transfers within and between the systems may be allowed for special circumstances, but processing and transfer fees are usually required.

Both systems are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the State of North Carolina.

Asheville City Schools Asheville High School 828-350-2500

Asheville Middle School 828-350-6200 Asheville Learning Center 828-258-3499 Asheville City Schools Preschool 828-255-5423

Buncombe County Schools North Buncombe District

North Buncombe Elementary 828-645-6054 Weaverville Primary 828-645-4275 Weaverville Elementary 828-645-3127 Barnardsville Elementary 828-626-2290 North Buncombe Middle 828-645-7944 North Buncombe High 828-645-4221

Erwin District

Emma Elementary 828-232-4272 Johnston Elementary 828-232-4291 Leicester Elementary 828-683-2341 West Buncombe Elementary 828-232-4282 Woodfin Elementary 828-232-4287 Clyde A. Erwin Middle School 828-232-4264 Clyde A. Erwin High School 828-232-4251 Career Education Center 828-251-0499

Hall Fletcher Elementary 828-350-6400 Claxton Elementary 828-350-6500 Ira B. Jones Primary (pre-K–3) 828-350-6700 Vance Elementary 828-350-6600 Isaac Dickson Elementary 828-350-6800 School of Inquiry & Life Sciences 828-350-2700

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 47

Enka District

Reynolds District

Pisgah Elementary 828-670-5023

Charles C. Bell Elementary 828-298-3789

Enka Middle School 828-670-5010

Haw Creek Elementary 828-298-4022

Enka High School 828-670-5000

Oakley Elementary 828-274-7515

Hominy Valley Elementary School 828-665-0619

Fairview Elementary 828-628-2732

Sand Hill-Venable Elementary 828-670-5028

AC Reynolds Middle School 828-298-7484

Buncombe Community School West 828-670-5040.

AC Reynolds High School 828-298-2500

Roberson District

Black Mountain Elementary 828-669-5217

Candler Elementary 828-670-5018

Cane Creek Middle School 828-628-0824 William W. Estes Elementary 828-654-1795 Glen Arden Elementary 828-654-1800 Avery’s Creek Elementary 828-654-1810 Valley Springs Middle 828-654-1785 TC Roberson High School 828-654-1765

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 48

Cane Creek Middle School 828-628-0824

Owen District

Black Mountain Primary 828-669-2645 Charles D. Owen Middle 828-686-7739 Charles D. Owen High School 828-686-3852 WD Williams Elementary 828-686-3856 Buncombe Community School East 828-686-7734.

Special Education

Progressive Education Program T.C. Roberson, 828-654-1780 Valley Springs 828-654-1792 William W. Estes Elementary 828-654-1794

Charter School Listings Artspace Charter School 828-298-2787 Brevard Academy 828-885-2665 Evergreen Community School 828-298-2173 New School for Children Francine Delaney, 828-236-9441 The Mountain Community School, 828-696-8480

Carolina Christian 828-658-8964 Carolina Day School 828-274-0757 Christ School 828-684-6232 Emmanuel Lutheran School 828-281-8182 The Learning Community 828-686-3080 Mount Pisgah Academy 828-667-2535 Rainbow Mountain Children’s School 828-258-9264 Stone Mountain School 828-669-8639

Private Schools

Asheville Catholic School 828-252-7896 Asheville Christian Academy 828-581-2200 Asheville Montessori School 828-254-6014 Asheville School 828-254-6345

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 49

Employment For information about employment in the Asheville area contact: NC Employment Security Commission Job Service Division 48 Grove St. Asheville, NC 28801 828-251-6200 www.esc.state.nc.us There are a number of private employment services in the Asheville area.

For information, check the Asheville telephone directory or the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory.

Driver’s Licenses and Tags New residents must apply for a North Carolina driver’s license within 60 days of relocating in the state. Vision and knowledge tests are required, and road tests are given at the discretion of the examiner.

Apply at the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Patrol Building, 600 Tunnel Road (U.S. 70 East), Asheville (828-298-4544) or 1624 Patton Avenue, Asheville (828-251-6065).

Newcomer’s Handbook 2008 | 50

A North Carolina license plate must be purchased within 30 days of residency. An automobile title and proof of insurance must be presented to the License Tag Agency in Innsbruck Mall, 85 Tunnel Road (828-252-8526) and 153 Smokey Park Highway #8 (828-667-2104). Ownership of liability insurance is a prerequisite to register a motor vehicle in North Carolina.

Automobiles must be inspected within 10 days from the date vehicles are subject to registration.

Voting

You may register to vote in Asheville and Buncombe County 30 days after establishing residency, but you must register more than 25 days prior to the election.

You may register by mail or in person at the Board of Elections office, all libraries and all high schools. For information contact: Board of Elections, Courthouse Annex 189 College St., P.O. Box 7468 Asheville, NC 28802 828-250-4200