Don’t miss the next installment of the Community CONNECT Speaker Series featuring motivational speaker and author Kevin Brown on Thursday, April 10 at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Known for helping transform SERVPRO® into a $2 billion company, Kevin brings real-life lessons from the front lines to the boardroom. Enjoy a networking breakfast starting at 8:30 AM. Free to attend with RSVP – space is limited!
Celebrate the renovation of Memorial Stadium and revitalization of Mountainside Park with Asheville Parks & Recreation on Tuesday, April 15 from 5–7 PM. Explore Asheville’s vibrant sports and fitness scene at the community fair, then stick around for a special 6 PM ribbon-cutting ceremony. Veterans are invited to RSVP for reserved seating, and interested organizations can still inquire about participating.
Join Explore Asheville, the Buncombe County TDA, and local partners for the 2025 Travel & Hospitality Earth Day Cleanup. On April 22, groups will meet at host venues across five Buncombe County neighborhoods for a one-hour cleanup followed by a social hour. All volunteers will receive a drink token—an easy and impactful way to help your community rebound post-Helene.
Support the parks and public lands you love! Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. is hosting a “Save Your Public Lands” event on Wednesday, April 9 from 5:30–7:30 PM at The Mule. Enjoy speakers starting at 6 PM, and connect with other nature lovers. Free and open to the public.
OnTrack WNC is offering free financial literacy workshops this April. Choose from “Understanding Credit” and “Money Foundations” with both in-person and Zoom options. These sessions cover credit basics, habits for financial stability, and tips to achieve your money goals.
Awards & Recognition:
Melanie Wilkinson of Mix 96.5’s Morning Mix was honored with a prestigious national Gracie Award for her outstanding crisis coverage during Hurricane Helene. Wilkinson kept WNC informed and connected when traditional infrastructure failed, providing vital information and facilitating real-time community support through local radio.
The inaugural class of South College Asheville’s Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies graduated March 22. The 77 graduates are now eligible for national certification, marking a major milestone for regional healthcare workforce development.
The Friends of the WNC Nature Center hosted the first “Heart of the Wild” luncheon in March to honor the visionary women who helped transform a struggling zoo into today’s wildlife park. Attendees celebrated 50 years of commitment to wildlife, education, and community impact, with moving tributes to the Junior League of Asheville’s role. (featured photo)
Expansion & Engagement:
Asheville-based Devil’s Foot Beverage Company is now available across Florida through a new partnership with Progressive Distribution. Their craft, non-alcoholic sodas—popular as cocktail mixers or refreshing stand-alones—are now reaching even more fans as the brand grows.
This spring, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is welcoming a record number of out-of-town college volunteers and AmeriCorps teams to support homebuilding and disaster repairs across Buncombe County. With 19 groups already scheduled and hundreds more expressing interest, this surge reflects a powerful commitment to post-Helene recovery.
Research & Resources:
The Association of Fundraising Professionals WNC Chapter has published a white paper analyzing Hurricane Helene’s impact on local nonprofits. The report reveals widespread operational disruptions, decreased revenue, and staffing challenges—but also highlights emerging strategies for resilience. Download the full report here.
The Guide to Family Forward Workplaces has been refreshed to reflect the latest research and laws affecting caregivers in the workforce. Employers can explore sample policies, ROI data, and practical tools to attract and retain talent while supporting young families.
Post-Helene landslide repairs have started along several sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville. The National Park Service is working to stabilize affected areas and restore access. Check road conditions before visiting at nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
If you experienced uninsured damage from Tropical Storm Helene, apply for FEMA aid by Monday, April 7. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to apply, check on Continued Rental Assistance, or appeal a determination.
Buncombe County has entered interlocal agreements with Asheville, Black Mountain, and Weaverville to help administer the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Property owners affected by Helene may be eligible for property acquisition at pre-disaster values, helping reduce long-term flood risk at no cost.
Publication
The newest volume of the Western NC Relocation Guide is now in distribution! This biannual publication showcases the region’s charm, helping newcomers and potential residents navigate the relocation process with ease.