Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, achieved a significant milestone in cardiac care by performing North Carolina’s first commercial TriClip procedure in May. Led by Dr. Michael Chenier of Asheville Cardiology Associates, this procedure offers new hope for patients with tricuspid valve regurgitation, a condition causing blood to flow backward into the heart. Recently FDA-approved, TriClip enhances quality of life by addressing symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. Mission Hospital, renowned for its comprehensive care and nursing excellence, continues to lead in innovative cardiac treatments. Learn more.
Community:
The PorchLight Project, a collaborative initiative between Helpmate and Our Voice, partners of the Buncombe County Family Justice Center, launched on July 1, 2024.This initiative aims to establish a network of local businesses offering safe spaces and access to resources for survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence. Partner agencies will provide training and support for participating businesses. Learn more.
Happenings:
Montford Park Players announced their 2024 season featuring Shakespeare’s Henry V, part of their Muse of Fire series celebrating the Wars of the Roses. Performances will take place at Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre in Asheville’s Montford District from July 26 to August 25, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings at 7:30 PM. Directed by David Doersch, the play explores King Henry V’s military conquests and diplomatic endeavors, marking a continuation of Montford Park Players’ longstanding tradition as North Carolina’s oldest community-based Shakespeare theatre. Learn more.
Champion Credit Union presents its Community Speaker Series featuring Daron K. Roberts on August 22, 2024, at the Hilton Biltmore Park. Daron K. Roberts, former NFL coach and founder of the Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation at the University of Texas, will discuss leadership and his acclaimed books. The event includes a networking breakfast, is free to attend with RSVP required due to limited space. Learn more & get tickets.
The Southern Conference, in partnership with Ingles, Explore Asheville, the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, and Harrah’s Cherokee Center, will host the 2024 Ingles SoCon Volleyball Championship at Harrah’s Cherokee Center–Asheville from November 21–24, marking the tournament’s first neutral-site hosting in its history. Asheville secured the event for three years, enhancing local business and community engagement during November’s shoulder season. Tickets are now available, offering daily general admission and Courtside Lounge passes, including amenities sponsored by Ingles. Learn more and get tickets.
Hire:
The Asheville Symphony has extended Music Director Darko Butorac’s contract for three additional years, through 2027. Under Butorac’s leadership since 2018, the symphony has seen significant growth, including expanded programming and community engagement initiatives. His renewal was unanimously supported by the board, musicians, and staff, reflecting his impact and vision for the orchestra’s future. Butorac’s tenure has introduced acclaimed initiatives such as the ALT ASO series and the Asheville Symphony’s Artist Residency, enhancing the symphony’s cultural presence in Western North Carolina. Learn more.
Rebecca (Becky) Noricks has been appointed as the Vice President of Communications at Dogwood Health Trust, effective July 30, following an extensive national search. With over 20 years of experience in strategic communications and philanthropy, including roles at the Kellogg Foundation and the Council of Michigan Foundations, Noricks brings a wealth of expertise in amplifying organizational impact and fostering community engagement. In her new role, she will lead internal and external communication strategies that support Dogwood’s mission to enhance health and wellbeing across Western North Carolina. Learn more.
Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) has appointed Jaclyn “Jackie” Kiger as its new Executive Director, succeeding Jim Barrett after his 41-year tenure. Kiger, previously Chief Operations Officer at PLS, brings extensive experience as an attorney and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. She aims to continue expanding access to justice and enhancing the lives of thousands in Western North Carolina. Kiger, who joined PLS in 2010, holds degrees from Duquesne University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Her tenure begins on August 3, 2024. Learn more.
Opening:
Asheville Media Group launched La Pantera 97.3 on July 3, 2024, marking Asheville’s first Spanish-language radio station. The station, replacing ‘Pure Oldies’ on 97.3 FM HD3 and LaPantera973.com, features regional Mexican music, Latin pop, and Latin urban genres tailored for the growing Latino community in western North Carolina. Designed by radio consultant Gerardo Lopez, the station aims to engage the community through local programming and partnerships with community leaders and businesses. For more information, visit LaPantera973.com.