Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain feature expansive views of Shining Rock Wilderness. With sunset at 5:20p, we will begin the hike at 4p to reach the summit of Tennent Mountain in time to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
We will be doing this loop counterclockwise, which is the more challenging way. This is for safety – the latter portion of the hike will be in the dark, so going this direction means we will only have to navigate Ivestor Gap, an old Jeep road, after the sun goes down, rather than more technical trails.
This hike is 4.3 mi with just under 700 ft elevation gain. We will be doing most of the climbing in the first half. We will only have one hour to hike about 2 miles to Tennent Mountain summit. This is an easy pace on flat ground, but not with the elevation. If you are not accustomed to hiking like this, please join for a different hike (more will be planned).
I’m normally not a stickler for rules, but for this event, there are a few :-/

1. We will depart the trailhead at 4pm sharp. If you are not there, we will be leaving without you. I can’t guarantee phone service, so I may not see messages letting me know you’ll be late. And since the sunset is the goal, we don’t want the group to miss it by waiting for someone who is late. The trailhead is about an hour from Asheville, so please account for that, traffic, and time to find a parking spot. I’ll be there around 3:45.
2. Bring enough water for you (and your dog if you are bringing one).
3. Dogs are welcome if they are leashed (6 ft or shorter), well behaved, and socialized with other dogs and humans. I will be bringing my pup.
4. Bring a headlamp! We will be hiking in the dark.
5. Wear appropriate/supportive shoes – the trail is rocky.
6. Bring layers. It will be very windy at the summit, and up to 20 degrees colder than in Asheville.
7. Feel free to bring snacks. The goal is to chill and watch the sunset so we will have some time to rest.
8. You are responsible for you (and your dog, if applicable). I am not a trained guide and I am not trained in wilderness first aid. By RSVPing “yes” to this event, you are acknowledging that I will not be held responsible for any injuries you may sustain on this hike.

Okay, now that that unpleasant part is done, I’ve got some fun links below! I have not done this hike yet, but the links below are where I gathered my info! Please read :-)

Thanks! Can’t wait to see you there!

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/ivestor-gap-trail-to-tennent-mountain-and-black-balsam-knob-trail

Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain Loop

Enjoy a guided tour on our beautiful Community Farm and see all the terrific projects we have in the works. Participants will hike The Discovery Trail in a 2-mile loop, returning to our education and event center. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy there while overlooking the entire farm and surrounding mountains

Auditions taking place on November 22, 2022 from 7pm to 10pm. Please sign up for an appointment here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040945a8a62da4fb6-auditions

The Magnetic Theatre is developing a new folk musical, Riveted, by local playwright and musician Deborah Silverstein. We’ll be presenting a reading on Saturday, January 21st, 2023. These auditions are for the reading only. The full production is tentatively scheduled for April, 2024.

Please prepare a 60 second monologue and 16 bars of a song. An accompanist will be provided – please bring your sheet music!

Synopsis: Riveted is a folk musical exploration of generations of women and how each woman learns from or bucks against the traditions of her mother, and her mother before her. As a family packs up all of the memories in the matriarch’s attic, secrets and history unfold to change their lives and relationships forever.

Character Breakdown:

Rosie – Matriarch of the family, about to move into assisted living. 70s-80s

Betty – Rosie’s daughter. Rebellious spirit. 50s-60s

Emma – Betty’s daughter. Level-headed and smart. 30s

Young Rosie – Rosie as a young woman. 20s

Beatrice Gretzer – Rosie’s best friend. In love with Rosie. 20s

Frank Brennan – Rosie’s husband. Demanding, stoic, in a typical 1950s mindset. 20s

Billy / Will – Billy is Rosie’s brother. 20s. / Will is Rosie’s son. 20s. Both are sent to war, scared, but doing their civic duty as they see it necessary.

Young Betty – Betty as a young woman. Hippie / Protestor type. 20s.

Elliot – Betty’s husband. Hippie / Protestor type. Very strong willed. 20s.

June / Heinz Girl / Receptionist – Young Rosie’s friends and coworkers. 20s

Martha / Heinz Girl – Young Rosie’s friends and coworkers. 20s

Date: 11/22/2022 (Tue.) Location: 375 Depot St.

For more information about The Magnetic Theatre, please visit www.themagnetictheatre.org

callbacks Thursday, December 1 5:30 – 7:30 pm MAINSTAGE Native Gardens PLAY By Karen Zacarías Directed by: Candace Taylor AUDITION DATES: UPDATED: Monday, November 28 and Tuesday, November 29 from 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm, callbacks Thursday, December 1 5:30 – 7:30 pm PRODUCTION DATES: February 10 – February 26, 2023; Performances: Fridays February 10, 17, 24 and Saturdays February 11, 18, 25 at 7:30pm and Sundays February 5, 12, and 19 at 2:30pm. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time. DIRECTOR SEEKS: TBA – check back for more information closer to audition dates! ABOUT THE SHOW: Tania, a very pregnant PHD candidate, and Pablo, her high-powered lawyer husband, realize the American dream when they buy a house with a backyard in Washington, DC. Living next door to community stalwarts Virginia and Frank is great – until a disagreement arises over a long-standing fence line between their homes. The conflict spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement. With witty humor and engaging real-life drama, Native Gardens showcases conflict – and the worst and best ways to work it out! Director Candance Taylor seeks a cast of four for this quick-witted and engaging real-life drama. Characters include Tania, a doctoral candidate, her husband Pablo, a rising attorney, and Frank and Virginia, their neighbors – a well-established D.C. couple with a prize-worthy English garden.

