Sept. 13 This Week in Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley

Current needs for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry

The Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry, which provides assistance for local residents, is currently in need of the following items for its food pantry: All-purpose flour, sugar, canned corn, canned pinto beans, canned red kidney beans, Raman noodles, chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, variety soups, chicken broth, toilet paper, deodorant, laundry detergent, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and bar soap. 

Monetary donations designated to food are also welcome and can be sent to P.O. Box 235, Black Mountain, NC. 28711.  Drop off items at 101 N. Ridgeway Avenue.

Fundraiser to benefit children of Appalachian coalfields 

Grove Stone Baptist Church will host a fundraiser on from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14. The spaghetti lunch, which costs $7 per plate and includes salad, garlic bread and dessert, will raise money for the children of the Appalachian coal fields. 

Lunches can be eaten at the church, at 1568 Grovestone Road, or carried out. Delivery options are also available. For more information or to order a lunch call 686-5501.

GospelFest returns to St. James Episcopal Church

A gospel concert to support the Original Thomas Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church will be held at St. James Episcopal Church at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15. 

Choirs and performers from throughout the region will perform and proceeds help preserve the building, which was built in 1922 near the original location of the first "Tom's Chapel," which was built in 1892 by freed slaves. 

For tickets or for more information, contact Renee Weaver at 301-6701 or Dionne Greenlee at (919) 638-0088. 

Lyndon Back to speak at Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting 

Author Lyndon Back will speak at Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16. She will host a forum centering around her book Treading Water at the Shark Café: a Memoir of the Yugoslav Wars, which is based on her time in former Yugoslavia. The story focuses on young people during the war, who lived outside of the spotlight. 

And coming up...

Calling all choristers

Black Mountain Presbyterian Church is looking for singers to participate in One Day One Choir, a Community Sing for Peace, at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21.

A global peace initiative which will use the harmonious power of singing together to unite people around the world for peace. Participate in singing songs for peace and listen to choral music offered as a witness for peace.

Choristers' rehearsal will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church

Contact Mike Barker (michaelb@bmpcnc.org or 669-2725) for more information. Please reserve your spot at bmpcnc.org/onedayonechoir/

Cookbook signing at the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center 

Laura Moser Taylor will be signing ccopies of her new cookbook, What Momma Knew and Daddy Grew, at the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center at 223 W. State Street in Black Mountain from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21.

The cookbook is a collection of recipes from the Black Mountain and Swannanoa area, as well as other recipes tested and developed by Taylor. The front and back cover art were also created by Taylor from memories of her father’s garden and growing up in the area. She has been an avid painter since her first lessons given to her by her uncle, Artus Moser.

The Moser family has contributed to the region over many decades through art and music and remain an active part of the Swannanoa community. The cost of the cookbook, for sale at the event, is $22.99.

Fall festival at Swannanoa Valley Presbyterian Church

The Swannanoa Valley Presbyterian Church invites the public to its Family Fall Festival from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22. The event, which will take place at the church at 115 Rockdale Avenue, will include games, crafts, music, puppet shows and food.

Celtic concert tickets on sale 

Tickets are now on sale for a very special concert featuring “Celtic guitar god” (says the Washington Post) Robin Bullock and four-time National Scottish Harp Champion, Sue Richards at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts located at 225 W. State Street.

The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 22. Tickets for the show are $20 and can be purchased online at blackmountainarts.org or by calling the Arts Center at 669-0930.

Fundraiser in honor of Pam Brown

The public is invited to a fundraiser for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry’s, Hope for Tomorrow project, in memory of Pam Brown. Some of Pam’s friends are hosting this fundraiser to remember their sweet friend who loved this community, people, and the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry.

Pam graduated from Owen High in 1974 and after graduating from Lenoir-Rhyne and Appalachian State, began her teaching career. She taught at Valley Springs Middle School for almost three decades before retiring. Upon retirement, she began working at Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry where she loved helping those in need. She loved serving others.

Pam also loved New York City where she went on several trips with friends, planning every detail. This fundraiser event consists of a NYC themed “Little Italy” dinner and a silent auction. It will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29. at First Baptist Swannanoa. Suggested dinner donations are $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Reservations are required and must be made by Friday, Sept. 14. Visit the website, hopeforsv.com to make reservations or donations and for more information.

Craft and bake sale for Broad River Volunteer Fire Department

The Broad River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department will host its annual craft and bake sale from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 44 Broad River VFD Rd., Black Mountain. To reserve a $10 table for selling crafts, please call Jeannette at (828) 329-3531 or Becky at (828) 388-0360.

Volunteers needed for playground build

On Saturday, Oct. 6, 200 local volunteers will help build the dream playground for the children of Black Mountain in one day. We want you to be one of those 200. 

Earlier this year, the YMCA of Western North Carolina, in partnership with Buncombe County Schools, was awarded a KaBOOM! grant. KaBOOM! is a national non-profit that funds community-built playgrounds across the country.

Black Mountain Primary was chosen as the site for the build.  If you would like to donate to our playground visit bmps.buncombeschools.org/our_school/pto or to volunteer, please visit tfaforms.com/4689942.