Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
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Dance can be life-changing. We want to show you how. Come try two weeks of classes for just $29.99

Fall/Winter Schedule 2021/2022
Additional Information
ATTD New Fall 2021-2022 Class Schedule – August 22, 2021- May 27, 2022
*Note that ages serve only as a guideline. Below represents our Curriculum based ballet programs. Look for additional class offerings of Int/Adv Tap, Jazz & Hip- Hop TBA. Combo I – Elementary II placement is based on age. Level 1 and above are skill based placement. All schedules are subject to change.
Combo I : Pre- Ballet/Pre- Tap Curriculum (Age 3-4 )
Monday 4:00-5:00
OR
Wednesday 5:00-6:00
OR
Saturday 9:45-10:45
OR
Saturday11:00-12:00
Combo II : Ballet/Tap Curriculum Age (5-6)
Monday 4:00-5:00
OR
Wednesday 5:00-6:00
OR
Saturday 9:45-10:45
OR
Saturday 11:00-12:00
Elementary I : Introduction to Classical Technique w/Tap & Jazz (Age 6-7)
Monday 5:00-5:45 Ballet: Section A
5:45-6:30 Tap & Jazz : Section A
Wednesday 5:00-5:45 Ballet: Section B
5:45-6:30 Tap & Jazz : Section B
Elementary II: Introduction to Classical Technique w/ Tap, Jazz & Repertoire(Age 7-8)
Monday 5:00-5:45 Ballet:
5:45-6:30 Tap / Jazz
Thursday 5:00-6:15 Ballet
6:15-7:00 Repertoire
Boys Class:
Wednesday 6:00-6:45 w/Mr. Merz Elementary I- Level II
Level I : Classical Ballet Technique, with Repertoire and one enrichment class (Age 8-10 placement required)
Tuesday 4:30-5:30 Conditioning w/ Jazz Contemporary
5:30-6:30 Ballet Technique
Thursday 5:00-6:15 Ballet
6:15-7:00 Repertoire
Level II : Classical Ballet Technique, w/ Repertoire and 2 enrichment classes (Age 9-11 placement required)
Tuesday 4:30-5:30 Conditioning w/ Jazz Contemporary
5:30-6:30 Ballet Technique
Thursday 5:00-6:15 Ballet
Friday 4:00-5:30 Ballet Technique
5:30-6:30 Repertoire
Level III : Classical Ballet Technique w/Repertoire, pre-pointe, conditioning, specialty classes (Age 10-12 placement required)
Monday 5:00-6:30 Ballet Technique
6:30-7:15 Pre- Pointe/Variations
Tuesday 4:30-5:30 Conditioning w/ Jazz Contemporary
5:30-6:30 Ballet Technique
Friday 4:30-5:30 Ballet Technique
5:30-6:15 Repertoire
Level IV/V : Classical Ballet Technique w/ Repertoire, pointe, conditioning, specialty classes ( Placement required)
Monday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-7:00 Repertoire
Tuesday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-7:00 Modern
Wednesday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-7:00 Pointe/Conditioning
Thursday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-6:45 Pointe
*Saturday 11:00-12:15 Warm-up Technique **ONLY WHEN CALLED**
12:30-2pm Rehearsal **ONLY WHEN CALLED**
PreProfessional Day Program : Vocational Ballet Training ( Age 14- audition required)
Monday: 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pointe-Conditioning/Pointe
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique barre en pointe
Tuesday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique center en pointe
3:30-4:30 Modern
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique barre en pointe
Wednesday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pointe/Repertoire
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique
Thursday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pointe Variations
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique
Friday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pas de Deux
*Saturday 11:00-12:15 Warm-up Technique
12:30-2pm Rehearsal

Age 4-7 (RED) Beginners meet Mondays, Thursdays 5:15-6:00pm and/or Saturdays 12:15-1:00pm
Age 7-10 (ORANGE) Beginners meet Mon 6-7pm, Wed 5-6pm, and/or Sat 1-2pm
Age 9-15 (GREEN) Beginners meet Tuesdays 5-6pm, Thurs 6-7pm and/or Sat 2-3pm
Age 9-15 (YELLOW) Intermediates meet Tuesdays 6-7pm and/or Saturdays 2-3pm
· Classes for all ages and ability! Open to the public. Call for advanced and tournament/elite class session times. All classes taught by certified tennis professionals
Registration is now open for the next session of youth tennis classes starting January 10th at
Hendersonville Racquet Club. Kids are put in groups based on age and ability with seven levels
available. The session is six weeks long and is $79 for members or $99 for non-members for one class a
week plus a play day at the end of the session. Two days a week (12 sessions) is $129/169.
