This Week in the Swannanoa Valley
Got durable medical equipment to donate?
CarePartners Foundation is collecting durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, canes, bathroom tub benches, etc.) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 16 at 105 Fairview Road, Asheville next to the Hospice Thrift Store. CarePartners Inpatient Physical Therapy Department has had an increase in the number of unfunded patients who cannot afford to purchase equipment to successfully and safely transition to home. Equipment donated to the “loan closet” will shorten patients’ length-of-stays and increase patient discharges. Western North Carolina University physical therapy students will assisting with this event. For more, contact Amanda Cantrell at 828-989-5067 or acantrell@carepartnersfoundation.org.
Blood drive happens at Asheville Christian Academy
Asheville Christian Academy is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 21. For more or to schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Individuals with types O, AB, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed.
Learn tips for “aging well” at home
North Carolina Baptist Adult Ministry is putting on an “aging well” seminar from 9-11:30 a.m. Friday, March 4 at the First Baptist Church in Swannanoa, 503 Park St. Deadline for registration is Sunday, Feb. 28.
A soup and salad luncheon will be provided. Participants are asked to bring their favorite finger foods.
Guest speakers will be Jim Edminson, Debra Kuykendall and Anita Davie. Sessions will address fall prevention, scam avoidance, balance improvement and changes that will help people live more safely in their homes. For more, call the church at 686-5123 or visit fbcswan.org.
Groups presents Dem. candidates for county commission
The Dems on the Move, a grassroots group for eastern Buncombe County, will sponsor a forum for the four Democratic candidates for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. The forum will be in the education room of the Black Mountain Library at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24. The candidates are Scott Bissinger, Nancy Nehls Nelson, Matt Kern and Larry Dodson. This event will allow the public to become familiar with the candidates, who will respond to questions from the audience. All are welcome.
Prostate cancer support forum meets in Asheville
Us TOO of WNC, a prostate cancer support forum for men, caregivers and family members, will meet Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Asheville on 5 Oak St. Jeffery Whitridge, a clinical nutritionist with Mission Hospital, will speak. It’s free. For more, contact 828-273-7698 or wncprostate@gmail.com.
Monte Vista hosts murder mystery dinner
The Watermark Theater Collective and the Monte Vista Hotel have teamed up to present “Night at Oscar’s,” a dinner theater show about a mysterious murder taking place on Hollywood’s most star-studded night. Guests are encouraged to dress as glamorously as they like. The show will be presented one night only - Saturday, Feb. 27. Doors open at 6 p.m. Advance tickets are required. Tickets are $40 and include a three-course meal prepared by chef Travis Eberhart of Palate Restaurant at the Monte Vista. Call 669-8870 for more.
Make quilts with
the Linus Project
The Linus Project is an undertaking of sewers and nonsewers who enjoy making quilts and other items for children and adults at Mission Hospital and in the community. While participants focus on quilting, they also pin quilts, sometimes sort donated fabric, stuff pillows and more, all for others who are in need.
You’re invited. The group meets 1-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26 on the lower level of the Lakeview Center at Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain. People will be cutting and stuffing pillows, as well as pinning quilts. 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.
Church presents
“Last Supper” play
First Baptist Church of Swannanoa presents “I Am the Way,” a play that provides insight into the last evening Jesus spent with his closest friends before his crucifixion. On March 24, a free dinner, catered by The Olive Garden, will be served at the church at 6 p.m. The play will follow at 7 p.m.
Seating for dinner is limited; for reservations, go to the church website, fbcswan.org and click the reservation link (or call 686-5123). Reservations are not required for the play. Child care will be available. Donations will be accepted. The church is at 503 Park St., Swannanoa.
Auditions announced for Front Porch play
The Front Porch Theatre at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts announces auditions for the May production of “The Dixie Swim Club” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten.
Director Sam Hobson and assistant director Stuart Williams are looking for five mature women who can play age ranges 40 to 77. Auditions will be March 8 at 6 p.m. and March 12 at 10 a.m. at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St. Audition readings will be from the script. Headshots would be helpful but not necessary. For more and character descriptions, visit BlackMountainArts.org or call 669-0930.
New exhibit hangs
at Monte Vista Hotel
The new art exhibit at the Monte Vista Hotel features 12 Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League artists, as curated by Susan Hanning. the exhibit features more than 100 works of art.
Military officers meet at Highland Farms
The Military Officers Association of America meeting will be 11:30 a.m. March 9 at Givens Highlands Farms in the lower Fountain Room. To make reservations, call 828-505-5511.
Owen golf tournament returns March 5
The 21st Annual Owen Golf Team Tournament will be March 5 at the Black Mountain Golf Course, with a rain/snow date of March 12. The format will be four-person captain’s choice. There will be trophies and prizes. The cost, which includes lunch, is $50 per person or $200 per team. Sign up at the Black Mountain pro shop or by contacting John Knight at 669-7043.