May 31 This Week in the Swannanoa Valley
UR Light Center speaker talks about living sensitively
Charley Castex returns to the UR Light Center on Saturday, June 2 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. for "An Afternoon of Spiritual Guidance," in which he will initiate discussion about living sensitively in the 21st century. Sharing insights on Spiritual empowerment and intuitive clarity, he also includes an audience question-and-answer session at this event. For more, including ticket prices, contact the UR Light Center at 669-6845, URLight.org or on Facebook.
Celebrate Recovery begins 12-step study for women
On Tuesday, June 5, Celebrate Recovery begins a new 12-step study for women. Celebrate Recovery features inspiring teaching and testimonies of God’s healing power for people in recovery. “Welcome Home Veterans” is a special open-share small group for men led by a veteran for veterans. “Broken Chains” is an outlet for bikers to combine their love of riding with their need for recovery.
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday evening at Mountain View Church, 2221 North Fork-Right Fork Road, Black Mountain. Meetings begin with a free meal at 6:15 p.m., then 7 p.m. for worship/testimony/lessons, 8 p.m. for small groups (open share and 12-Step studies), 9 p.m. for dessert. Free child care is available. For more, contact Connie at 669-1981 or Jeanie at 669-4146.
Adult beginning tennis lessons begin soon
Black Mountain Tennis Association and Black Mountain Recreation and Parks Department will be hosting another beginning (or coming back to tennis) adult clinic at 7 p.m. Wednesdays June 6-July 11 at the Jimmie McSwain Courts at Lake Tomahawk. Register at TryTennis.net.
Duplicate bridge group posts results
The Lake Tomahawk Duplicate Bridge Group played at the Lakeview Center on Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain on May 22 and had a great time. Coming in first were Elizabeth Lovejoy/Ed Zawaki. Coming in second were Johanna Cressy/S. Harter. Coming in third were Lynda Briggs/Bob Kelly. The game is free on Tuesday nights, and if you would like to join in, whether you are local or from out of town, email rongibson1@yahoo.com for information.
Art in Bloom Gala Preview tickets are on sale
Tickets are on sale for the 12th annual Art in Bloom Gala Preview at Black Mountain Center for the Arts at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 14. This celebration gives guests the opportunity to socialize amid a lavish display and enjoy a seated buffet dinner indoors or alfresco while supporting the arts center. Gala participants will be the first to see more than 20 floral designs representing Western and Ikebana arranging styles that are inspired by artwork curated from regional galleries. Celtic harpist Sue Richards will accompany the experience of the upper level.
On the theater level, guests will be treated to local delicacies including freshly grilled salmon and multiple side dishes, as well as wine, beer, sweets and ice cream for dessert. Honorary chair for this year’s event is Mary Leonard White. Tickets for dinner and gallery preview are $50. On June 15 and 16 guests can view the floral designs only ($5) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or combine the gallery show with a local Cottage Garden Tour (10 a.m.-2 p.m., $20). The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is at 225 W. State St. For more, visit blackmountainarts.org or call 669-0930.
Ministry changes its summer GED schedule
Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry’s GED class schedule has changed. During the summer, evening-only classes will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There will be no day classes. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the ministry's GED program, contact Marty Hubert, GED instructor, at 669-9440.
And coming up ...
Lake Lure library book club takes up new mystery
Friends of the Mountains Branch Library in Lake Lure will hold an authors luncheon at the library at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 7 to discuss "Lowcountry Bookshop."
The mystery, by Agatha Award-winning author and USA Today best seller Susan Boyer, was released May 29. Donation to the luncheon is $25; all proceeds support the Mountains Branch Library.
Help the Red Cross out with a blood donation
Around Memorial Day, the Red Cross sees a steep decline in blood donations. Busy summer schedules, vacations and school breaks also cause a drop in donations. The American Red Cross will be collecting blood from 1:30-6 p.m. Thursday, June 7 at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, 117 Montreat Road. It will also have a blood drive from 1:30-6 p.m. Friday, June 15 at Ingles Markets in Swannanoa, 2299 U.S. 70.
The public is asked to schedule an appointment to help ensure that hospitals and patients have the blood they need this summer. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
All those who donate blood or platelets through June 10 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane.