Media Coverage: Swannanoa Library Closure Announcement

The announcement by Buncombe County on February 13 that it plans to permanently close the Swannanoa Library at the end of June has left our community in shock, and has raised many questions. We will update this post as new news and media coverage comes out.

CATCH THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT SWANNANOA WINTERFEST

Take a break from holiday preparations and enjoy the spirit of the season at Swannanoa Winterfest, a unique community celebration that brings a taste of Old Europe to the Swannanoa Valley. This free event takes place in Grovemont Square (adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Ave.), on Sunday, December 17, from 2 – 6:30 pm.

Modeled on traditional European holiday markets, Swannanoa Winterfest will feature 40 artisans and vendors selling a variety of unique gift items under tents decked with festive lights. Festival-goers can stroll through the vendor tents; enjoy musical entertainment, jugglers and dancers; warm their hands and roast marshmallows over a fire pit; and choose from a wide array of delicious food, holiday treats, and hot drinks that will be available for purchase.

New for 2023 – hop on board the Holiday Trolley for a guided tour of the historic Grovemont neighborhood, celebrating its 100th anniversary as America’s first planned community ($3 donation per person; hot chocolate included!).

There will be games and activities for the kids, too, including a visit from Olaf the Snowman, and a booth for writing and mailing letters to Santa at the North Pole. Bring the whole family and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with your friends and neighbors!

Please join in the spirit of the holiday by bringing nonperishables or monetary donations to support the Healthy Food & Fund Drive sponsored by local nonprofit Bounty & Soul.

Swannanoa Winterfest is a gift to the community, brought to you by the Swannanoa Community Council, Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS), and the Friends of the Swannanoa Library. The library’s huge used book sale, located in the building’s basement, will be open throughout the event.

There are a few vendor spaces still available. Interested Winterfest vendors can contact Vendor Coordinator, Marco Rozenbroek, at 305-495-2666.

For more information about Swannanoa Winterfest, or to sign up as a volunteer, please call the Swannanoa Library at 828-250-6486.

NOW ACCEPTING VENDORS: 2023 WINTERFEST

After a beautiful and successful 2022 edition we are inviting local artisan vendors for the 2023 Swannanoa Winterfest.

What is Winterfest? The Swannanoa Winterfest is a Winter Holiday Market for the whole family. It is a joyful, cozy and festive outdoor event with holiday items, various foods and drinks, artisans, kids activities, music, a trolley-ride and more!

The event will start in the afternoon an partly will take place into the evening. Fire and lights are an important ingredient to share that special holiday feeling!

Location: 101 West Charleston Ave, Swannanoa NC 28778 (The Grovemont Square)

Date & Time: Sunday Dec 17th. The market will be open from 2pm-6:30 pm. Vendors can begin setting up at 1pm

Large Pole Tent 80 x 40: Unless you want to stand on the food court area we have something new this year! To make set up easy for our vendors and also be protected against weather circumstances, we have decided to set up a large 80x40 event tent with side walls, festive lightning, heaters, etc. We will also have our regular open-air 40x20 tent. For these tents we have 30 indoor places available. Only bring your own table & chairs for a 10ft spot.

The food trucks will be set up on the basketball court.

Costs and registration: As costs has increased with the lease of the event tent the fee for a vendor booth will be $50 for this year. After your confirmation by email we will send you a registration form.

Promotion: We are promoting the event on social media, on the Grovemont Park website, and on local media outlets. We encourage all vendors to share the event with their social and professional networks as well. We will set up a 2023 Facebook event that you can share and invite others (here is an example of the 2021 event: https://www.facebook.com/events/444546843744575)

We also have an Instagram page for the event: https://www.instagram.com/swannanoa_winterfest

Respond: Anybody interested in becoming a vendor for this years Winterfest please respond by email to Marco Rozenbroek at the earliest convenience as we have a limited amount of places available.

