A-B Tech Community College’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality program won its second national championship at the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Nationals on July 17, 2024, in Phoenix. The team, led by captain Abbey Franklin and coached by Chris Bugher and Bronwen McCormick, had previously won the Southeast Regional competition. This marks A-B Tech’s 15th appearance at ACF Nationals. Recent graduate Nickolas Abbott also earned a silver medal in the Student Chef of the Year competition. The team’s winning menu featured Coconut Crusted Red Snapper and Chipotle Prickly Pear Glazed Pork Loin. Read more.
Community:
The YMCA of Western North Carolina will offer free Youth Mental Health First Aid training in Asheville starting in August, as part of a national initiative to improve mental health literacy for children and teens. This skills-based course equips participants to identify, understand, and respond to mental health or substance abuse challenges, connecting them with appropriate resources. Maria Suarez, YMCA community teen director, emphasizes the importance of the training in supporting youth mental wellness. The training, funded by a grant, will be held monthly at AmeriHealth Caritas and is free to the public with pre-registration required. Learn more.
Happenings:
Bear’s BBQ SmokehouseAsheville is unveiling their HOPE Bus on Monday, August 5, to raise funds for All Souls Counseling. The event will feature a mural by local artists Gus Cutty and Kathryn Crawford, and a 7’x7’x3’ light-up HOPE sign by metalworker David Earl. The sign will be lit during the event to open the HOPE Bus and kick off the initiative officially. The event runs from 6 PM to 10 PM, with karaoke from 7 PM to 10 PM, and will include food and drink specials. Learn more.
The WNCCHS 30th Anniversary Community Health Fair will be held on Thursday, August 8th, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at A-B Tech Campus, Parking Lot A7. The free event features health screenings, medical education, exhibitor booths, food trucks, music, and activities for all ages, including arts and crafts, face painting, a fire truck, drum circle, DJ, free snow cones, and games. Learn more.
The City of Asheville Water Resources Department announces the inaugural Eblen Charities-Ingles Charity Golf Tournament on August 15 at Asheville Municipal Golf Course. This event, benefiting Eblen Charities’ Water Assistance Program, features a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. and costs $400 per team or $125 per individual. Beth Russo, Executive Director of Eblen Charities, and Pat Jackson, Ingles CFO, emphasize the tournament’s positive community impact. David Melton, director of the City of Asheville Water Resources Department, highlights the importance of this partnership in supporting local families. Learn more.