You can try the potter’s wheel, coil build a vase, or try sculpting your favorite animal. Come with your own ideas and we’ll bring those to life, too! Led by instructors Marissa , Liam, and Tony, the class is free of charge and materials are included.

The fear of falling is common among older adults and can increase a person’s risk of falling. A Matter of Balance provides strategies to reduce this fear and increase confidence. Learn practical information for preventing falls, exercises to improve strength and balance, tips for getting off the ground after a fall, how to improve home safety, and more in this eight-session series.

Generation Plus is offering another lunch and learn with Tai Chi as our topic.

Tai chi for arthritis and falls prevention has been shown to relieve pain, improve physical function, increase balance, and reduce the risk of falls.

Many people talk about community and we certainly have a diverse and rich LGBTQ+ community here in Asheville and the region. And while we love seeing all the love at the annual Blue Ridge Pride festival we know there are more opportunities for us to come together, have a good time and build upon the great work started in 2009 when Blue Ridge Pride started (officially). The 2022 Pride Festival saw a record number of people, close to 18k.

When we were first ask to identify some local LGBTQ+ folk we had to stop and think for a bit. Are there Asheville LGBTQ+ natives? Who are they and where are they? So we got to work and put out some asks as they say. Within 2 days we had a list of 21 folk from a diverse group. You see it all started last year.

During this series of chats from the LGBTQ community, we’ve heard from local leaders and influencers who always leave us feeling inspired.

Senate Bill 49 would, among other provisions, require teachers to notify parents if a student questions their own gender — outing many young trans people before they’re ready to tell their families, who might be hostile to their identities

As we all know the stigma associated with mental health is a barrier to services and support. Many people are ashamed to ask for help. This is no different in our black community and is greater in our LGBTQ+ black communities.

You can't miss Blue Ridge Pride's float (Black Honda truck with a large Unicorn). The theme is: Out Of This World!

Volunteering is not only good for our health, it’s a solid way to build community, fellowship, and friendship. It helps us grow a sense of belonging as well as a sense of place. By getting to know and appreciate what’s in our surrounding community, we have more opportunities to break out of isolating situations—or break out of our own shells by sharing our sense of purpose and the joy of serving others.

Have you had a dream of becoming a writer for years, perhaps decades? Those of us in the second half of life might wonder whether that dream will ever become destiny.

In 2018, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSMNP) started The African American Experiences in the Smokies Project (AAESP). This project focuses on the overlooked history of African Americans in the Smokies and Southern Appalachia. In the 1800’s, southern Appalachia was a remote and socio-economically challenged region.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the IRS, NC Department of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System, and Council on Aging, Inc. will be offering tax preparations for low and moderate income tax payers, as well as elderly and disabled people in need of help.

During this series of chats from the LGBTQ community, we’ve heard from local leaders and influencers who have left us feeling inspired. Today we interviewed KP Whaley. KP has created a life in service through public and community broadcasting.

From Blue Ridge Pride-

The proposed North Carolina “Parents’ Bill of Rights” only serves to further marginalize our LGBTQ+ youth. The introduction of SB49 yesterday would require forcibly outing transgender and gender-nonconforming youth

An increasing focus is appearing regarding our aging LGBTQ+ elders and the need for more information. This survey is a bit different in that it is geared towards the LGBTQ+ community, aged 52-58. Our program, Generation Plus serves the LGBTQ+ 55+ community and we hope you will complete the survey as it's results will add greatly to our understanding of the community needs.

Blue Ridge Pride is largely a volunteer-driven organization. In addition to supporting the annualfestival, our sponsor and donor funds support our community programs, projects and partners. Theseprogram and projects, detailed in a separate guide.

Our Thrive! series kicks off in February with a discussion about Nutrition.Join Generation Plus and Emily Carleo, the Director of Congregate Nutrition at the Council on Aging, for a “Thrive: lunch and learn” event covering nutrition basics for aging adults and the importance of nourishing not only your body but also your mind and spirit.