“Our youth tennis program has something for any child who wants to play. From beginner to high
performance player, we put them into situations where they will be challenged and can succeed while
having a fun time doing it.” stated HRC Junior Tennis Academy Tennis Pro Jackson Hoffman.
The format for this session is having classes once or twice for six weeks. Each level of class is offered
during the weekday and again on Saturday afternoon. Then the session concludes with a fun “Play Day”
where they can get match experience. All classes are taught by certified tennis professionals and will be
held on HRC’s arena courts
Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce that for the fifteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.
We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website page, 2022 School Garden Grants, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2022 School Garden Grants Application.
All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 7, 2022, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 5, 2022. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.
We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 44 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.
School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2022.
Guidelines for 2022 School Garden Grants can be found at 2022 School Garden Grants (buncombemastergardener.org)
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Deep Dive into Archives is a living exhibit shining a light on the individuals who were once enslaved at the Smith-McDowell House through primary documentation.
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January through April
Actors portray characters from Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Story “Three Boys with Jugs of Molasses and Secret Ambitions.”
NPS Photo
Educators in grades 3-12 are invited to submit original poems written by their students in February. The poems will be judged and winners announced in April. Find the 2022 Poetry Contest Information and submission guidelines here. The theme “Ambition” is from one of Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories, to celebrate it’s 100th year of being published. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.”
Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry, and is open to students nationwide!
Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be postmarked by March 1, 2022. See below for submission rules.
Winners will be notified by April 8, 2022, and will be invited to participate in a special virtual program on April 22.
2022 Contest Rules
Theme – “Ambition”
Carl Sandburg wrote millions of words reflecting on the American experience of the 20th century. Though his words often focused on war, labor, and social injustice, as a father of three, he also wrote imaginative, zany, and fantastical children’s stories, called “Rootabaga Stories.” Carl Sandburg’s “Rootabaga Stories” were first published in 1922 and celebrate 100 years of entertaining readers of all ages this year. The theme “Ambition” is from one of these stories. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.” Read the story here.
Poems submitted for the 2022 contest should reflect the theme of “Ambition.” By definition, a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Or setting goals to achieve success.
Submission Rules
- Poetry accepted from 3-12th grades only. Poems will be grouped for judging by 3-5th, 6-8th, and 9-12th.
- Poems must be submitted by a teacher (traditional classroom or homeschool teacher).
- No more than three poems per class. Teachers with multiple classes, can submit up to three poems per class period.
- Poem will be judged on its ability to communicate the theme.
- Poem can be written in any style, but must not exceed one-page in length. No illustrations.
- Poems must be typed, no handwritten entries, using standard computer fonts, like Times, Arial, etc…
- Do not place any identifying information (name, school, grade, etc…) on poem sheet, that will go on the accompanying submission form.
- Submission form must be complete to be accepted:
- Paperclipped to poem, no staples
- Must be signed by parent, student and teacher
- Submissions must be postmarked, faxed, or e-mailed to [email protected], by March 1, 2022. Emailed submissions must be docs, .pdfs or scans. Low resolution pictures of the submission will not be accepted.
Judging
Judges from the literary community will make the decision for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within each grade category (3-5th, 6-8th, 9-12th).
Poetry Partners
The 2022 Poetry Contest is a result of tremendous community support including the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, and literary volunteers who serve as judges. Thank you.
Poetry Resources
You may also find curriculum resources to use in the classroom at the park’s website: www.nps.gov/carl/learn/education/index.htm.