callbacks Thursday, December 1 5:30 – 7:30 pm MAINSTAGE Native Gardens PLAY By Karen Zacarías Directed by: Candace Taylor AUDITION DATES: UPDATED: Monday, November 28 and Tuesday, November 29 from 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm, callbacks Thursday, December 1 5:30 – 7:30 pm PRODUCTION DATES: February 10 – February 26, 2023; Performances: Fridays February 10, 17, 24 and Saturdays February 11, 18, 25 at 7:30pm and Sundays February 5, 12, and 19 at 2:30pm. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time. DIRECTOR SEEKS: TBA – check back for more information closer to audition dates! ABOUT THE SHOW: Tania, a very pregnant PHD candidate, and Pablo, her high-powered lawyer husband, realize the American dream when they buy a house with a backyard in Washington, DC. Living next door to community stalwarts Virginia and Frank is great – until a disagreement arises over a long-standing fence line between their homes. The conflict spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement. With witty humor and engaging real-life drama, Native Gardens showcases conflict – and the worst and best ways to work it out! Director Candance Taylor seeks a cast of four for this quick-witted and engaging real-life drama. Characters include Tania, a doctoral candidate, her husband Pablo, a rising attorney, and Frank and Virginia, their neighbors – a well-established D.C. couple with a prize-worthy English garden.

The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!

The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!

The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!

The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!

The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!

The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!

The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!

The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!

The Casting Office, Inc. www.thecastingofficeinc.com is very excited to announce that we are NOW CASTING for Background Performers/Extras for an upcoming Made for Television Movie filming in the Asheville North Carolina area starting January 9, 2023. We are casting all people, all ethnicities, all ages! If you are local to Asheville NC, available, and interested, please send your information and photos via our Website ASAP. We will be booking people immediately. We want to see your face on the big screen!

This announcement is revised from the original Dec 15th to Dec 22nd.
John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”
I am going to scout the Stone Mtn Tr in DuPont; A few of you are welcome to join me.
Hike Distance: 4.0 Total (optional) ascent: 675 ft
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Well established Tr. No water Xings.
Optional Climb to Stone Mtn is 600 ft ascent in 1 mile.
(I, and the more leisurely of us, will skip this part. ;-)
Drive time: 25 min/14 mi 1-way

Hey everyone, let’s go see the Christmas lights at the Arboretum!

I’m going to reserve a spot for one car, but if more than one car-load show interest I can always buy another.

Tickets for next Thursday night are $55 per car so we’ll divide that up by the number of people in the car. If someone’s willing to sit in the middle we can get 5 in my car.

We’ll meet at the Ingles up the road on 191 (863 Brevard Road) and head over from there. We should plan on leaving the parking lot at 6:45(tickets are for 7pm entry).

Kick off the new year in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park during this First Day Hike! Start your morning bright and early with a stroll, hike or bike ride up to the 3.2-mile Park road. Usually restricted to motor vehicle traffic only, there will be no cars in your way if you show up for this special, early morning hike that’s free to participants! Bicyclists are allowed to use the road also on this special morning to climb and descend the steep park road under controlled speed. Helmets are required.

Meet at the Old Rock Café at 8am. Registration is not required.

Bright Star Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell

Directed by: Mark Jones

DIRECTOR SEEKS: A large cast ages 20s-60s. All races and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

-Please sign up for an audition time slot on this Audition Form. (Walk-ups are welcome but will be asked to fill out the audition form on-site and will need to wait until the next available time slot.)

AUDITION MATERIAL: Prepare 90 seconds of a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Please note that sheet music is required. Bring or wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you may be taught a short dance combination. You may be asked to read from the script (see website for sides).

Bright Star Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell

Directed by: Mark Jones

DIRECTOR SEEKS: A large cast ages 20s-60s. All races and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

-Please sign up for an audition time slot on this Audition Form. (Walk-ups are welcome but will be asked to fill out the audition form on-site and will need to wait until the next available time slot.)

AUDITION MATERIAL: Prepare 90 seconds of a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Please note that sheet music is required. Bring or wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you may be taught a short dance combination. You may be asked to read from the script (see website for sides).

Our first passholder-exclusive event of the year! Join a naturalist for an intimate hike with fellow passholders in an area of the Park not typically open to the public. This moderate hike traverses our own old growth forest and gives you the opportunity to learn what makes this ecosystem unique. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.

