This WeekHappening this week in the Swannanoa Valley
Annual Swannanoa Sweep is April 11
The annual Swannanoa Sweep community cleanup, sponsored by Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS) is 9 a.m.-noon April 11.
Volunteers will gather in the Ingles parking lot near Bank of America to form crews.
Gloves, vests and bags will be provided. Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable working clothes, and bring a water bottle.
Crews will fan out to a variety of areas to pick up trash and debris along the roadways.
If you'd like to suggest an area to be cleaned, or want to learn more about volunteering, email info@swannanoafans.org or call Maureen Dillow at 713-8836.
Church, school, and scout groups are encouraged to participate.
Plow Day returns to Warren Wilson College
Warren Wilson College will hold its second Annual Spring Plow Day from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 11. Admission is $3; kids under 5 are free.
A BBQ lunch with vegetarian option will be available.
Enjoy kids activities and many demonstrations throughout the day, including traditional draft horse field work and a logging competition.
For more, or if you would like to bring a team, call Rebecca Truitt at 304-268-6252 or send an email to rtruitt@
Local firefighter shares history, stories
Author Brian Lawrence shares stories and photos of fires and the firefighting history of eastern Buncombe County and beyond, with a special emphasis on tragedies and firefighter bravery at 6:30 p.m. April 2 at the Bee Tree Fire Station, 510 Bee Tree Road.
Lawrence, a long-time firefighter, is currently serving as engineer and historian for the Asheville Fire Department.
The free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Swannanoa Library. For more, call the library at 250-6486.
Blood drive held at Presbyterian Church
Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road will hold a blood drive from 1:30-6 p.m April 9.
To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Join Food Lovers Weekend at Red Rocker Inn
The Red Rocker Inn is holding its Food Lovers Weekend April 17-18, featuring a six-course wine dinner on April 17 and a walking restaurant tour at 2 p.m . with Creative Mountain Food Tours on April 18 (there is also an 11 a.m. cooking class that day).
The inn will host its Fireside Desserts event at 8 p.m. April 18. The package is $120 per person; Friday night dinner only is $60. For more, contact the inn at 669-5991 or info@redrockerinn.com.
Appalachia heritage art classes offered at YMCA BR Assembly
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, working alongside the YMCA of Western NC, is offering heritage art classes to connect with the community and offer educational opportunities.
Embrace the spirit of Appalachia as you engage in an intergenerational heritage arts experience. The classes are open to individuals of all abilities.
Each class is $23 for Y members and $27 for non-members. Price includes all materials.
Classes are fabric dyeing, March 26 and leather tooling and jewelry beading April. 2. All three classes are 6-8 p.m. Contact Nellie Davis at ndavis@yblueridge.org or call 210-8483.
Help make quilts for the Linus Project
Come and join the workday for quilters who would like to learn about quilting while they make quilts for the Linus Project (quilts for hospitalized and traumatized children).
They will meet 1-3 p.m. March 27 on the lower level of the Lakeview Center at Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain.
No experience is necessary. Fabric has been donated, and experienced quilters are available to teach and help out.
There is no charge. A sewing machine is not needed. However, projects can be taken home to be finished.
Call Sara Hill at 664-0974 for more.
Max Wookcock Bridge Club plays a different hand
On March 17, the Max Woodcock Bridge Club played a Howell rotation, in which each pair gets to play against the other seven pairs in the room.
Rosanne Kelly and Mary Lou Gillum came in first, Barbara Lilenfield and Elizabeth Lovejoy were second, and coming in a strong third was the team of Helen Kraus and John Gilbert.
This was the first time John and Helen were partners, so it was a very credible showing. The club plays every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact Walt Tolley at 669-4563 if you would like to join in.
Laughter Yoga at Swannanoa Library
Every Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in April (1, 8, 15, 22 and 29) you can join others in the fun and silliness, lift your spirits, strengthen your core and laugh your buns off at the Swannanoa Library located at 101 W. Charleston St., Swannanoa in Laughter Yoga.
Jacqueline Buchanan is the teacher, and she will have you in stitches with her fun and stress-relieving event.
The program is for ages 18 and above and most levels of physical ability. It is free and open to all.
For more, contact the library at 250-6486 or email swannanoa.library@buncombecounty.org.
Swannanoa Knitters meet at library
The Swannanoa Knitters meed at 5 p.m. on April 1 and 15 at the Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St. This is a casual knitting and needlework group for all skill levels. Call 250-6486 for more.
Black Mountain Knitters meet
The Black Mountain Knitters meet at 7 p.m. April 1 and 17 at the Black Mountain Library, 105 Dougherty St. This is a casual knitting an needlework group for all skill levels. Call 250-4756 for more.
Swannanoa Book Club to meet
Swannanoa Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. April 16 at the Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St. The book to be discussed is "Earth" by Bill McKibben. All interested readers are welcome to attend. For more, call 250-6488.
Naturalist and photographer Scott Dean to speak
Naturalist and photographer Scott Dean to speak at Black Mountain Library at 6:30 p.m. April 21 at the Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St.
He has led wildflower pilgrimages and nature walks throughout the area for years in conjunction with UNC Asheville, the Grove Park Inn and various bed and breakfast inns.
He is known not only for his photography of local wildflowers and his knowledge of cultural history but also for his highly entertaining presentations.
For more, contact the library at 250-6486 or e-mail swannanoa.library@buncombecounty.org.
Black Mountain Mystery Book Club to discuss book
The Black Mountain Mystery Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. April 21 at the Black Mountain Library, 105 Dougherty St. The book to be discussed is "Dance for the Dead" by Thomas Perry. All interested readers are welcome to attend.
Boy Scout Troop 50's chicken & dumplings fundraiser dinner set
Enjoy a delicious meal and support a great cause. Boy Scout Troop 50 of Montreat, chartered by Christ Community Church, will host its popular fifth annual Chicken and Dumplings Fundraiser Dinner from 4:30-7:30 p.m. March 26 at the Lake Tomahawk's Lakeview Center in Black Mountain. Catered by The Red Radish, the meal includes chicken and dumplings, salad, bread, beverage and your choice of dessert. Tickets are $10 each for eat-in or drive-thru pickup.
Proceeds from the event help support Montreat Troop 50's activities throughout the year. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door, but advance ticket purchases are appreciated. See your local Montreat Troop 50 Boy Scout for tickets or call 528-1218 for tickets and information.
Marjorie McCune Center to hold Easter egg hunt
Marjorie McCune Memorial Center is holding an all-ages Easter egg hunt at 1 p.m. April 4 at the center, 101 Lion's Way, Black Mountain. There will be thousands of eggs to hunt and great prizes for the most eggs gathered. This is a free event.
'Mary Poppins' presented at The Learning Community School
Students at The Learning Community School present 'Mary Poppins' at 6 p.m. April 24, 4 p.m. April 25 and 2 p.m. April 26 at Owen High School auditorium. Tickets are $13 for general admission and $7 for children 5 and under. Purchase tickets online at thelearningcommunity.org.
Free tax assistance at Black Mountain Library
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offering free tax preparations for taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those age 60 and older. This service at Black Mountain Library will be available from Feb. 1 through April 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. Both federal and N.C. State returns will be electronically filed for safe and accurate preparation and faster refunds.
Church ladies auxiliary serving up breakfast fundraiser
The Ladies Auxiliary at Homer's Chapel Freewill Baptist Church will hold a breakfast fundraiser from 7-9:30 a.m. March 28 at the church. The menu is bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs and grits. The cost is $5. For deliveries, call Lisa at 713-5119.