Send Submissions to:
Carl Sandburg Home NHS
Attn: Poetry Contest
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731
Fax 828-693-4179
Email: [email protected]

Age 4-7 (RED) Beginners meet Mondays, Thursdays 5:15-6:00pm and/or Saturdays 12:15-1:00pm
Age 7-10 (ORANGE) Beginners meet Mon 6-7pm, Wed 5-6pm, and/or Sat 1-2pm
Age 9-15 (GREEN) Beginners meet Tuesdays 5-6pm, Thurs 6-7pm and/or Sat 2-3pm
Age 9-15 (YELLOW) Intermediates meet Tuesdays 6-7pm and/or Saturdays 2-3pm
· Classes for all ages and ability! Open to the public. Call for advanced and tournament/elite class session times. All classes taught by certified tennis professionals
Registration is now open for the next session of youth tennis classes starting January 10th at
Hendersonville Racquet Club. Kids are put in groups based on age and ability with seven levels
available. The session is six weeks long and is $79 for members or $99 for non-members for one class a
week plus a play day at the end of the session. Two days a week (12 sessions) is $129/169.
“Our youth tennis program has something for any child who wants to play. From beginner to high
performance player, we put them into situations where they will be challenged and can succeed while
having a fun time doing it.” stated HRC Junior Tennis Academy Tennis Pro Jackson Hoffman.
The format for this session is having classes once or twice for six weeks. Each level of class is offered
during the weekday and again on Saturday afternoon. Then the session concludes with a fun “Play Day”
where they can get match experience. All classes are taught by certified tennis professionals and will be
held on HRC’s arena courts
Stories from the House is a virtual tour of our 1840s-era brick mansion as seen through the eyes of many of the people who walked these same hallways over a century ago and whose stories represent a microcosm of the history of western North Carolina.
In 1918 vs 2020, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The South Asheville Cemetery was founded in the early 1800s as a burial ground for people who had been enslaved by the Smith family–the first family to live in what is currently known as the Smith-McDowell House, a c1840s brick mansion that is now our home.
These programs are provided free for our members. For the general public, please consider donating $5.00 or more for each program you watch.
All proceeds fund future programming.
Donate Here
Narrow Gauge Logging Railroads of the Champion Fibre Company In our last regular event of 2021, Gerald Ledford discusses the narrow gauge rail lines that the Champion Fibre Company used to log many parts of WNC that later became the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Filled with maps, photos, and personal anecdotes of exploring their former routes, his presentation is based on his series of books “If Rails Could Talk…”
Watch Now
Dr. Barbara Duncan presents Living Stories of the Cherokee In this one-hour event, Dr. Barbara Duncan discusses her compiled collection of living Cherokee stories told by several Cherokee storytellers including Freeman Owle and Marie Junaluska. Her book was the 1998 winner of our Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award.
Watch Now
1874 Illustrations for “The Land of the Sky” with Michael McCue In this one-hour program, Michael McCue discusses the little-known history behind the illustrations that filled the famous travel account “The Land of the Sky: or Adventures in Mountain By-Ways.” While the publication shaped the image of WNC for many East Coast residents, the accompanying illustrations of WL Sheppard helped cast the region and its inhabitants in a different, arguably more positive light than many contemporary travel narratives of the mountains.
Watch Now

Join the Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA) Thursday January 20 from 6:30-8PM as we bring you this special event. This free program airs live via Zoom and will be recorded.
Three historians will discuss past pandemics and public health crises—including smallpox, polio, and the 1918 flu— in WNC and Appalachia. They are joined by two immunologists and professors of biology who will address Covid-19, vaccines, and our current pandemic response. They will answer audience questions in a moderated session afterward.
This event is brought to you with special support from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC-Asheville.
Tickets: This event is free and open to the public – donations are accepted. Registration is required. Participants will receive a Zoom link via email to join.
Contact: For questions or more information, please email [email protected]
Our Speakers:
David Cockrell is an instructor of history at Guilford Technical Community College. His research and publications include “’A Blessing in Disguise’: The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and North Carolina’s Medical and Public Health Communities” published in the North Carolina Historical Review. He will discuss the similarities between the 1918 flu and the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Patricia Bernard Ezzell serves as a Senior Program Manager in TVA’s Human Resources & Communications organization. Ms. Ezzell serves as the agency’s expert regarding the history of TVA and is the primary contact person for information pertaining to TVA’s past. She maintains and curates TVA’s Historic Photograph Collection and provides input to questions of historical significance. Her presentation is entitled: “A Shot in the Arm: TVA’s Investment in Disease Prevention.”
She is the author of several articles as well as two books on TVA history: TVA Photography: Thirty Years of Life in the Tennessee Valley and TVA Photography, 1963-2008: Challenges and Changes in the Tennessee Valley, both published by the University Press of Mississippi. She served as historical consultant on the documentary film, Built for the People: The Story of TVA and has contributed to other media specials, most recently the WBIR history on the building of Norris Dam, For the Greater Good.
