Asheville City Council recently approved a temporary moratorium on the approval of new hotels. To move the process forward, the City will host  a community conversation on Jan. 9 titled “Impacts of Hotels: A Community Discussion.” The Urban Land Institute (ULI) of Charlotte will facilitate the conversation, and then come back on Jan. 30 to present their findings to the community.

Following the public process and analysis, City staff will provide Council with recommendations for development and approval of appropriate land use policies, strategies, tools and regulations. The public can anticipate these recommendations in the summer of 2020.

Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center celebrated the opening of its newest traveling exhibit, “Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions” on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The exhibit will run through the July 4th weekend at MGM, located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort. Admission is free.

On Sat., Feb. 1, 10 to 11:30 am, John Bowen and Barb Harrison, Buncombe Master Gardener Volunteers, will hold workshops on Starting Seeds Indoors and How to Sharpen Pruning Tools.

John will discuss how to start your seeds indoors and their requirements. He will talk about supplies, when to start, soil, light, water, scarification, stratification, and more. We will provide you with free materials to get you started ~ seed starter soil, containers, and seeds to take home (limited quantities). Please bring your small pruning tools as Barb will demonstrate how to sharpen them. After the demo, we will have tables set-up for you to sharpen your tools to get them ready for your chores.

Workshops are held at the Black Mountain Library’s Education Room at 105 N. Dougherty Street. Our presentations are in partnership with Black Mountain Blooms Seed Lending Library and Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.

Bring your current needle project and work while socializing with other like-minded crafters

This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:

| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |

• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace

Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).

Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)

About the Facilitator:

Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”

Comments:

“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.

(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)

Our nonpartisan forum is free and open to all. Parking available at the AB Tech/Mission Health Conference Center.

Three Seats. 9 Candidates. Your Voice. Your Choice.

The Rhythmic Arts Project of Asheville will be hosting monthly classes at Pack Memorial Library for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. TRAP is dedicated to empowering and educating individuals with developmental disabilities through the power of percussion and music. Caretakers, parents, and family members are welcome to participate! This event is free, but you do need to register. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program or call 250-4718 to register for the class. Registration is required so we know how many participants to expect, there is no charge for this class.

Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. at

It’s never too late to begin writing the next great American novel – or children’s book. The Leicester Library Creative Writing Work Group is opening its doors to any and all adults who are interested in writing children’s books. Meetings will include writing exercises, idea sharing, and other group discussions. The group will focus on writing picture books, early-reader, and chapter books. Participants are welcome to bring up to 500 words of original writing to share. But you don’t have to, you’re welcome to bring your thoughts to turn into great ideas later.

The classes take place on the first Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Leicester Library. In previous groups, local children’s authors have visited to discuss their writing process. Also, members of the group have already published their own books.

We’re bringing back our White Zombie 5k for the second year. To kick off registration, we’re throwing a party on Feb. 6! We’ll offer a $5 registration discount to the 5k; a neighborhood fun run; and zombie-fun galore: from drinks to merchandise. The White Zombie 5k (on May 30 during AVL Beer Week) benefits MANNA FoodBank. $5/ registration goes to MANNA.

More details:

• Register onsite to receive $5 off registration fee ($25; increases to $30 on Feb. 7).
• Join us for a free fun run (approx. 3.1 miles) from South Slope through downtown; meet in the brewery at 6 p.m.; all runners will be entered into a raffle for zombie prizes.
• Quench your thirst with special Catawba White Zombie drinks available only during this event: White Zombie beer flight or White Zombie infused cocktail.
• Show your love for White Zombie; purchase White Zombie shirts & socks.