Email: mrozenbroek@me.com

CATCH THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT SWANNANOA WINTERFEST

Take a break from holiday preparations and enjoy the spirit of the season at Swannanoa Winterfest, a unique community celebration that brings a taste of Old Europe to the Swannanoa Valley. This free event takes place in Grovemont Square (adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Ave.), on Saturday, December 17th, from 3 - 8 pm.

Modeled on the traditional European holiday markets, the Swannanoa Winterfest will feature a variety of artisans and vendors selling holiday-themed items under tents decked with festive lights. Attendees can warm their hands over a fire pit, while enjoying the delicious food, holiday treats, and hot drinks that will be available for purchase. Musical entertainment, caroling, and holiday lights will fill Grovemont Square with the sounds and sights of the season. There will be activities for the kids, too, including a visit from Olaf the Snowman. Bring the whole family and enjoy the holiday festivities with your friends and neighbors!

Festival-goers can join in the spirit of the holiday by bringing nonperishables or monetary donations to support the Healthy Food & Fund Drive sponsored by local nonprofit Bounty & Soul.

The Swannanoa Winterfest is a gift to the community, brought to you by the Swannanoa Community Council, Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS), and the Friends of the Swannanoa Library. The library’s huge used book sale, located in the building’s basement, will be open throughout the event.

There are a few vendor spaces still available. Interested Winterfest vendors can contact Vendor Coordinator, Marco Rozenbroek, at 305-495-2666. For more information about Swannanoa Winterfest, please call the Swannanoa Library at 828-250-6486

Groovin' Summer Concert Series: 2022

20th ANNUAL GROOVIN' ON GROVEMONT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

A free-admission outdoor concert series benefiting two Swannanoa nonprofit organizations: The Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council.

WHEN: Tuesdays, July 12, July 26, and August 9, 2022 - Festivities start at 6:00 pm each evening

WHERE: Grovemont Park, adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Ave, Swannanoa, NC, 28778

DETAILS: Groovin' on Grovemont, Swannanoa's popular outdoor summer concert series, is returning to Grovemont Park for its twentieth year, with a full schedule of music and family fun on three Tuesday evenings, July 12, July 26 and August 9. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and come enjoy these free family-friendly evenings of great music and food! Grovemont Park is located adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Avenue.

This year's Groovin' will include a delicious selection of freshly prepared foods, including smoked chicken, Southern BBQ pork, tempeh with peppers and onions, heirloom tomato-basil salad, watermelon, and plenty of other offerings to tempt your appetite. Vegan and gluten-free options will be available, as well as kid-sized portions.

As always, 100% of the proceeds — every last penny — will go to the Swannanoa Community Council and Friends of The Swannanoa Library for the benefit of all those who use and enjoy Grovemont Park & Playground.

The Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council would like to thank the more than 30 business and individual sponsors of the event, and in particular, the Diamond level sponsors, who provide underwriter support for the event: Quility, Lucid Lending, Rooter King, and Carol Groben & Doug Lebbon

Allen Dye, chair of the Swannanoa Community Council says “We are absolutely thrilled to bring the 20th season of the Groovin’ concert series to the Grovemont Park this summer! We have exciting music and delicious food lined-up that we think the community will enjoy.”

Entertainment and food schedule:

Tues., 7/12/2022 - Abby Bryant & the Echoes: Vintage-inspired Americana and soul rock, led by vocalist Abby Bryant, a music minister's daughter turned fierce frontwoman. abbybryantandtheechoes.com

Tues., 7/26/2022 - Drayton & the Dreamboats: A mix of swing tunes, Latin numbers, and vocal ballads from the golden age of radio, led by vocalist and violin virtuoso Drayton Aldridge. draytonandthedreamboats.com

Tues., 8/9/22 - BoogiTherapi: A blend of high energy dance covers and funky soulful originals, headed by frontman Ryan Barber. Put on your dancing shoes! facebook.com/boogitherapiavl

Bonus feature during every concert: GIANT USED BOOK SALE from 5 - 8:30 p.m. in the basement of the Swannanoa Library, adjacent to the park, at 101 West Charleston Avenue. Come check out the newly-remodeled book sale space. Thousands of great books at unbelievably low prices!

