Nov. 15 This Week in the Swannanoa Valley

Poker night at the VFW

VFW Post 9157 is hosting Wednesday night poker night. The weekly tournaments are open to the public, with the first one beginning at 7 p.m., followed by a 9 p.m. tournament. 

Lou the Commander will cook dinner plates and dinner is $5. A $5 credit will be awarded to the winner of each tournament. 

Time to sign up for the annual Black Mountain Christmas Parade

Applications are now being accepted for the annual Black Mountain Christmas Parade, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8. This year's theme is "Christmas: Then and Now" and the grand marshal is Edd Buchanan. 

Apply online at exploreblackmountain.com or in person at the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. Applications are $20 per entry. 

Get your miniature schnauzer in the Christmas parade

People with interest in participating in the 2018 Black Mountain town parade the day after Holly Jolly to march as a group with their miniature schnauzers should contact Dan Tanner at 828-775-7892 or djt@dan-ruth-tanner.com. There is no cost. Just participate and have a good time.

Hand in Hand fundraiser 

It's time for smoked turkeys. Hand in Hand is raising money by selling turkeys that will be ready for pick-up on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at the Tabernacle United Methodist Church at 385 Tabernacle Road. Turkeys are $35 each and supply is limited.

To order call Lois Nix at 669-7868. 

And coming up...

Community Thanksgiving lunch

A Thanksgiving Day lunch will be held at Swannanoa First Baptist Church at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 22. 

The event, which will take place at 503 Park Street, is open to the public. To reserve a spot call 686-5123.

Blood drive at Black Mountain Fire Department

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the training room at the Black Mountain Fire Department from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23. 

One donation can save up to three lives.

To schedule an appointment call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.