AdventHealth Hendersonville has achieved its 16th consecutive ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in the Spring of 2024. This grade is part of a national assessment by the nonprofit organization which evaluates hospitals based on over 30 safety criteria, including error rates and infection control. The latest grade not only continues AdventHealth Hendersonville’s streak but also shows an improvement in its numerical score, highlighting the hospital’s ongoing commitment to patient safety and care quality. The recognition reflects the efforts of the hospital’s leadership, staff, and volunteers towards maintaining high safety standards. The Leapfrog Group emphasizes that the Hospital Safety Grade is a unique, peer-reviewed rating system focused solely on preventable medical mishaps. Read more.
Anniversary:
The Mast General Store in Asheville is celebrating its 25th anniversary on May 12, 2024, marking a quarter century since it opened its doors on Biltmore Avenue. To commemorate the milestone, the store is offering free freshly popped popcorn to visitors on that day. Since its establishment in 1999, the store has become a key part of a revitalized downtown Asheville, contributing to the area’s transformation into a vibrant hub for shopping, art, and outdoor activities. The store, housed in a historic building with a rich retail heritage, is noted for maintaining high standards of customer service reminiscent of traditional general stores. The president of Mast General Store, Lisa Cooper, emphasizes the importance of community relationships and the unique role each store plays in its local area. Learn more.
Happenings:
The Brevard Music Center (BMC) and the Asheville Symphony have teamed up to bring acclaimed pianist Olga Kern to Western North Carolina for two performances. Kern will first appear in a recital at BMC’s Parker Concert Hall on May 14, as part of the final program of the Parker Concert Hall Series, performing works by notable composers including Rachmaninoff and Gershwin. Following this, she will perform with the Asheville Symphony on May 18 at BMC’s Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium in the season finale “Masterworks 7: Titan”, featuring Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, “Titan”. The partnership between BMC and the Asheville Symphony highlights their commitment to providing high-quality musical experiences and leveraging regional collaboration to bring renowned talents like Kern to the local audience. Get tickets.
Platinum Group is hosting a webinar Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, featuring experts Sabrina Presnell Rockoff, Murphy Horne Fletcher from McGuire Wood & Bissette, and Michael Murphy from Platinum Group. They will discuss recent changes and updates in employment law, including the FLSA’s adjustment in exempt employee minimum salaries effective July 1, 2024, new FTC regulations on non-competes, the final regulation on the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act, and the latest EEOC guidance on harassment claims. Attendees can register in advance, and those unable to attend will receive a recording and the presentation slides post-event. Register!
The “Kids Deserve Justice” event, organized by Pisgah Legal Services, returns on May 15th at Rabbit Rabbit in Asheville to benefit the Children’s Law Program. The event, running from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, features live music, family-friendly activities like an inflatable obstacle course and face painting, and a silent auction with items from local businesses. It aims to support the legal needs of over 7,000 children annually who are affected by issues like homelessness and domestic violence. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door, with free admission for children 12 and under. This event provides a crucial opportunity for community members to support and sustain the vital services offered by Pisgah Legal Services, which aids over 23,500 people each year across 18 counties. Learn more & get tickets.
The AVL Food Series from Shay & Company & Devil’s Foot Beverage features a mix of intimate pop-up dinners for 75 people and larger food festivals for 400, showcasing the diverse and creative local cuisine. Hosted monthly at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, join this month on May 18th for Wing Wonderland, a family-friendly festival celebrating chicken wings. This event offers games for children and a variety of food and drink options, including cocktails and local beers. The dinners and festivals aim to foster community connections and support local nonprofits. Wing Wonderland provides VIP access starting at 11:30 AM and general admission from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, featuring top local chefs and their unique wing recipes. Get tickets.
The “Brews and Bears” event series at the WNC Nature Center in Asheville has resumed for the summer season. Held on the second Friday of each month through August, from 5:30-8:00 PM, the event allows guests to explore the Nature Center during cooler evening hours, enjoy local food and drinks, and participate in animal education programs. Highlights include viewing enrichment activities for the center’s resident black bears, Uno and Ursa, and meeting new animals like baby cougars and bobcats. Admission is $15 for members and $20 for non-members, with a VIP option available. Proceeds support the Friends of the WNC Nature Center in enhancing animal habitats and other projects. The event features a variety of beverages, food trucks, and music, with each month offering unique programs related to different animals. Learn more & get tickets.