Sponsorships, donations, and volunteers are always welcome and encouraged -- If you would like to support Groovin' on Grovemont through a sponsorship or donation, or as a volunteer, please call (828)250-6486 or visit www.GrovemontPark.org, where you can make a contribution via PayPal or credit/debit card.

Checks can be made out to “Swannanoa Community Council” and mailed to: Swannanoa Community Council PO Box 1008 Swannanoa, NC

Note: Donations are tax-deductible About the nonprofits: The Swannanoa Community Council (SCC) operates Grovemont Park & Playground and provides the facility that houses the Swannanoa Branch Library. Friends of the Swannanoa Library (FOTSL) supports the library and library programming and partners with SCC in the upkeep of the facilities and park.

Groovin' on Grovemont Concert Series - 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WHAT:  17th ANNUAL GROOVIN' ON GROVEMONT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

A free-admission outdoor concert series benefiting two Swannanoa nonprofit organizations:  The Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council.

WHEN: Tuesdays, July 9, July 23, and August 6, 2019 - 6:00 pm each evening

WHERE: Grovemont Park, adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Ave, Swannanoa, NC, 28778

DETAILS:

The Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council present the 17th annual Groovin' on Grovemont summer concert series in Grovemont Square, adjacent to the Swannanoa Library. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, frisbee, etc. and come enjoy these family-friendly evenings of great music! The concert series is free, but donations are always welcome and encouraged.

Concessions are themed to go with the musical genre for each concert, and feature a wide variety of gourmet comfort foods (details below). All donations and proceeds from concessions benefit the Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council, and provide support for the Swannanoa Library and Grovemont park and playground.

The Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council would like to thank the more than 25 business and individual sponsors of the event, and in particular, the Diamond level sponsors, who provide underwriter support for the event:  Penland's Furniture, Carol Groben & Doug Lebbon, Native Kitchen/Symmetry Finance Group, Sugar Hollow Solar, and Rooter King.

Entertainment and food schedule:

7/9/2019 6:00pm: Picante - Latin Jazz - Feel the Rhythm

Everyone will want to dance to this five-piece band, comprised of guitar, bass, piano, violin and Latin percussion! Picante performs original and uniquely arranged Latin rhythms, Latin jazz, reggae and popular music. More info: www.picanteband.com.

Concessions menu: Chicken or tempeh tacos, Spanish rice with black beans, grilled corn on the cob with lime chili butter, chips and salsa, mint fruit salad, hamburgers with sliced jalapenos and pepper jack cheese, veggie burgers, pizza from our own Jimmy's on the River, and more!

7/23/2019 6:00pm: Moves - Soul, Rock & Roll

Moves is an Asheville based seven-piece rock band sporting a trio of lead vocalists backed by ambulatory rhythms and inventive combinations of keys, guitars and brass. These experienced musicians carry on the traditions of layered instrumentation and stout three-part harmonies. On stage, they provide nonstop entertainment, delivering well-crafted shows with undeniable ensemble-wide chemistry that's a treat to the eyes as well as the ears. More info: www.thebandmoves.com.

Concessions menu: Pulled BBQ pork sandwiches, baked beans, mac-daddy and cheese, fried zucchini, heirloom tomato salad, hamburgers with fried pickles and pimento cheese, veggie burgers, pizza from our own Jimmy's on the River, and more!

Special pre-Groovin' program:  At 5:00 pm in the library, the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) will present "Lunar-tics." Participants will explore the day and night skies with a special inflatable planetarium, and learn about the moon phases and earth's rotation using hand-held models and flashlights. This is a ticketed event for ages 4th grade and up (call 828-250-6486 to reserve a space). Later, visit the AMOS table during Groovin' on Grovemont and see science come alive!  