READERS THEATRE SHOWCASE

Hay Fever

By Noel Coward; Directed by Marianne Lyon

AUDITION DATE: Tuesday, February 21, 2023; 10:30 am-2:30 pm on the Mainstage

PRODUCTION DATES: March 17-19, 2023; All performances at 2:30 pm; Friday and Saturday performances at Asheville Community Theatre, Sunday performance at the Reuter Center on the campus of UNCA

REHEARSALS: Tuesdays & Thursdays February 28, March 2, 7, 9, 14, and 16, 2023; 10:30 am-2:30 pm

DIRECTOR SEEKS: Cast of 9: 4M, 5W

This 6-mile, moderate hike with some steep inclines crosses the beautiful Bailey Mountain Preserve near Mars Hill, NC. This hidden gem consists of adjoining properties under a conservation easement that the SAHC monitors each year. The Preserve encompasses over 250 acres. Please note that this property is open to the public, but if you wish to join this guided hike you must pre-register for this event. FREE for SAHC members, $10 for non-members.

The first show of our 2023 Season! The Montford Park Players, North Carolina’s longest running Shakespeare theatre is pleased to announce auditions for the first show of our 51st Season – “Wendy and Peter”, a Peter Pan story, written and directed by Skyler Goff. Audition Dates: YOUTH ONLY March 5th 3-6pm March 6th 5:30-8:30pm (If needed) March 7th 5:30-8:30pm (CALLBACKS) ADULTS ONLY March 8th 5:30-8:30pm March 9th 5:30-8:30pm(If needed) CALLBACKS (ADULTS and CAST YOUTH) March 10th  5:30-8:30pm ROLES FOR YOUTH (Ages 8-18) WENDY: Age: 11-18 (Role will require singing, dancing, jumping and combat. SWING NEEDED) PETER PAN: Age: 11-18(Role will require jumping dancing and combat.SWING NEEDED) JOHN: Age: 10-16 (Role will require jumping, dancing, and combat.Potential SWING NEEDED) MICHAEL: Age: 8-13(Role will require jumping, dancing, and combat) TOOTLES: Age: 8-13 (Role will require jumping, dancing, and combat) NIBS: Age: 8-15 (Role will require jumping, dancing, and combat) SLIGHTLY: Age: 8-16(Role will require jumping, dancing, and combat) TWIN 1: Age: 8-15 (Role will require jumping, dancing, and combat) TWIN 2: Age: 8-15 (Role will require jumping, dancing, and combat) CURLY: Age: 8-15 (Role will require jumping, dancing, and combat) TIGER LILY: Age: 11-18 (Role will require jumping, dancing, and combat) ROLES FOR ADULTS (Ages 18+) NURSE WENDY: Age: 25-36(Role will require singing and running) MR. DARLING: Age: 30-55(Based on casting, Hook/Panther Protea requirements apply) MRS. DARLING: Age: 30-55(Based on casting, Hook/Panther Protea requirements apply) NANA: Age: 18-60+ (Role will require use of puppet. NO DIALOGUE) TINKER BELL: Age: 18-55 (Role will require use of puppet, dancing, jumping and combat.NO DIALOGUE) HOOK: Age: 30-55 (Role will require singing, dancing,and combat. SWING NEEDED) SMEE: Age: 18-60+(Role will require singing, dancing,and combat) STARKEY: Age: 18-60+ (Role will require singing, dancing,and combat) CECCO: Age: 18-60+(Role will require singing, dancing,and combat) JUKES: Age: 18-60+ (Role will require singing, dancing,and combat) FLINT: Age: 18-60+ (Role will require singing, dancing,and combat) COOKSON: Age: 18-60+ (Role will require singing, dancing,and combat) PANTHER PROTEA: Age: 30-55 (Role will require dancing, percussion,  and combat) Various Druids:Age: 18-60+ (Role will require dancing,percussion, and combat) Mermaids: Age: 18-60+ (Role may require use of puppet and singing.) NOTE: ALL ACTORS should prepare a monologue on any theme, memorized, and no longer then one minute. NOTE: All actors must fill out the following Google Forms, located HERE : MPP 2023 Season Audition Form (the role of swings is explained in the Audition Form) Wendy & Peter Audition Signups NOTE: This 2023 Season Audition Form will be used for all our productions this year. Note that this season we will NOT be requiring video audition submissions. Note to Selected Actors and parents: Early Rehearsals will prioritize getting all actors below the age of 18 out no later than 8pm without parent/guardian consent. Adults may be asked to arrive later and leave no later than 9:30pm. We hope you’ll join us for the beginning of a spectacular season of theatre! Skyler Goff, Playwright and Director John Russell, Executive Director

Along the Chattooga River, the states of NC, SC, and GA intersect. From conflicts between Cherokees and white settlers, to the Walton War between Georgia and North Carolina over their boundaries, this area has seen its share of strife and political challenges. Surveyor Andrew Ellicott initially settled the conflict and placed a marker along the bank of the river in 1811. But eventually his work was challenged by the more precise “Governor’s Rock” a few years afterward. As late as the 1970s though, NC and GA once again disputed the precise location. Join us as we hike through three states and explore the history of this contested boundary.