Swannanoa residents, business owners, and property owners are invited to share their hopes and dreams for Swannanoa’s future at a community-wide meeting on Tuesday, November 17, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the main Swannanoa Fire Department on South Street in the old downtown area. Participants will have an opportunity to talk about what they value most in their community and what they see as Swannanoa’s primary challenges and opportunities. This citizen-driven effort is supported by a number of businesses, individuals, and community groups, and is non-governmental and non-political. Free pizza and soft drinks will be available. For more information, call (828) 251-6622 or (828) 337-4718.


SPECIAL EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT! - "THUNDER ROAD"

       AT THE LIBRARY...  story times:
          Mother Goose Time - ages 4 - 18 months, Wednesdays at 11:00 am
          Toddler Time - ages 18 - 36 months, Thursdays at 10:00 am
          Preschool Storytime - ages 3 to 5 years, Thursdays at 11:00 am
         

• Swannanoa Book Club - Thursday, Jan 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Swannanoa Library in Grovemont.The book to be discussed is "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery. All interested readers are welcome to attend.

         

• Asheville City Council - January 9, 2010 - The Asheville City Council is holding its annual planning retreat in SWANNANOA! Hmmmmm. It's at Warren Wilson College. Hey, at least they aren't spending $17,000 to attend a retreat in Hawaii. 

• Swannanoa Receives Grant: Swannanoa has been included in a list of 10 communities in the U.S. to receive funding from the UNC Highway Safety Research Center to improve pedestrian safety and create a "walkable" area.

         The communities will receive $2,000 in funding to implement their plans. "The grant
         will assist with planning for sidewalks along Highway 70 to ensure safer walking to
         businesses and bus stops in the business corridor. We were thrilled to have received

• The Owen District Youth Football League is making a wonderful comeback from hard times. It is quoted as being a "resurrected program". You can watch them practice at Owen Park. Here's a link to the Citizen-Times article and a great video: http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090907/SPORTS/909070311/1002/sports&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAR                                 

• Swannanoa Business Directory: Swannanoa’s first Business Directory and Community Guide has just been published by the Swannanoa Pride Community Coalition (SPCC). The directory is available to the public free of charge at various locations, including Moments Cafe, Okie Dokies Smokehouse, PSA Pharmacy, The Breakfast Shoppe, the Swannanoa Library, the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, and several local churches. For more information about the Directory, call (828) 230-2385 or send an email to swannanoacommunitydirectory@yahoo.com.

• 50th Anniversary of the Swannanoa Fire Department: The Swannanoa Fire Department, chartered in 1959, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The Fire Department which is always honored and respected by grateful residents of Swannanoa, has served these 50 years with excellence. The Department, under the helm of Chief Anthony Penland, plays a central role in the leadership and community spirit of Swannanoa.
  

         On October 3rd, the Fire Department will hold a celebration for the Swannanoa
         community including activities for children, tours, displays and a ceremony
         honoring former members of the department. This celebration will be held in
         conjunction with the Swannanoa Mill Around the Village Festival.

• Another New Business in Swannanoa. Isn't that great! New businesses keep popping up around here. Check out Tula's Threads, an alteration shop at 2391 Hwy 70. You can't miss it. Tula Cooke has a solid reputation for alterations of all kinds, and interestingly, she was a sewer at Beacon Mfg. for 25 years. Phone: 581-0391.

• Swannanoa Resident honored with Horatio Alger Award - It's a true "rags-to-riches" story! We have really great folks here in Swannanoa. Click on this link for the details: www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904020343

• BLACK BOTTOM GREENHOUSE - NEW SWANNANOA BUSINESS - Robbie Craig has opened a new greenhouse business conveniently located off Bee Tree Road about a mile from downtown. And just in time for Spring planting! For details and photos see our "Spotlight On" page. You can click here.
  

• New FARM SHARE Program - What's that you're wondering? Well, you too can have GOOD fresh vegetables grown right here in Swannanoa through Crossing Point Farm's new farm share program. Find out all about the benefits of becoming a "shareholder" at their website: www.crossingpointfarm.com. Carolyn Fryberger, founder and farmer of this new venture, also has a blog which is engaging and informative. Just click on this link: crossingpointfarm.blogspot.com.

• Need Help With Medications? - Now in addition to emergency assistance with utilities, Swannanoa residents can obtain help with prescriptions. A program of the Swannanoa Community Council, the Swannanoa Emergency Assistance Program (SEAP) offers limited medication payment assistance to Swannanoa residents. Payment arrangements are made directly with the pharmacy, and limits on payments apply. No money is paid directly to clients. For assistance call SEAP at (828) 775-5595 to schedule an appointment.

• More About Swannanoa's New Chocolate Factory - What? Willy Wonka here in Swannanoa? Well, no but David Mason is just as fascinating. His new business is also located in downtown Swannanoa and we'd recommend a visit. We believe they are open on Fridays at 131 South Avenue. Or check the website at:
  http://www.blackmountainchocolate.com. There's more of his musings about chocolate on his blog page which can be accessed from the website.

• Long Time Area Business - Did you know that we have one of the last remaining locally owned independent TV repair shops in the Asheville area? Yes, Mac's Swannanoa TV, owned and operated by Timothy Edwards, is right in the heart of downtown Swannanoa. And if you have trouble with the "digital switch", Tim who has been in business for 30 years, can help you out. Click on this link for more information: http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009902140318

• New Area Business - Are you wondering what is happening to the building on the corner of Whitson Ave and Hwy 70 in downtown Swannanoa (the old visitor's center among other lives)? Looks like a new Veterinary Clinic coming to the Beacon Village area. The entire building is undergoing renovation. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

• Former BEACON PLANT Site  - The 42 acre site in the heart of downtown Swannanoa is in the midst of getting a clean-up and a face lift. All the concrete is being torn up, removed and crushed for recycling. Grass will be planted on the property. The question remains as to what will eventually be built there. Many are hoping for a mixed use development with retail, commercial and residential facilities, although there are no immediate plans.