Richard Eller is a historian deeply interested in the events that shaped western North Carolina. As a writer and documentarian, he has covered the subjects of the 1944 Polio Epidemic, as well as one of NC’s most famous homegrown companies, Piedmont Airlines. Currently, he is producing/directing a documentary on an African-American high school football team, known as the Untouchables for their shutout season of 1964, and a comprehensive history of the western North Carolina furniture industry. He was named the 2021 Historian of the Year by the NC Society of Historians and currently serves as director of Redhawk Publications, a unique initiative of Catawba Valley Community College that offers an outlet for artisans in the region. He also oversees CVCC’s “HandsOnHistory” project which leads student learning in history by taking students to pivotal sites which have included Selma, Alabama, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and the American Southwest.
Dr. Maryam Ahmed is a Professor of Biology at Appalachian State University. She received her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at Wake Forest School of Medicine in the area of Molecular Virology, and her postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Viral Pathogenesis. She joined the faculty at Appalachian State University in 2010 and has a research program focused on developing oncolytic viruses as anti-cancer agents and investigating the mechanisms by which viruses interact with cancer and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Dr. Ahmed’s presentation will concentrate on concepts of viral variant emergence and what scientists expect for the evolution of SARS-CoV-2.
Dr. Michael Opata is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Appalachian State University. He trained as an immunologist at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and did a postdoctoral fellowship in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. His research program at App state focuses on understanding how moderate malnutrition influence mucosal immunity, and the development of memory CD4 T cells during malaria infection. Together with a team of undergraduates and graduate students, he has established a neonatal mouse model, which is essential in understanding malaria pathogenesis in young children, who are most vulnerable to malarial disease.
Michael’s presentation will focus on how vaccines work to protect people against infectious diseases. He will also include data on how the first batch of COVID-19 vaccination efforts averted high death rates between January to May 2020.
Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce that for the fifteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.
We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website page, 2022 School Garden Grants, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2022 School Garden Grants Application.
All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 7, 2022, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 5, 2022. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.
We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 44 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.
School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2022.
Guidelines for 2022 School Garden Grants can be found at 2022 School Garden Grants (buncombemastergardener.org)
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January through April
Actors portray characters from Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Story “Three Boys with Jugs of Molasses and Secret Ambitions.”
NPS Photo
Educators in grades 3-12 are invited to submit original poems written by their students in February. The poems will be judged and winners announced in April. Find the 2022 Poetry Contest Information and submission guidelines here. The theme “Ambition” is from one of Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories, to celebrate it’s 100th year of being published. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.”
Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry, and is open to students nationwide!
Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be postmarked by March 1, 2022. See below for submission rules.
Winners will be notified by April 8, 2022, and will be invited to participate in a special virtual program on April 22.
2022 Contest Rules
Theme – “Ambition”
Carl Sandburg wrote millions of words reflecting on the American experience of the 20th century. Though his words often focused on war, labor, and social injustice, as a father of three, he also wrote imaginative, zany, and fantastical children’s stories, called “Rootabaga Stories.” Carl Sandburg’s “Rootabaga Stories” were first published in 1922 and celebrate 100 years of entertaining readers of all ages this year. The theme “Ambition” is from one of these stories. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.” Read the story here.
Poems submitted for the 2022 contest should reflect the theme of “Ambition.” By definition, a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Or setting goals to achieve success.
Submission Rules
- Poetry accepted from 3-12th grades only. Poems will be grouped for judging by 3-5th, 6-8th, and 9-12th.
- Poems must be submitted by a teacher (traditional classroom or homeschool teacher).
- No more than three poems per class. Teachers with multiple classes, can submit up to three poems per class period.
- Poem will be judged on its ability to communicate the theme.
- Poem can be written in any style, but must not exceed one-page in length. No illustrations.
- Poems must be typed, no handwritten entries, using standard computer fonts, like Times, Arial, etc…
- Do not place any identifying information (name, school, grade, etc…) on poem sheet, that will go on the accompanying submission form.
- Submission form must be complete to be accepted:
- Paperclipped to poem, no staples
- Must be signed by parent, student and teacher
- Submissions must be postmarked, faxed, or e-mailed to [email protected], by March 1, 2022. Emailed submissions must be docs, .pdfs or scans. Low resolution pictures of the submission will not be accepted.
