Community News

Running list of cancellations, postponements (free content)

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 18, 2020

Here is a roundup of the latest cancellations or changes. We add to the list as new cancellations and announcements arrive, so the newest are at the top.

• Registration for the WNC Flyer bicycle event is temporarily suspended. "We had to make the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend registration to the WNC Flyer on June 7 due to uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)," the event sponsor, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, announced. "We will have a final decision on the status of this event on or before April 5."
• The Council on Aging Meals-on-Wheels program has implemented a no-contact protocol which is allowing the agency to continue their delivery of hot meals to their clients Monday through Friday. All volunteers have been trained on the new guidelines and this new process is in place. COA has closed the Sammy Williams Center congregate dining site and will reopen when guidance is clear that it is safe for larger numbers to gather again. COA Thrift Stores in Hendersonville and Etowah are closed for shopping until Tuesday, March 31. Other than liquid nutrition pickup, the COA office is not accepting walk-in clients. All clients of other programs that the Council serves should call 828-692-4203 or visit coahc.org.
• The North Carolina Arboretum said restroom access in the Baker Exhibit Center will remain open; however, the gift shop, exhibit hall and Exhibit Greenhouse will be closed. The Bonsai Exhibition Garden restrooms will be open to the public. The Education Center and Bistro are closed to the public.

• The Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter’s Walk to End Alzheimer's /The Longest Day Expo in Asheville originally planned for March 21 will be delivered through a virtual option. The Virtual Expo will take place from 1o to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28. The 30-minute video presentation will give participants a chance to hear from top team captains, hear fundraising ideas and get new tips, and get equipped with valuable resources and materials. There is no charge to participate, but registration is required at tinyurl.com/ALZVirtualExpo. For questions or more information, email hwlitaker@alz.org or call 980-498-7724. Registrants will be sent conferencing details prior to the date of the Virtual Expo.

