Plus, Chow Chow shuts down the nonprofit and festival.
 
February 12, 2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

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Today’s Forecast

56º | Light rain | 75% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 6:08 p.m.
 
Brighten up an Ashevillian’s day
Asheville skyline from a distance with white and purple clouds above it.
Spread the love around the city this week. | Photo by @honeybadgerimages
February is the season of love, but we’re adding kindness to the mix. This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, and Saturday, Feb. 17 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day — so to help you fill your week with something sweet, here are seven acts that can brighten up the community.

Show local businesses some love

It’s no secret that we love our local businesses in Asheville. Next time you stop by your go-to spots, tip generously or write a positive review.

Help our furry friends

Consider fostering or adopting a furry friend in need of a home, or volunteer at a local shelter like Asheville Humane Society or Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (where you can take the pups for a hike). Today, Monday, Feb. 12, is also the last day you can support through one of Brother Wolf’s Puppygrams.
Lend a hand to those facing food insecurity in our community by donating food to or organizing a drive for organizations like MANNA FoodBank.

Bring treats to work

Next time you’re on the way to work, grab your coworkers some coffee or pastries. If you’re not sure where to start or want to branch out from your usual, our coffee guide can help you find the best brew.

Participate in Adopt-A-Street

Take an active role in keeping your neighborhood beautiful through Asheville GreenWorks’ Adopt-A-Street program, where you’ll get the equipment you need to keep your street tidy.

Keep the waterways clean

Picking up litter on the street is important, but our local waterways can use some love too. RiverLink lets you adopt a storm drain to keep it clear of debris, and Asheville GreenWorks is looking for StreamKeepers to protect streams + creeks in your backyard.

Volunteer with local organizations

Check out our growing list of 40+ organizations with local volunteer opportunities.
 
Asked
 
How do you show kindness around Asheville?
We want to know some of your favorite ways to put a smile on the faces of your friends, family, and neighbors.
 
 
Events
 
Monday, Feb. 12
  • Original Open Mic Night | Monday, Feb. 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden, 284 Lyman St., Asheville | Grab your guitar, harmonica, or musical instrument of choice for an evening hosted by Taylor Knighton.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
  • Exile From Altamont? Race and Belonging in Thomas Wolfe’s Asheville | Tuesday, Feb. 13, Saturday, Feb. 17 | Times vary | Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | The two-day mini-symposium will include selections from Wolfe’s “Welcome to Our City,” a reading of “The Road” by Andrea Clark, discussion, and lectures.
  • Mary Mack | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 7 p.m. | Catawba Brewing South Slope, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | $18-$25 | Settle in for laughs from the Midwestern comedian who’s a favorite on podcasts and television shows + the star of Hulu’s “Solar Opposites.”
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Thursday, Feb. 15
  • Thursday Night Live: Elizabeth McCorvey | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville | Free with admission | Wander the galleries with a sultry soundtrack from the multi-instrumentalist and singer.
  • Valenween Benefit | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 7-10 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O’Henry Ave., Asheville | $0-$5 | Support BeLoved Asheville through donations of menstrual hygiene products + merch and art sales while you enjoy music from DJ Blind Date, special drinks, and food.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
 
Drink
  • If you love libations and you’re looking for trouble — get ready for a double dose. Cocktail pop-up Double Trouble is making its debut at The Admiral on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The team will be mixing up “cocktails from the earth” from 7 to 12 p.m. while Cassia serves delicious dim sum.
Civic
  • At the Homelessness Initiative Advisory Committee meeting last week, Buncombe County Homeless Program Manager Lacy Hoyle shared the latest recommendations for establishing a low-barrier shelter. Recommendations included capacity based on projected numbers for residents who are unhoused + additional services. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Eat
  • Celebrate our culinary culture. Devil’s Foot Beverage and Shay Brown Events are launching the AVL Food Series, a monthly event to showcase talented chefs and bring the community together. The first pop-up dinner, on Thursday, Feb. 22 at The Mule, will feature Chef Michelle Bailey.
Biz
  • The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s new PROpel AVL program is hosting its first Grow Series event on Wednesday, Feb. 28. The talk will dive deep into leadership with presenter Jennifer Germaine’s “Mastering Influence: Transforming Leadership Dynamics.” Register to learn (and lunch).
Cause
  • They’re picking up speed. Asheville-based nonprofit Working Wheels received a $50,000 grant from the State of NC. The grant will be used to bolster its services providing affordable and reliable transportation options to working families, with the goal of serving 400 households in 2024. Learn how to get involved.
Community
  • The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority is seeking candidates to serve on the Tourism Product Development Fund Committee. The first open seat requires a member who is an owner or operator of lodging accommodations, and the other needs a member with financial expertise. Submit an application by Friday, March 1.
Fun Fact
Featured Home
  • It’s nearly Valentine’s Day and we’re ready to say I love you – to this inviting 3BD, 2BA Black Mountain home. Maybe it’s the multi-level deck (with a covered section for dinners), or maybe it’s the enormous fenced-in yard, perfect for furry friends. Either way, we’re smitten.*
Cause
  • Did you know that one donation has the potential to save up to three lives? Share the love this February when you donate blood at your community blood center, The Blood Connection. Make an appointment online or find a donation center near you.*
Finance
  • Discover a brighter financial future with Money Pickle, your gateway to personalized financial advice. Connect with vetted financial advisors, handpicked to provide fiduciary guidance that directly aligns with your goals for investments, retirement, and beyond. Schedule your complimentary video consultation.*
 
 
Announced
 
Chow Chow shuts down
Sign outside of Chow Chow Festival
Chow Chow made the announcement on its website. | Photo by Tim Robinson via Chow Chow
Chow Chow Food + Culture Festival and its nonprofit have announced through its website that it will permanently shut down. The homepage of its website reads, “We here at Chow Chow have had to make the difficult and very unfortunate decision to shut down our festival and non-profit permanently.”

Chow Chow’s Board Chair Rhea Lidowski shared that although last year’s festival delivered on the organization’s mission of “celebrating and enriching the foodways of Southern Appalachia and Asheville’s creative economy” — bringing new faces and a positive response — there were challenges with finances and limited resources.

Chow Chow was founded in 2019 by James Beard Award-winning chefs Katie Button of Cúrate, Chai Pani founder Meherwan Irani, and Rhubarb’s John Fleer along with East Fork co-founder Connie Matisse.
 
The Buy
 
Beats Studio Buds, because you deserve an earbud upgrade. The Beats buds use active noise canceling technology for an immersive sound experience. Bonus: They’re sweat and water resistant, aka your new best gym buddy.
 
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The Wrap
 
Molly Wilson.jpeg Today’s edition by:
Molly
From the editor
I’m not much of a sweets person, so the chocolates + candies lining the shelves this time of year are entirely wasted on me. I prefer my snacks salty. So when I heard that Poppy Popcorn is offering a chance to win free popcorn for a year — I knew I had to share (even though that decreases my personal chances of winning). Stop by the pop-up shop at 8 Town Square Blvd. to get a special ticket with your purchase now through Wednesday, Feb. 14. The winning ticket will be announced on social media on Monday, Feb. 19.
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