8/6/2019: LYRIC - Pop, Soul, Funk

With an enlightened mixture of pop, soul and funk, LYRIC awakens an undiscovered spirit within their audience, and consistently delights crowds across the region. Led by the poetic and soulful voice of lyricist and lead singer Leeda Jones, this group of multi-talented musicians has been described by many as the best band in Asheville. More info: www.reverbnation.com/lyricfans.

Concessions menu: Chicken and sausage gumbo, red beans and rice, cracklin' cornbread, Cajun roasted corn salad, hamburgers with pimento cheese and sliced ham, veggie burgers, pizza from our own Jimmy's on the River, and more!

Bonus feature during every concert: GIANT USED BOOK SALE from 5 - 8:30 p.m. in the basement of the Swannanoa Library, adjacent to the park, at 101 West Charleston Avenue. Come check out the newly-remodeled book sale space. Thousands of great books at unbelievably low prices!

Sponsorships, donations, and volunteers are still welcome and encouraged -- If you would like to support Groovin' on Grovemont through a sponsorship or donation, or as a volunteer, please call (828)250-6486, or visit www.GrovemontPark.org

Groovin' on Grovemont Concert Series - 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 

WHAT:  16th ANNUAL GROOVIN' ON GROVEMONT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
A benefit for two Swannanoa non-profits:  The Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council

WHEN: Tuesdays, July 10, July 24, and August 7, 2018 - 6:00 pm each evening

WHERE: Grovemont Square, adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Ave, Swannanoa, NC, 28778

DETAILS: 

The Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council present the 16th annual Groovin' on Grovemont summer concert series in Grovemont Square, adjacent to the Swannanoa Library. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, frisbee, etc. and come enjoy these family-friendly evenings of great music! The concert series is free, but donations are always welcome and encouraged.

Concessions are themed to go with the musical genre for each night, and feature a wide variety of gourmet comfort foods (details below). All donations and proceeds from concessions benefit two nonprofit organizations, the Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council, and support the Swannanoa Library and Grovemont park and playground.

This year's concert series will take advantage of the new Grovemont Park Performance Pavilion, funding for which came from community donations, and grants from Buncombe County Park & Recreation and The Black Mountain - Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund.


Entertainment and food schedule:

7/10/2018 6:00pm: The Jordan Okrend Experience

The Jordan Okrend Experience is more than one thing. First, there is the signature sound, vintage pop imbued with an infectious funky jazz edge.  There is also something else. Soulful music with socially conscious lyrics, that has all been but lost in today’s current pop climate.

he Asheville NC based singer/songwriter released his first two EP’s, Unpredictable and Rising Up, between 2010 and 2012 while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston and has been performing extensively throughout the East Coast ever since. Has performed at notable venues such as Rockwood Music Hall, The Bitter End, Smiths Olde Bar, Gypsy Sally's and The Grey Eagle. His 2015 EP World Keeps Turnin was a clear indication that Okrend had thrown his hat into the ring of other soul revival upstarts such as Allen Stone and Michael Kiwanuka. The EP blended the old school with the contemporary while echoing the conscious elements of his musical heroes-Lennon, Hendrix and Marley.  krend's latest album, Dance By The Riverside (2017) is a buoyant meditation of the stresses of the modern world, with a distinctively funk and retro soul vibe. IndieMinded says "Okrend’s latest offering delivers in a big way, Soulful vocals in the vein of Amos Lee and Allen Stone, expert instrumentation that includes everything from electric guitars to horns, and meaningful lyrics."

More info:  www.jordanokrend.com/

Special - 7/10/2018 concert only -- Fire Dancer Laura "Lulu" Edmonds will perform a fire dance with batons and hoops during the show!  Edmonds is part of the Unifire Theater Troupe, and is also a librarian in the Buncombe County Library System.

