This Week in the Swannanoa Valley

Book clubs to meet at Black Mountain, Swannanoa libraries

At Black Mountain Library at 7 p.m. Aug. 18, the Mystery Book Club will meet to talk about “The Treatment” by Moe Hayder.

At Swannanoa Library at 6 p.m. Aug. 20, the Swannanoa Book Club will meet to discuss “A Confederacy of Dunces” by Peter Kennedy Toole.

Knitters & Crocheters have next work gathering

The WNC Knitters & Crocheters for Others will meet 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 (and the thirdThursday of every month, except December) at Givens Highland Farms, Building G-H on Brookside Ave., in the Birch Room, (formerly the Upper Core Room 1), upstairs. All knitters and crocheters are welcome. For more, call Betsy Stobbs at 669-0680.

Strong showing at the bridge club

The July 28 bridge match at the Max Woodcock Bridge Club saw a strong win by Julie and Lee Wilcox. They have not been able to play for a few weeks but came roaring back with a 73 percent win. Second was claimed by Elizabeth Lovejoy and Barbara Lilenfeld, and third went to Roger Fenna and David Hirsch. A Howell rotation was used with four tables, so the results represent a competition among all the players in the game.

On Aug. 4, five tables played in a Mitchell rotation. Winning in the North/South direction were Roger Fenna and David Hirsch, with Chuck Murdock and Ed Hudgins in second place. East/West first place went to Lynda Briggs and Ron Gibson; and the team of Lee and Julie Wilcox claimed second place.

The club plays at 7 p.m. every Tuesday. Contact Walt Tolley at 669-4563 if you would like to join in.

Annual membership 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.

Front Porch auditions coming for ‘The Fantasticks’

The Front Porch Theatre at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts is having auditions for its November production of “The Fantasticks” at 6 p.m. Aug. 19 and 10 a.m. Aug. 22. Needed are men aged 16-60 and women ages 15-50.

There are some speaking parts. All others come prepared to sing. The theater is also looking for help with set, props and costuming. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is at 225 W. State St. For more or to schedule your appointment, call 669-0930.

Conservatives meet over ice cream and some bluegrass

Participate in free discussions led by Conservatives in Action. The group is composed of conservative Democrats, Republicans and independents who meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays for an hour at Eye Scream Parlour, 2064 U.S. 70 near ArtSpace Charter School.

Food and ice cream treats are available, and a live bluegrass jam session follows the meeting. The group wants to help others form a similar group in their neighborhood. Find it online at Meetup.com or call 301-4738 or 337-4718.

Beautification committee seeks more volunteers

The Black Mountain Beautification Committee wants you. Whether you are a professional gardener, a would-be gardener or just like to play in the dirt, the Beautification Committee would like you to join it as it has fun enhancing the natural beauty of Black Mountain.

It meets next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 at Town Hall. To learn more about the committee and its work, visit blackmountainbeautification.org or its Facebook page at Black Mountain Beautification.

Owen High Class of ’90 holds its 25th reunion

Owen High School Class of 1990 will hold its 25th-year class reunion at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Owen High School football game. At 3 p.m. Aug. 29, the reunion will continue with a cookout at Todd's Sandwich Shop & Pub, 601 W. State St., Black Mountain.

For more, call Chris Wilson at 301-6288, Becky Skidmore at 989-3059 or Todd’s at 669-6680.

Mother-daughter can bond over yoga session

Brandon Hudson at Black Mountain Yoga, 116 Montreat Road, will lead Mother Daughter Yoga from 2-4 p.m. Aug. 15. All ages of mothers and daughters are welcome. Black Mountain Yoga will host the Sphere Series on how to use therapy balls, foam rollers and gentle yoga to reduce pain and stress, with Katie Hay and Valerie Holbert. The series is 6:45-7:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 18-Sept. 8. For more, visit blackmountainyoga.com or call 669-2939.

JEC employees to hold reunion

The Juvenile Evaluation Center/Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center employee reunion will be at 5 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Carver Community Center in Black Mountain. For more, email jecstillrocksthevalley@yahoo. com.

Picnic potluck at Lakeview Center

Black Mountain Recreation and Parks is facilitating a potluck lunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 19 upstairs in the Lakeview Center. The department will provide the main dish and beverages; people are invited to bring picnic side dishes and dessert. To coordinate dishes, an RSVP is requested at 669-8610. Lunch will be served at noon.

Gilliam reunion set for September

The John Harris Gilliam family reunion will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20 at the Broad River Community Center on N.C. 9. Lunch will be served about 12:30 p.m. John Harris Gilliam and his wife Molly Kirklin had nine children. All descendants are encouraged to attend and bring a covered dish for lunch and visit with relatives. Bring pictures, family genealogy, family stories and anything else you wish to share. For more, call Jean at 628-2825.

Thomas Chapel AME Zion Church holds sale and service

Thomas Chapel AME Zion Church will hold a rummage sale 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 15 at the church, 124 W. College St., Black Mountain. Fish sandwiches will be sold. For more, call 242-6944. At 3 p.m. Aug. 16, the missionary board presents “The Bad Girls of the Bible.”

Water testing and flushing continue in Black Mountain

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.

CNA meeting held at BM Center

The next CNA informational meeting will be 6 p.m. Aug. 18 in the G-2 training room at Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center. The meeting for prospective students will address the next CNA class, slated for Aug. 31, offered at the center. Leaders will discuss CNA responsibilities at the center, the care residents receive and the benefits that employees have. The cost of the class is $178; the cost of the state test is $101. For more, contact 259-6766 or debra.barlett@dhhs.nc.gov.

Black Mountain Home opens

its house for all to visit

On Sunday, Aug. 16, guests are welcome to visit Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth & Families. The home, near Owen High School, will host an open house with refreshments at every stop starting at 2 p.m. with a presentation about the ministry at 3:30 p.m. The Crossflame Youth Choir from St. Luke’s UMC of Hickory will perform. To learn more, visit BlackMountainHome.org or call 686-3451.

Freshmen and newcomers

invited to Owen High School

Owen High School invites all 9th graders and new upper class students to an orientation from 10 a.m. - noon on Aug. 18. The event includes a tour and break out session led by current students to provide information important to high school success. There will also be break out sessions for parents. It is not a drop in event so parents and students are encouraged to attend the entire two hour session. Call Owen at 868-3852 for information or questions.