Dogwood Health Trust has launched its Digital Opportunities Initiative, committing over $7 million to expand broadband access, improve digital literacy, and enhance connectivity across Western North Carolina’s 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary. A key component of this initiative is the formation of 10 collaboratives, selected through a 2024 RFP process, that will implement strategies to bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved communities. These collaboratives – led by organizations such as Avery-Mitchell-Yancey Regional Library, Land of Sky Regional Council, and Southwestern Community College – will focus on providing devices and digital literacy training, fostering sustainable partnerships, and improving broadband affordability and availability. This effort follows Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the region’s infrastructure, which underscored the critical need for reliable internet access. In addition to these collaboratives, the initiative will support research, broadband investment, and policy advocacy to create long-term digital inclusion. Dogwood Health Trust will convene the collaboratives monthly, ensuring shared learning and community-driven solutions. To learn more, visit www.dht.org. (Featured Photo)
Community Resource:
Mission Hospital is renewing its Trauma Survivors Network (TSN) with free, monthly in-person support group meetings starting February 4. Designed for survivors of traumatic physical injury, families, and caregivers, the group offers a safe space to connect, share experiences, and access expert guidance on recovery. Facilitated by a licensed therapist, each session will cover the physical, emotional, and spiritual effects of trauma, provide time for discussion, and offer helpful resources. Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of every month (except July) from 6:30–8:30 p.m. on the fifth floor of 1 Hospital Drive, Asheville. Attendance is free, with refreshments provided. Registration is not required, but more details and dates are available at MissionHealth.org/Calendar. For questions, contact ncdv.traumainfo@hcahealthcare.com or call (828) 213-1994.
Happenings:
The Hop Ice Cream invites the Asheville community to celebrate Ice Cream for Breakfast Day on Saturday, February 1, from 8 AM to 12 PM at the Merrimon Avenue location. This year’s festivities feature a special collaboration with Chill Cereal Bar and Summit Coffee, bringing a fun twist to this sweet tradition. Enjoy $1 off Jitterbug Milkshakes, a breakfast-inspired ice cream flavor, toppings from Chill Cereal Bar, and coffee, espresso, and affogatos from the Summit Coffee Truck. Observed globally on the first Saturday of February, Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is exactly what it sounds like – an excuse to start your morning with a scoop (or two). Gather your friends and family and join the fun!
Golden Hour is hosting two special pop-up dinners on Friday, February 7, and Saturday, February 22, at 6:30 p.m. as a warm-up for its March reopening. These intimate dinners, called A Taste of the Favorites, will feature a family-style menu curated by Chef-Partner Jacob Sessoms and Executive Chef Kevin Chrisman, offering a preview of the new dishes debuting in March. Guests can enjoy memorable bites, live music, and a chance to reconnect. Menu highlights include dishes like Seafood Beignets, NC Winter Catch Filet, Lamb a La Parilla, and Radical Slump Cake. Tickets are $75 per person, plus tax, gratuity, and beverages, and can be purchased here for February 7 and here for February 22.
Join Explore Asheville, the BCTDA, and travel and hospitality colleagues on Wednesday, February 12, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at AB-Tech Ferguson Auditorium. Attendees will engage in three panel discussions on economic recovery, sustainability, and transportation infrastructure, featuring local leaders and national experts, including Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout, and Walt Leger III, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company. The event will also celebrate the 12th Annual Explore Asheville Superstars for their resilience and dedication. To ensure inclusivity, two registration options are available: donation-based tickets ($1–$20) supporting Explore Asheville’s Workforce Development program or free general admission. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Learn more and register.
The Asheville Brewers Alliance and FIRC Group present “The Love of Craft” festival on Saturday, February 22, from from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Battery Park Hall in the Haywood Park Atrium, celebrating Asheville’s craft beverage scene, artisan community, and gourmet mac & cheese. This lively event offers craft beer and beverage tastings, an artisan market featuring handcrafted goods, and a mac & cheese showcase from top local restaurants. More than a tasting event, it’s a celebration of resilience in the wake of Hurricane Helene, with proceeds supporting local craft businesses affected by the storm. Get yours here.
Join fellow business leaders for an exclusive and inspiring Business Leader Forum, part of the SoCon Basketball Tournament & presented by Explore Asheville. Set for Friday, March 7, from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. at the Haywood Park Hotel – just one block from the arena – this event delves into the critical intersection of leadership, mental health, and recovery in the workplace. Renowned leadership expert, author, and former NBA referee Bob Delaney will share insights on resilience, crisis management, and leading with empathy. This engaging TED Talk-style forum includes a Q&A, allowing attendees to explore leadership strategies that prioritize emotional intelligence and workplace support. Entry is by suggested donation to the Always Asheville Fund, and contributors will receive a General Admission ticket to Friday night’s session at the arena as a thank-you. Space is limited – register by February 15 to secure your spot. Learn more & register.
Hiring:
Mission Health is hosting two career fairs for job seekers interested in clinical and non-clinical healthcare roles. Meet with hiring managers and recruiters at CarePartners Rehabilitation Hospital (68 Sweeten Creek Road) on February 5 from 3:30–6 p.m., where positions are available in Rehabilitation, Outpatient Rehab, Home Health, Hospice Home Care, and PACE. Another event will be held at UNCA Kimmel Arena (227 Campus Dr., Asheville) on February 18 from 3–5 p.m., where attendees can connect with career counselors and explore opportunities in nursing, imaging, rehabilitation, pharmacy, housekeeping, and more. Mission Health offers competitive benefits, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, and sign-on bonuses ranging from $4K to $20K. For more details, visit MissionHealth.org/careers.
Promotion:
As part of the Love Local campaign, people who come into the YMCAof Western North Carolina with a receipt from a locally owned business for $15 or more will get a FREE day pass to use the Y. There’s no obligation to join – they just want to reward folks who support local businesses with a chance to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body at the Y.
Recognition:
Mission Hospital has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for 2025 by Healthgrades, placing it in the top 1% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance. This marks the 10th consecutive year Mission Hospital has received this honor and makes it the only hospital in North Carolina to earn a spot on the list. Healthgrades evaluated 4,500 hospitals nationwide based on patient outcomes, recognizing Mission Hospital’s excellence in cardiology, critical care, gastrointestinal care and surgery, gastrointestinal medicine, and stroke care—ranking first in the state in all five areas. “Our outstanding team continues to raise the bar in providing exceptional care to our patients,” said Greg Lowe, CEO of Mission Hospital and Mission Health. For more details on this recognition, visit Healthgrades.com.