April 19 This Week in the Swannanoa Valley

Montreat Presbyterian presents four-part series of biblical explorations 

This and next month, Cam Murchison, the Earth Care Theologian for Montreat Presbyterian Church, will present a four-part program offering Biblical and theological explorations of a person's place in - and the care of - God's creation. 

The series is intended to remind people that all creation is intended for praise. The series entails: remembering creation's chief end, an exploration of the planet's current crisis, the implications for fundamental aspects of our lives, and a look at humans' relation to animals.

Presentations will be 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays, April 18-May 9, in the church's Allen Building (304 Lookout Road, Montreat).  

Meadowbrook FWB Church is holding a spiritual renewal event Sunday, April 22 at 11 a.m. and 6 pm. and Monday through Wednesday, April 23-25 at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be Todd Smith. The church is at 204 Blue Ridge Road, Black Mountain. For more, call 669-9150.

Beginning oil painting is taught here

An "oil painting for the true beginner" class will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 23 at the Red House Studios & Gallery.

Presented by the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League, the class taught by league member Bobbie Roberts is a very basic course for people who have never painted in oils. Pre-registration is required. The class fee is $35 for league members, $45 for nonmembers. Send payment to Cathy Skeen, 350 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa. 

Film depicts Palestinian life under Israeli occupation

The documentary film “Hebron” will be part of a presentation at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 19. Cosponsored by Just Peace for Israel Palestine, the 40-minute film tells the story of director Yousef Natsha’s Palestinian community under Israeli occupation. Afterward there will be a panel discussion with the filmmaker, an Israeli-American veteran of the Israeli Army and members of Christian Peacemaker Teams. 

Broad River VFD Auxiliary holds annual pancake benefit

The Broad River Fire Department Auxiliary will hold its annual pancake breakfast and yard sale from 8-10 a.m. Saturday, April 21 at the Broad River Community Center, 46 Broad River VFD Road. off N.C. 9 halfway between Black Mountain and Bat Cave.

Sellers may reserve a $10 table for their yard sale items by calling Becky at 828-388-0360 or Jeannette at 828-329-3531. Breakfast will include buttermilk pancakes, sausage, baked apples, toppings, coffee, juice, and milk for $5.

Arts league has oil painting workshop for beginners

“Oil Painting for the True Beginner” on Monday, April 23 will entail a brief morning program and an afternoon workshop at the Red House Studios and Gallery, 310 W. State St., Black Mountain, next to the Monte Vista Hotel. Presented by Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League member Bobbie Roberts, the event starts at 10 a.m. for the program and a league general meeting. Lunch is on your own, then the workshop begins at 1 p.m.

The workshop fee is $35 for league members, $45 nonmembers. To preregister (required) and a supply list, visit svfalarts.org and scroll down on the workshops page.

Duplicate bridge group posts results from April 10

The Lake Tomahawk Duplicate Bridge Group played at the Lakeview Center on Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain and had a great time. Coming in first were Ed Zawaki/Elizabeth Lovejoy. Coming in second were George Ackerman/Dan McGaughey. Coming in third were Helen Kraus/Walt Tolley. The game is free on Tuesday night, and if you would like to join in, whether you are local or from out of town, email rongibson1@yahoo.com for information.

And coming up ...

Kids can learn more about camping at Nature Center

Diamond Brand Outdoors and Frugal Backpacker are teaming up with the WNC Nature Center for a day of camping-themed activities for families to enjoy. Camping Day at the WNC Nature Center takes place on Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 
The child-oriented event will include an interactive campsite, map and compass instructional classes, a nature-themed scavenger hunt with prizes, educational classes about the "dos" and "don’ts" of camping in Western North Carolina and educational animal programs with the Nature Center’s otters, bears, owls and raccoon. 

This event does not include overnight camping (participants should not bring camping gear with them into the center). 
Admission to Camping Day is included with regular WNC Nature Center admission.