Judging
Judges from the literary community will make the decision for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within each grade category (3-5th, 6-8th, 9-12th).
Poetry Partners
The 2022 Poetry Contest is a result of tremendous community support including the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, and literary volunteers who serve as judges. Thank you.
Poetry Resources
You may also find curriculum resources to use in the classroom at the park’s website: www.nps.gov/carl/learn/education/index.htm.
Send Submissions to:
Carl Sandburg Home NHS
Attn: Poetry Contest
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731
Fax 828-693-4179
Email: [email protected]
Stories from the House is a virtual tour of our 1840s-era brick mansion as seen through the eyes of many of the people who walked these same hallways over a century ago and whose stories represent a microcosm of the history of western North Carolina.
In 1918 vs 2020, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The South Asheville Cemetery was founded in the early 1800s as a burial ground for people who had been enslaved by the Smith family–the first family to live in what is currently known as the Smith-McDowell House, a c1840s brick mansion that is now our home.
These programs are provided free for our members. For the general public, please consider donating $5.00 or more for each program you watch.
All proceeds fund future programming.
Donate Here
Narrow Gauge Logging Railroads of the Champion Fibre Company In our last regular event of 2021, Gerald Ledford discusses the narrow gauge rail lines that the Champion Fibre Company used to log many parts of WNC that later became the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Filled with maps, photos, and personal anecdotes of exploring their former routes, his presentation is based on his series of books “If Rails Could Talk…”
Watch Now
Dr. Barbara Duncan presents Living Stories of the Cherokee In this one-hour event, Dr. Barbara Duncan discusses her compiled collection of living Cherokee stories told by several Cherokee storytellers including Freeman Owle and Marie Junaluska. Her book was the 1998 winner of our Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award.
Watch Now
1874 Illustrations for “The Land of the Sky” with Michael McCue In this one-hour program, Michael McCue discusses the little-known history behind the illustrations that filled the famous travel account “The Land of the Sky: or Adventures in Mountain By-Ways.” While the publication shaped the image of WNC for many East Coast residents, the accompanying illustrations of WL Sheppard helped cast the region and its inhabitants in a different, arguably more positive light than many contemporary travel narratives of the mountains.
Watch Now

Learn how to properly prune ornamental trees and shrubs with Bullington’s John Murphy. Class fills up quickly.
No cost due to sponsor support
The inbox remains the most direct method for marking online and statistically outperforms every other medium by a landslide! This session is a fresh overview of what email marketing is, and the best practices on how to grow an email database to drive more business.
Attendees will gain a better understanding of:
- How and where to grow Your email list
- What methods create the most subscribers to your list
- What types of emails to send to get the best results
- What Content Marketing is and how can to best leverage it to grow your list
- Expanding your reach for every email you send
- Understanding how connected email & social media are… how to work them together
- Tips and Secrets to get your emails opened, engaged, and successful.
- Live Q&A
Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
Webinar info will be emailed after registration

It’s time again for EYLA to host our ever popular Game Night! We are proud and excited to have Hi-Wire Brewing RAD, in its newest location, to host our group.
Please bring your favorite games to share and your competitive spirit to make it a fun and exciting evening of game play.
Please be aware that this and all future Game Nights will be held at the River Arts District location. Please Venmo Norque Smith for fees or pay in person Cash to the host.
Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce that for the fifteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.
We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website page, 2022 School Garden Grants, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2022 School Garden Grants Application.
All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 7, 2022, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 5, 2022. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.
We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 44 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.
School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2022.
Guidelines for 2022 School Garden Grants can be found at 2022 School Garden Grants (buncombemastergardener.org)
![]() |
|
Deep Dive into Archives is a living exhibit shining a light on the individuals who were once enslaved at the Smith-McDowell House through primary documentation.
|
|
|
|
January through April
Actors portray characters from Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Story “Three Boys with Jugs of Molasses and Secret Ambitions.”
NPS Photo
Educators in grades 3-12 are invited to submit original poems written by their students in February. The poems will be judged and winners announced in April. Find the 2022 Poetry Contest Information and submission guidelines here. The theme “Ambition” is from one of Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories, to celebrate it’s 100th year of being published. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.”
Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry, and is open to students nationwide!
Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be postmarked by March 1, 2022. See below for submission rules.
Winners will be notified by April 8, 2022, and will be invited to participate in a special virtual program on April 22.
2022 Contest Rules
Theme – “Ambition”
Carl Sandburg wrote millions of words reflecting on the American experience of the 20th century. Though his words often focused on war, labor, and social injustice, as a father of three, he also wrote imaginative, zany, and fantastical children’s stories, called “Rootabaga Stories.” Carl Sandburg’s “Rootabaga Stories” were first published in 1922 and celebrate 100 years of entertaining readers of all ages this year. The theme “Ambition” is from one of these stories. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.” Read the story here.
Poems submitted for the 2022 contest should reflect the theme of “Ambition.” By definition, a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Or setting goals to achieve success.
Submission Rules
- Poetry accepted from 3-12th grades only. Poems will be grouped for judging by 3-5th, 6-8th, and 9-12th.
- Poems must be submitted by a teacher (traditional classroom or homeschool teacher).
- No more than three poems per class. Teachers with multiple classes, can submit up to three poems per class period.
- Poem will be judged on its ability to communicate the theme.
- Poem can be written in any style, but must not exceed one-page in length. No illustrations.
- Poems must be typed, no handwritten entries, using standard computer fonts, like Times, Arial, etc…
- Do not place any identifying information (name, school, grade, etc…) on poem sheet, that will go on the accompanying submission form.
- Submission form must be complete to be accepted:
- Paperclipped to poem, no staples
- Must be signed by parent, student and teacher
- Submissions must be postmarked, faxed, or e-mailed to [email protected], by March 1, 2022. Emailed submissions must be docs, .pdfs or scans. Low resolution pictures of the submission will not be accepted.
Judging
Judges from the literary community will make the decision for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within each grade category (3-5th, 6-8th, 9-12th).
Poetry Partners
The 2022 Poetry Contest is a result of tremendous community support including the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, and literary volunteers who serve as judges. Thank you.
Poetry Resources
You may also find curriculum resources to use in the classroom at the park’s website: www.nps.gov/carl/learn/education/index.htm.
Send Submissions to:
Carl Sandburg Home NHS
Attn: Poetry Contest
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731
Fax 828-693-4179
Email: [email protected]
Stories from the House is a virtual tour of our 1840s-era brick mansion as seen through the eyes of many of the people who walked these same hallways over a century ago and whose stories represent a microcosm of the history of western North Carolina.
In 1918 vs 2020, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The South Asheville Cemetery was founded in the early 1800s as a burial ground for people who had been enslaved by the Smith family–the first family to live in what is currently known as the Smith-McDowell House, a c1840s brick mansion that is now our home.
These programs are provided free for our members. For the general public, please consider donating $5.00 or more for each program you watch.
All proceeds fund future programming.
Donate Here
Narrow Gauge Logging Railroads of the Champion Fibre Company In our last regular event of 2021, Gerald Ledford discusses the narrow gauge rail lines that the Champion Fibre Company used to log many parts of WNC that later became the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Filled with maps, photos, and personal anecdotes of exploring their former routes, his presentation is based on his series of books “If Rails Could Talk…”
Watch Now
Dr. Barbara Duncan presents Living Stories of the Cherokee In this one-hour event, Dr. Barbara Duncan discusses her compiled collection of living Cherokee stories told by several Cherokee storytellers including Freeman Owle and Marie Junaluska. Her book was the 1998 winner of our Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award.
Watch Now
1874 Illustrations for “The Land of the Sky” with Michael McCue In this one-hour program, Michael McCue discusses the little-known history behind the illustrations that filled the famous travel account “The Land of the Sky: or Adventures in Mountain By-Ways.” While the publication shaped the image of WNC for many East Coast residents, the accompanying illustrations of WL Sheppard helped cast the region and its inhabitants in a different, arguably more positive light than many contemporary travel narratives of the mountains.
Watch Now
Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce that for the fifteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.
We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website page, 2022 School Garden Grants, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2022 School Garden Grants Application.
All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 7, 2022, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 5, 2022. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.
We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 44 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.
School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2022.
Guidelines for 2022 School Garden Grants can be found at 2022 School Garden Grants (buncombemastergardener.org)

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library puts books into the hands and hearts of children across the world. The Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. DPIL is now mailing a free book each month to over 4,400 registered children in Buncombe County. Here is the online registration form.