Concessions menu: "Taco Night" - Chicken or tempeh tacos, Spanish rice w/black beans, lime chili grilled corn on the cob, chips & salsa, mint fruit salad, special hamburger w/sliced jalapenos & pepper-jack cheese, veggie burgers, pizza from The Social Pizzeria, and more!

July 24: The Wonderful Nobodies

The Wonderful Nobodies (Seth Taylor, Lacy Green, & Aaron Williams) are a Nashville-based group of singers, songwriters, and multi-instrumentalists all hailing from the Appalachian region of Virginia and North Carolina. Individually, they have played stages from the Grand Ole Opry to Carnegie Hall, toured the country, and performed on numerous recordings. Collectively they deliver a unique blend of bluegrass, pop, soul, & country with outstanding vocals and top-notch instrumentation.   

Concessions menu: "Bluegrass Picnic" - Pulled BBQ pork sandwich, baked beans, mac-daddy & cheese, fried zuchini, heirloom tomato salad, special hamburger w/fried pickles & pimento cheese, veggie burgers, pizza  from The Social Pizzeria, and more!

Special pre-Groovin' library program:  Kidsenses: Rockin' Rockets: Witness a rocket going into the sky! Kidsenses brings chemistry and physics to life. Ages 6 and above.  Begins at 5:00pm on July 24.  Come out early with the kids to this pre-Groovin' program in Grovemont Park.

August 7: Rhoda Weaver and the Soul Mates

Rhoda Weaver and the Soul Mates are a local band out of Western NC. The band is comprised of three very talented, seasoned musicians, with a powerhouse lead singer who has been singing for over 30 years.  They play everything from Motown to The Animals to Etta James to Fleetwood Mac.  They have a great chemistry onstage and it shows.  Their collective goal is to lift people up through music, and if you've ever been to one of their performances you know that's exactly what they do!  More info: www.facebook.com/rhodaweaverandthesoulmates/

Concessions menu: "The Big Easy" - Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya, red beans & rice, cracklin' cornbread, Cajun roasted corn salad, special hamburger w/pimento cheese & sliced ham, veggie burgers, pizza from The Social Pizzeria, and more!

Bonus feature during every concert: GIANT HALF-PRICE BOOK SALE during each Groovin' concert, 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Avenue.  Thousands of great books at unbelievably low prices!

Sponsorships, donations, and volunteers are still welcome and encouraged -- If you would like to support Groovin' on Grovemont through a sponsorship or donation, or as a volunteer, please (828)250-6486, or visit www.GrovemontPark.org

Grovemont Park Performance Pavilion Nears Completion!

Grovemont Park Performance Pavilion nears completion.

Grovemont Park Performance Pavilion nears completion.

The new permanent performance pavilion in Grovemont Park, Swannanoa, NC, is almost complete.

The space will be complete in time for the Groovin' 2018 summer concert series.

The pavilion provides a covered stage for community concerts and other events including the 16-year tradition of Groovin’ on Grovemont concert series, Cinema on the Square (outdoor movie night), as well as educational and entertainment programming for the families and children of the Swannanoa Valley.

The pavilion is located in Grovemont Park, adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Ave, Swannanoa, NC, 28778

Funding for the pavilion has come from members of the community, and grants from Buncombe County Parks & Recreation, and the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund, as well as generous support and contributions from the Friends of the Swannanoa Library, Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS) and the Swannanoa Community Council itself.

The final budget for the new performance space ended up being approximately $30,000.  Additional funding is being requested and encouraged from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations in the Swannanoa Valley.  Tax-deductible donations can be made by credit/debit card through the GrovemontPark.org website, or by mailing checks to:  Swannanoa Community Council, P.O. Box 1008, Swannanoa, NC.

The Swannanoa Community Council's mission includes serving the residents of Swannanoa, the Swannanoa Valley, and the larger community.  The Swannanoa Community Council owns and manages properties in the Grovemont Community of Swannanoa including the building that houses the Swannanoa Library, Grovemont Park & Playground, and the Historic Grovemont Square green space.

