Calendar of Events

The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present ANDREW CLARK and MICHAEL COLONESE as next in their series “In the Company of Writers”

The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest authors speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The Chicago blues music of “Hollywood Johnny Cosgrove” (accompanied by Charlie Wilkinson) welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open mic sheet is posted at the entry.

Fishes of the Southern Appalachians with Carlton Burke

ON-SITE  |  Thursday, March 13  |  12 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist – Wildlife of the Blue Ridge Core Credit

The Southern Appalachian region is rich with a variety of fish species. These include not only the better known species of game fish that we love to catch for sport or food, but also include an incredible diversity of smaller, lesser-known non-game fish, which play an important role in the ecology of our aquatic mountain habitats. In this class we will discuss many of the fish species found in the mountain region and learn about their classification, habitat, life cycles, and their identifying features.

This program includes a lab portion of the class where students will see some features of fish hands on with real fish specimens.

Originally scheduled in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene,
a free dementia workshop is back on the calendar at The Episcopal Church of St. John in the
Wilderness. “Learning to Dance with Dementia: When to Lead, When to Follow and When to Get
Out of the Way” will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 1 pm until 3:30 pm in the Parish
Hall across the street from the church, located at 1905 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock.
Unlock the secrets to compassionate and effective dementia care at this workshop with Mary
Donnelly, a dynamic dementia consultant.  This interactive session offers insight and strategies to
help caregivers navigate the delicate balance of communicating with a person whose brain is
changing.
Discover how to harmonize your approach with the unique needs of the person in your care,
fostering a more fulfilling less stressful caregiving experience. Join us to enhance your skills and
learn how to dance gracefully through the challenges of dementia care.
Dementia has and is touching so many of our loved ones, including event organizer Ronnie Doty. “I
began this journey of dementia with my husband," Doty said.  "I used every resource available so I
could know what lies ahead.  If you are informed about the disease you can become a much better
caregiver."
Limited seating is available for this seminar but participants must RSVP by visiting
http://bit.ly/dancewithdementia. For more information call the church office at 828-693-9783.

Protecting our Native Hemlocks: Treatment Demonstration with Hemlock Restorative Initiative

ON-SITE  |  Friday, March 14  |  1 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge EcoGardener – Elective Credit

Join Hemlock Restoration Initiative staff for a demonstration and workshop in the Arboretum forest to learn the fundamentals of treating hemlock trees to protect them from the invasive insect, hemlock woolly adelgid. Designed for a general audience, this workshop is great for homeowners who steward hemlocks on their property or for anyone interested in learning treatment basics. Today hemlock management is simpler and less expensive than ever before!

Leading a Nature Hike 101 with Lauren Lampley

ON-SITE  |  Friday, March 21  |  1 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist – Capstone Credit

Leading a group on a hike in nature comes naturally to some people but for others it is a skill developed over time. In this class we will talk about best practices for how to safely and efficiently lead a group on a hike in nature as well as what planning is necessary before the day of the hike. We will discuss possible hazards to keep an eye on and what to do in case of an emergency in “front country” hiking areas such as many trails in the Asheville area.

This program takes place both indoors and out. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Introduction to Appalachian Ecology with Dan Lazar

ON-SITE  |  Wednesday, March 26  |  1 – 4 pm

From the flood plain of the French Broad River to the summit of Mount Mitchel, we will explore the diverse ecological communities that make up the Blue Ridge Bioregion. We will learn why spruce trees are found only on the summits of our highest mountains: why the Southern Appalachians are the lungless salamander capital of the world; and how deer and ants determine where trilliums grow. Part illustrated lecture and part on-site field trip, this class serves as an introduction to all Special Topics in Ecology classes offered through the Blue Ridge Naturalist Program.

This program takes place in the classroom and outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

What does the future of brain injury care look like?

Join APEX Brain Centers, Dali Singh, LMT, CYT, and CST, Gus Vickery, MD and Erica Rawls on March 26th for our 2nd Annual Brain Injury Forum to learn about leading-edge therapies such as Low-Level Laser Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and Peptide Therapy. Also, hear more about progressive rehabilitation strategies, craniosacral therapy, advanced laboratory testing, and more.

Who You Will Be Hearing From:

Dr. Michael Trayford and Dr. Henry Zaremba (APEX Brain Centers) – Low-level laser and hyperbaric oxygen therapies for traumatic and acquired brain injury. Advanced laboratory diagnostics.
Dali Singh (Balanced Manual Therapy) – Craniosacral therapy for brain injury.
Dr. Gus Vickery (Authentic Health) – Peptide and other metabolic therapies for brain healing.
Erica Rawls (Hinds’ Feet Farm) – Day and residential programs for brain injury survivors. Unmasking Brain Injury project.

– In-person attendees must have a ticket
– Seating is limited; secure your ticket on Eventbrite
– Live stream on Facebook
– Refreshments will be provided

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Ages 5+

Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders

This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots!  We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat.  Free, Registration Required.  Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!

Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.

For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.

Join me in honoring the New Moon by immersing yourself with the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath! The New Moon is a perfect time to set intentions for growth and new possibilities.

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45 PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.

This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. (Suggested Value $25) Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Ages 5+

Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders

This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots!  We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat.  Free, Registration Required.  Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!

Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.

For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.

Grab your four-legged friend and come out for some fun and friendly competition at the Buncombe County Sports Park Dog Park.  There will be a small and large dog division and division will have approximately 30 minutes to find as many hidden eggs (filled with treats) as possible. In addition, dogs who collect the most eggs will receive a special prize. Free, Registration Required.

The purpose of the Hendo Earth Fest is to promote community education for all ages on environmental and sustainable practices, inspire action, and renew and expand commitments to protect our planet. Local and regional environmental allies focus on participation/hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to educate, renew and expand action to protect our Western North Carolina environment and natural resources. In our first inaugural 2023 festival, we saw approximately 2,000+ participants!

Give back this Earth Day with Buncombe County Parks and Recreation.  Volunteers are invited to assist in clean-up and service projects.  Volunteers groups are limited in capacity so Volunteer Registration is required.  All tools and materials will be provided.   More details coming soon!

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

In collaboration with Pardee Hospital Foundation and Hunter Subaru, we are thrilled to present the 2nd Annual She Slays 5K. This event is all about celebrating the strength, courage, and fierce determination of women fighting cancer. Whether you walk or run, you’re making a difference for those who are in the midst of this battle. This event aims to empower people to take charge of their health and well-being, while also raising funds for Hendersonville women who are fighting cancer.

While this event supports women with cancer, everyone is welcome to participate!

Ages 5+

Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders

This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots!  We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat.  Free, Registration Required.  Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!

Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.

For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.

Grove Arcade In Bloom: A Celebration of Growth

Spring is arriving in full bloom at one of Asheville’s most iconic landmarks! Grove Arcade In Bloom will transform the historic place into an immersive floral wonderland this Spring 2025. Come celebrate with us on Saturday, April 26, from 12 PM to 5 PM!

This event will feature:
🎻 Live Symphony Quartet from Asheville Symphony
🌷 Immersive Floral Installations by Studio Flora Diva, including a flower wall
🛍 Botanical Market by BB Barns and other local vendors with plants and garden treasures.
🎭 Performances & Art Installations
🍹 Aperol Spritz Pop-Up Bar

With support from B.B. Barns, Aperol Spritz, Stewart Owen Dance, Asheville Symphony, Studio Flora Diva, and On the Wing, Grove Arcade In Bloom is set to be a must-visit celebration of springtime, music, and community.

Follow @grovearcade on social media for updates.

For media inquiries, interviews, or questions please contact: [email protected]