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Join OGS for a Tour of Cuba’s Sustainable Farms
Learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize sustainable farming and hunger remediation.
Connect with farmers, consumers, activists, NGOs, policymakers, and experts working to transform the global food system.
Acquire the knowledge and strategies to create just, sustainable, local, and healthy food systems in your own communities.
January through April
Actors portray characters from Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Story “Three Boys with Jugs of Molasses and Secret Ambitions.”
NPS Photo
Educators in grades 3-12 are invited to submit original poems written by their students in February. The poems will be judged and winners announced in April. Find the 2022 Poetry Contest Information and submission guidelines here. The theme “Ambition” is from one of Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories, to celebrate it’s 100th year of being published. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.”
Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry, and is open to students nationwide!
Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be postmarked by March 1, 2022. See below for submission rules.
Winners will be notified by April 8, 2022, and will be invited to participate in a special virtual program on April 22.
2022 Contest Rules
Theme – “Ambition”
Carl Sandburg wrote millions of words reflecting on the American experience of the 20th century. Though his words often focused on war, labor, and social injustice, as a father of three, he also wrote imaginative, zany, and fantastical children’s stories, called “Rootabaga Stories.” Carl Sandburg’s “Rootabaga Stories” were first published in 1922 and celebrate 100 years of entertaining readers of all ages this year. The theme “Ambition” is from one of these stories. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.” Read the story here.
Poems submitted for the 2022 contest should reflect the theme of “Ambition.” By definition, a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Or setting goals to achieve success.
Submission Rules
- Poetry accepted from 3-12th grades only. Poems will be grouped for judging by 3-5th, 6-8th, and 9-12th.
- Poems must be submitted by a teacher (traditional classroom or homeschool teacher).
- No more than three poems per class. Teachers with multiple classes, can submit up to three poems per class period.
- Poem will be judged on its ability to communicate the theme.
- Poem can be written in any style, but must not exceed one-page in length. No illustrations.
- Poems must be typed, no handwritten entries, using standard computer fonts, like Times, Arial, etc…
- Do not place any identifying information (name, school, grade, etc…) on poem sheet, that will go on the accompanying submission form.
- Submission form must be complete to be accepted:
- Paperclipped to poem, no staples
- Must be signed by parent, student and teacher
- Submissions must be postmarked, faxed, or e-mailed to [email protected], by March 1, 2022. Emailed submissions must be docs, .pdfs or scans. Low resolution pictures of the submission will not be accepted.
Judging
Judges from the literary community will make the decision for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within each grade category (3-5th, 6-8th, 9-12th).
Poetry Partners
The 2022 Poetry Contest is a result of tremendous community support including the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, and literary volunteers who serve as judges. Thank you.
Poetry Resources
You may also find curriculum resources to use in the classroom at the park’s website: www.nps.gov/carl/learn/education/index.htm.
Send Submissions to:
Carl Sandburg Home NHS
Attn: Poetry Contest
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731
Fax 828-693-4179
Email: [email protected]
Get Started
Dance can be life-changing. We want to show you how. Come try two weeks of classes for just $29.99

Fall/Winter Schedule 2021/2022
Additional Information
ATTD New Fall 2021-2022 Class Schedule – August 22, 2021- May 27, 2022
*Note that ages serve only as a guideline. Below represents our Curriculum based ballet programs. Look for additional class offerings of Int/Adv Tap, Jazz & Hip- Hop TBA. Combo I – Elementary II placement is based on age. Level 1 and above are skill based placement. All schedules are subject to change.