New Performance Pavilion Coming to Grovemont Park - Spring 2018!

WHAT:  A permanent performance pavilion to be constructed in Grovemont Park, Swannanoa, NC, to provide a covered stage for community concerts and other events including the 15-year tradition of Groovin’ on Grovemont concert series, Cinema on the Square (outdoor movie night), as well as educational and entertainment programming for the families and children of the Swannanoa Valley.

WHEN: Fundraising is ongoing now.  Pavilion construction should be completed by May, 2018, in time for the annual summer Groovin’ on Grovemont concert series.

Artist Jerry Pope (Hare Brand Ideas) conception of the new Grovemont Park Performance Pavilion.

Artist Jerry Pope (Hare Brand Ideas) conception of the new Grovemont Park Performance Pavilion.

WHERE: Grovemont Park, adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Ave, Swannanoa, NC, 28778

DETAILS: The Swannanoa Community Council (SCC), a non-profit organization operating in Swannanoa for over half a century, has received a $6,000 grant from Buncombe County Park & Recreation to assist in the construction of a covered outdoor performance space adjacent to the Swannanoa Library in the Grovemont neighborhood in Swannanoa, NC.

The total budget for the new performance space is approximately $14,000.  The Swannanoa Community Council is managing the project as well as contributing financially to the effort.  Two other Swannanoa-based non-profits, Friends of the Swannanoa Library and Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa have also pledged their support.  Additional funding is being requested and encouraged from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations in the Swannanoa Valley.  Tax-deductible donations can be made by credit/debit card through the GrovemontPark.org website, or by mailing checks to:  Swannanoa Community Council, P.O. Box 1008, Swannanoa, NC.

 

The performance pavilion will provide a permanent stage and structure for community events, including the annual Groovin’ on Grovemont concert series, a 15 year tradition.  The popular concert series takes place in July and August each year and historically has hosted live music performers under a temporary tent, on an aging wooden platform in Grovemont Park. The new performance pavilion will feature an accessible 15’ X 24’ covered stage.  The pavilion is designed to be an aesthetically-pleasing structure that will blend into yet enhance the existing park, featuring river-rock masonry that matches the historic rock wall that borders the Grovemont Park green space.  The architectural design for the structure has been provided by SCC board member, retired architect/professor, and long-time community service volunteer, Bill Bauman.

Community service volunteer, and architect for pavilion project, Bill Bauman

Community service volunteer, and architect for pavilion project, Bill Bauman

The Swannanoa Community Council's mission includes serving the residents of Swannanoa, the Swannanoa Valley, and the larger community.  The Swannanoa Community Council owns and manages properties in the Grovemont Community of Swannanoa including the building that houses the Swannanoa Library, Grovemont Park & Playground, and the Historic Grovemont Square green space.

Attendees enjoying Groovin' on Grovemont last year,

Attendees enjoying Groovin' on Grovemont last year,

2017 Groovin' Concert Series

The 15th annual Groovin’ on Grovemont summer concert series returns to Grovemont Square (adjacent to the Swannanoa Library) on July 11, July 25 and August 8, at 6:00 p.m.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come enjoy these family-friendly evenings of great music, brought to you entirely by local sponsors and community volunteers! The concert series is free and open to the public. Concessions, including pizza, hot dogs and home-baked goods, are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council.

Here’s the entertainment schedule:

July 11: LYRIC – With an enlightened mixture of pop, soul and funk, LYRIC awakens an undiscovered spirit within their audiences, and consistently delights crowds across the region. Led by the poetic and soulful voice of lyricist and lead singer Leeda Jones, this group of multi-talented musicians has been described by many as the best band in Asheville.