• The Joy of Jazz Festival 2020 set for March 28 at Trinity Presbyterian Church is postponed.
• At AdventHealth Hendersonville, no visitors under the age of 18 are permitted at the hospital main campus. Patients in the Medical/Surgical Unit, ICU, Behavioral Health, The Baby Place and ER may designate one person as a visitor.
• WCCA has closed all of its facilities to walk-in visitors. Individuals and families seeking services can contact case managers, housing specialist, family service workers Apple Country Transportation and management staff at 828-693-1711. To request para transit services or inquire about bus service, call Apple Country Transportation at 828-698-8571. WCCA services in Transylvania County can be reached by calling 828-884-2255.
•  The Flat Rock Playhouse announced that it was suspending its season for four weeks.
• The Biltmore Estate announced that it is modifying operations from March 17-31. Because of Gov. Roy Cooper's recommendation to avoid gatherings of more than 100 people, the estate has closed tours of Biltmore House, retail stores and restaurants in the immediate Biltmore House complex, Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, located at Amherst, estate trolleys, with the exception of ADA assistance shuttles and Deerpark Restaurant. Remaining open are Biltmore gardens and grounds (guests will be permitted to drive personal vehicles through the gardens March 17-31,The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village, including shops and restaurants, Biltmore Winery and most outdoor activities.The company will pay impacted employees who were scheduled to work during the impacted time.
• The Hendersonville Symphony announced it was cancelling all concerts and public activities until further notice, including Saturday's Hot Club of Cowtown concert and the March 28 performance by the Symphony. The Symphony is offering several options regarding ticket purchases to these concerts: Consider making a ticket purchase as a tax-deductible donation, request an exchange of your ticket purchase (up to the face value of the purchase price) for a future concert in our 2020-2021 season that will be announced next month; refund your ticket purchase (excluding tax and processing fee) to the credit card you used to purchase your tickets or by check. Send an email to info@hendersonvillesymphony.org with your request and choice of above.
• Interfaith Assistance Ministry implemented a new policy to interview clients by phone instead of in person, place food orders outside for pickup and excuse volunteers who do not feel comfortable in the group environment. IAM is also rescheduling its Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Spring Volunteer Training. “Because this is an evolving situation, it may become necessary to implement additional measures,” IAM Executive Director Elizabeth Moss said in an email to volunteers. “IAM staff are all prepared to help more with services as we continue to provide crisis services in this uncharted territory.”
• The Emergency Preparedness Team for Four Seasons hospice is meeting daily to plan for and respond to the effects on patients, families, volunteers and staff. Following the guidance of both Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as well as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Four Seasons office locations and the Elizabeth House inpatient unit will be screened by asking the following questions: Has the visitor traveled internationally within the last 14 days? Is the visitor currently experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a fever, cough, and sore throat? In the last 14 days, has the visitor had contact with someone with or under investigation for COVID-19, or who is ill with respiratory illness? Does the visitor reside in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring? Those with signs of illness will be asked not to visit.
• The Formation public relations and marketing firm said its team is moving to teleworking for the foreseeable future, until such a time as we have reasonable assurances for the health and safety of our team and community. "We are fortunate we have the luxury to do this, as we recognize there are many industries, our clients included, who are unable to embrace this social distancing approach," the firm said in a news release. "We do not anticipate any disruption to our workflow or client outcomes, and will remain available via email and phone."
• The Kiwanis Club called off meetings through April 2.
• AdventHealth Hendersonville said it is suspending elective surgeries and procedures beginning Monday but will continue emergency surgical care. “Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been working very closely with our Medical Staff Leadership to track the impact on our region. We determined now is the time to take this action because of the increase in confirmed and presumed positive cases here in North Carolina,” said Jimm Bunch, AdventHealth Hendersonville President and CEO.
• The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority canceled the "Say I Do” Hendersonville Bridal Show, which had been scheduled for March 21 at BRCC. “Governor Cooper has recommended all gatherings of 100 people or more be curtailed due to the growing number of coronavirus cases nationally and here in North Carolina,” said Beth Carden, executive director of the Henderson County TDA. “We agree that exercising caution is the prudent thing to do right now.” All vendors who signed up for the show will be refunded their full registration fees.
  The North Carolina Stage Company suspended performances of the play Well, originally scheduled to run through April 12.
• The Hendersonville Swing Band concert scheduled for Saturday, April 4, is cancelled.
• The Attic Salt Theatre Company in Asheville announced it is postponing its production of boom. "We hope that, when we get it back on its feet, you’ll give it the same kind attention as you have thus far," Artistic Director Jeff Catanese said.
• Blue Ridge Humane Society has rescheduled its Cause for Paws Luncheon from Tuesday, March 24, to Friday, Nov. 6, at Champion Hills. Ticket holders who have already purchased tickets may use their ticket for the Nov. 6 event or donate the ticket value to the Blue Ridge Humane Society for the care of animals in the Adoption Center or request a refund by contacting Laresa Griffin at lgriffin@blueridgehumane.org or (828) 692-2639 ext 304. If a refund is requested the process may take 1-2 weeks due to the current situation. Ticket sales will still be open for the November date and updated details regarding the luncheon will be released in the near future.
•  Blue Ridge Symphonic Brass cancelled a concert that was scheduled for March 22 at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The band also has a concert scheduled for May 3 at Cathedral of All Souls Episcopal Church in South Asheville. "We will continue to monitor developments in regard to virus warnings and will make decisions about the May concert in the coming weeks," the organization said.
  Center for Cultural Preservation director David Weintraub announced that the upcoming Appalachian Storytelling Extravaganza will be live-streamed at 7 p.m. March 19 rather than performed in front of an audience. "Through live streaming, ticketed audience members will have access to the event live or you may access the program over the course of the three days following the program," he said. "You will be able to access this event through your computer, smart TV, smart phone or any other device or connect with a friend or neighbor and watch it together!" Order tickets here.
• The League of Women Voters announced it was calling off its Sunshine Week event and a Census 2020 information session March 19 and March 25.
• N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley directed local courts to postpone most cases in district and superior court for at least 30 days. The order makes exceptions to preserve the right to due process of law (e.g., a first appearance or bond hearing, the appointment of counsel for an indigent defendant, a probation hearing, a probable cause hearing, etc.); proceedings for the purpose of obtaining emergency relief (e.g., a domestic violence protection order, temporary restraining order, juvenile custody order, judicial consent to juvenile medical treatment order, civil commitment order, etc.); or when the senior resident superior court judge, chief business court judge, or chief district court judge determines that the proceeding can be conducted under conditions that protect the health and safety of all participants. The emergency directive does not apply to any proceeding in which a jury has already been empaneled or to any grand juries already empaneled.

This is a evolving story. Check back for updates on cancellations or postponements and other coronavirus news. Coronavirus coverage is unlocked from the Lightning's paywall so all can access them.