Combo I : Pre- Ballet/Pre- Tap Curriculum (Age 3-4 )
Monday 4:00-5:00
OR
Wednesday 5:00-6:00
OR
Saturday 9:45-10:45
OR
Saturday11:00-12:00
Combo II : Ballet/Tap Curriculum Age (5-6)
Monday 4:00-5:00
OR
Wednesday 5:00-6:00
OR
Saturday 9:45-10:45
OR
Saturday 11:00-12:00
Elementary I : Introduction to Classical Technique w/Tap & Jazz (Age 6-7)
Monday 5:00-5:45 Ballet: Section A
5:45-6:30 Tap & Jazz : Section A
Wednesday 5:00-5:45 Ballet: Section B
5:45-6:30 Tap & Jazz : Section B
Elementary II: Introduction to Classical Technique w/ Tap, Jazz & Repertoire(Age 7-8)
Monday 5:00-5:45 Ballet:
5:45-6:30 Tap / Jazz
Thursday 5:00-6:15 Ballet
6:15-7:00 Repertoire
Boys Class:
Wednesday 6:00-6:45 w/Mr. Merz Elementary I- Level II
Level I : Classical Ballet Technique, with Repertoire and one enrichment class (Age 8-10 placement required)
Tuesday 4:30-5:30 Conditioning w/ Jazz Contemporary
5:30-6:30 Ballet Technique
Thursday 5:00-6:15 Ballet
6:15-7:00 Repertoire
Level II : Classical Ballet Technique, w/ Repertoire and 2 enrichment classes (Age 9-11 placement required)
Tuesday 4:30-5:30 Conditioning w/ Jazz Contemporary
5:30-6:30 Ballet Technique
Thursday 5:00-6:15 Ballet
Friday 4:00-5:30 Ballet Technique
5:30-6:30 Repertoire
Level III : Classical Ballet Technique w/Repertoire, pre-pointe, conditioning, specialty classes (Age 10-12 placement required)
Monday 5:00-6:30 Ballet Technique
6:30-7:15 Pre- Pointe/Variations
Tuesday 4:30-5:30 Conditioning w/ Jazz Contemporary
5:30-6:30 Ballet Technique
Friday 4:30-5:30 Ballet Technique
5:30-6:15 Repertoire
Level IV/V : Classical Ballet Technique w/ Repertoire, pointe, conditioning, specialty classes ( Placement required)
Monday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-7:00 Repertoire
Tuesday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-7:00 Modern
Wednesday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-7:00 Pointe/Conditioning
Thursday 4:30-6:00 Ballet Technique
6:00-6:45 Pointe
*Saturday 11:00-12:15 Warm-up Technique **ONLY WHEN CALLED**
12:30-2pm Rehearsal **ONLY WHEN CALLED**
PreProfessional Day Program : Vocational Ballet Training ( Age 14- audition required)
Monday: 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pointe-Conditioning/Pointe
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique barre en pointe
Tuesday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique center en pointe
3:30-4:30 Modern
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique barre en pointe
Wednesday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pointe/Repertoire
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique
Thursday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pointe Variations
4:30-6:00 2nd Technique
Friday 2:00-3:30 Ballet Technique
3:30-4:30 Pas de Deux
*Saturday 11:00-12:15 Warm-up Technique
12:30-2pm Rehearsal
Stories from the House is a virtual tour of our 1840s-era brick mansion as seen through the eyes of many of the people who walked these same hallways over a century ago and whose stories represent a microcosm of the history of western North Carolina.
In 1918 vs 2020, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The South Asheville Cemetery was founded in the early 1800s as a burial ground for people who had been enslaved by the Smith family–the first family to live in what is currently known as the Smith-McDowell House, a c1840s brick mansion that is now our home.
These programs are provided free for our members. For the general public, please consider donating $5.00 or more for each program you watch.
All proceeds fund future programming.
Donate Here
Narrow Gauge Logging Railroads of the Champion Fibre Company In our last regular event of 2021, Gerald Ledford discusses the narrow gauge rail lines that the Champion Fibre Company used to log many parts of WNC that later became the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Filled with maps, photos, and personal anecdotes of exploring their former routes, his presentation is based on his series of books “If Rails Could Talk…”
Watch Now
Dr. Barbara Duncan presents Living Stories of the Cherokee In this one-hour event, Dr. Barbara Duncan discusses her compiled collection of living Cherokee stories told by several Cherokee storytellers including Freeman Owle and Marie Junaluska. Her book was the 1998 winner of our Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award.
Watch Now
1874 Illustrations for “The Land of the Sky” with Michael McCue In this one-hour program, Michael McCue discusses the little-known history behind the illustrations that filled the famous travel account “The Land of the Sky: or Adventures in Mountain By-Ways.” While the publication shaped the image of WNC for many East Coast residents, the accompanying illustrations of WL Sheppard helped cast the region and its inhabitants in a different, arguably more positive light than many contemporary travel narratives of the mountains.
Watch Now