July 25: Bayou Diesel – This local Black Mountain band has been traveling the gig-highways of Western North Carolina since 2005. The band focuses on performing the powerful Cajun, Zydeco and Mardi Gras-style dance music of Louisiana. Featuring the accordion, rubboard, rhythm section and occasional French lyrics, Bayou Diesel cooks up some tasty jam-balaya. Put on your dancing shoes! (Note: “Tap and Shake” with Sonya Brooks – a rhythmic concert event for the whole family -begins at 5PM on July 25. Come early with the kids to catch this show.)

August 8: The Paper Crowns – The Paper Crowns are the multi-instrument, genre-crossing power-duo of Spiro and Nicole Nicolopoulos. Earning their reputation as the genuine article and as a band on the cutting edge of modern roots music, the Paper Crowns have a musical chemistry that is a gumbo of Appalachian folk and bluegrass, Dixieland melodies, delta blues, acid rock, murder ballads, outlaw country and Southern Gospel that they cook up into a sound all their own.

Bonus feature: GIANT HALF-PRICE BOOK SALE during each Groovin’, 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Avenue. Thousands of great books at unbelievably low prices!

Individual and business sponsorship opportunities for Groovin’ on Grovemont are still available, and there are lots of volunteer opportunities, too. To inquire, call the library at 828-250-6486.

Next Work/Fun Days - May 11, 2017

The Playground & Park upfit is almost complete!

These next two work days will be used to complete the distribution of the remaining mulch, and do some patch construction (with granite screenings) in and around the playground.

The dates are May 11(Thur) --- 9:30-3:00.

Keep in mind that even if you can only come by a 1/2 hour or so, every bit helps!  Come on out and lend a hand!

Next Work/Fun Day - Saturday, 3/25 9:30-3:00, 2017

We are excited to report that the hard work over the past month has started to pay off, and the Grovemont Park Playground is now re-opened!  

Thanks to all of you who came out and labored together, and enjoyed food from so many of our community food sponsors (Social Pizzeria, La Bamba, Oki Dokie's, Mellow Mushroom, Ingles, and more..full list coming soon!)

That said, the work isn't quite complete.  Several more work sessions are needed to completely re-mulch the playground (another truck-load of mulch will be delivered on 3/27), and additional work is needed with timbers and path making/maintaining.

The next workday is scheduled for Saturday, 3/25.  

More work days will be happening the week of 3/27 too!
 

Major Makeover Planned for Grovemont Park Playground

The playground at Grovemont Park, adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, was constructed in 2000 through a major fundraising and volunteer labor effort involving scores of Swannanoa residents. The project was coordinated by two local non-profits, the Friends of the Swannanoa Library, and the Swannanoa Community Council.

The playground and surrounding park have been enjoyed by literally thousands of families in the community for the past 16+ years. But after all those years of service, the playground is showing its age and is in need of an overhaul. An effort to completely replace the protective mulch and make other repairs and improvements is in the planning stages. A generous grant from Buncombe County Parks & Recreation will help with some of the expenses, but more funding, materials, planning, and labor are needed.  

The bulk of the community workdays will occur in early March (see the Volunteer section of the GrovemontPark.org website for details), and will require lots of volunteer labor for removing and spreading mulch, construction of timber planting beds, building and restoring walking paths, graffiti removal, and much more. Additional funding and in-kind donations are also needed, along with ready-to-eat food for hungry volunteers. 

If you're interested in volunteering time, or making an in-kind contribution of materials, food, etc., please check out the Volunteer or Contact sections of this website.  Please consider making a contribution on our Donation page.

Thank you for your support in restoring this community gem!

The Community Works When We Work Together

Boy Scouts - Troop 42 Workday

Members of Black Mountain-based Boy Scouts Troop 42 have been involved in helping to plan the Grovemont Park playground over past few months.

On February 18, 2017, members of the troop came out, rolled up their sleeves, and helped Swannanoa Community Council and Friends of the Library leaders start the work!

Thank you Scouts...you are an amazing asset to our community!