This Week in the Swannanoa Valley

Climate change subject of Swannanoa library talk

At 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at Swannanoa Library, Carl and Jean Franklin (Ph.Ds of English and physics, respectively) will look at climate change through both the lenses of science and theology. Using these two complementary viewpoints, they will address ancient views, held by most major religions, that the Earth and all living things are sacred, not a collection of commodities to be exploited. This free program will provide suggestions for those who wish to improve their stewardship of the Earth, encouraging people to fall in love with the Earth again. For more information, contact the library at 250-6486.

Brush up on your driving skills with AARP class

Black Mountain Recreation and Parks Department is sponsoring an AARP Smart Driver course from 1:15-5:15 p.m. Aug. 20 at Lakeview Center. You'll learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn how you can manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. You may be eligible to receive an insurance discount upon completing the course, so consult your insurance agent for details. Preregistration is required. The cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members.

Take the Sierra Nevada Brewery tour

The Van Clan tour sponsored by Black Mountain Recreation and Parks Department on Aug. 31 will go to Sierra Nevada Brewery for a tour. The group will leave Lakeview Center at 10:30 a.m. and be back by 4 p.m. Lunch (on your own) will follow the tour. Only 13 tickets will be sold. You must pay $5 deposit upon registration, which will not be refunded if you cancel and the sponsors are unable to fill your seat. For more, call 669-8610 or email brittany. williams@townofblack mountain.org.

Motorcycle dealership

to test electric bike

Harley-Davidson of Asheville, located in Swannanoa, is one of a few Harley-Davidson dealerships in the U.S. to provide test drives of Project LiveWire, Harley-Davidson’s new first electric motorcycle. Between Aug. 28-30, participants may ride and give feedback on the bike. Licensed motorcycle riders can register online, by Aug. 25, at hdof ashevillelivewire.eventbrite. com.

Bee Tree to hold

136th annual picnic

The 136th annual Bee Tree Community Picnic is set for Saturday, Sept. 5 at Bee Tree Christian Church. The crowd gathers at 11 a.m., a special program begins at noon and the much-anticipated lunch starts at 1 p.m. Bring food, chairs, family and friends, along with stories to share. The wall hanging created from last year’s quilt squares will be raffled at this year’s picnic.

Have a say in VA

medical center

A town hall meeting for veterans has been scheduled for 5 p.m., Sept. 9, in the lower level atrium of the medical center located at 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, to allow veterans and their families a chance to present questions and concerns about their VA healthcare and services.

The event is open to the public and will allow local veterans the opportunity to provide direct feedback on how the Charles George VA Medical Center can improve its experience of care and create a healthcare environment most trusted by veterans. Elected officials, veterans service officers and other stakeholders will be present are also invited to attend.

‘Happy Hips’ yoga

sessions continue

Black Mountain Yoga will host week two of its Sphere Series focused on happy hips using therapy balls, foam rollers and gentle yoga. Katie Hay and Valerie Holbert will lead the series on Tuesdays through Sept. 8 from 6:45-7:45 p.m at 116 Montreat Road, Black Mountain. For more information, visit blackmountainyoga.com or call 669-2939.

Renae Brame to read

from her new book

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts will host Renae Brame, author of “Daily Devotions with our Beloved,” for a reading and book-signing at noon Friday, Aug. 21. Guests may bring their lunch. Brame’s recent release is a devotional that addresses faith and love with a thought for each day of the year. Brame is executive director of Swannanoa Christian Ministry.

Max Woodcock Bridge

Club reports results

The club had five tables of bridge on Aug. 11, so it played a Mitchell rotation. Once again the dynamic duo of Joan Tolley and Helen Kraus came in first. Playing East/West, they scored a win against all North/South opponents and so came in overall first in that direction. Second E/W was the pair of Roger Fenna and David Hirsch with their usual strong game.

In the N/S pairings, Elizabeth Lovejoy and Barbara Lilenfeld won, with Myra and Peter Schoen in a close second place. The club plays Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Contact Walt Tolley at 669 4563 if you would like to join in.

Light Center holds full moon drum circle

The Light Center will host a Full Moon Drum Circle at the Labyrinth from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 led by Ellen Bedenbaugh. Bring a chair, drum or other instrument. The suggested donation is $10.

Meeting at medical

center is called

Swannanoa Valley Medical Center will be hosting the annual meeting of the membership at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 at the medical center office, 997 Old U.S. 70. For more, call 669-5859 or email svmc997@gmail.com.

Water testing and

flushing continue

The Black Mountain Public Services Department, in coordination with the Black Mountain Fire Department, will be testing and flushing Black Mountain fire hydrants through about Thursday, Aug. 27, beginning each morning about 8:30 a.m.

Black Mountain water customers may experience discolored water.

If this occurs, run your cold water for a short period of time before drinking, cooking or doing laundry.

For more, contact the Public Services Department at 419-9300, ext. 664.