Calendar of Events

A unique event featuring a group mediumship reading and a silent auction is set
to raise funds for local non-profit, Asheville Cat Weirdos, a local non-profit organization that
provides assistance with emergency veterinary costs for cats in Western North Carolina.
Since the organization relies 100% on donations and volunteers, local psychic medium, Kelly
Palmatier, was inspired to donate a fundraising event, “An Evening with Spirit & Fundraiser for
Asheville Cat Weirdos.” It is scheduled for Monday evening, November 27, 2023, from 6 to 8
p.m. and will be held at the Hi-Wire Brewing Event Space in Biltmore Village at 2B Huntsman
Place, Asheville, NC 28803.
For skeptics and believers alike, Palmatier aims to channel loved ones who’ve crossed over and
bring inner peace to audience members, although event details make it clear that not every
audience member will receive a reading.
“I named my company Channeling White Light because it’s a metaphor for making a positive
difference in the world,” says Palmatier, “so I love donating fundraisers and helping the
community in any way I can.” She and her assistants are handling and paying for every detail of
the event, and 100% of the proceeds will go to Asheville Cat Weirdos.
Star Broadnax, Interim Director for the Asheville Cat Weirdos Emergency Fund
(AshevilleCatWeirdos.org), expresses gratitude for the event: “Our organization thrives on
donations and the selfless efforts of volunteers. We are incredibly thankful for this event and
the support it provides in our mission to help cats in need.”
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the silent auction, followed by the group mediumship reading
beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event also features a cash bar provided by Hi-Wire. Tickets are $25
per person or $40 for a couple and can be purchased online at ChannelingWhiteLight.com.

On Sundays, December 3, and December 17, 2023, visit Asheville Outlets from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for FREE pet photos with Santa by TapSnap Phototainment. Located in the Food Court. Visitors receive one FREE 4” by 6” photo and digital download of a single image (while supplies last). For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

ONSITE | Wednesday, December 13, 1 – 3 p.m. | $30 Adult Non-Member (Arboretum member discount applies!) Pre-registration Required.

Cats and dogs are exposed to plants and plant materials in the garden, home environment and as part of their normal diet. Many plants, plant materials and horticultural products are safe for pet animals to consume or be exposed to but others are potentially hazardous. This class will focus on how plants and plant materials found in the garden or home may adversely affect pet animals. Phil Roudebush, a veterinarian, clinical nutritionist, small animal internist and extension master gardener volunteer, brings practical ideas about how to keep pets safe around plants and gardens.

Pre-register for this small-group experience through the form linked below and staff will  be in touch to finalize registration and payment.

This six week course focuses on proper socialization, bite inhibition, house training, manners and much more!

Your goal as a puppy parent is to give your pup the best possible start in life. Puppies learn more between 5 and 12 weeks of age than they will in their entire lifetime! Laying a positive foundation during this time is critical for puppies to grow into behaviorally healthy dogs.

This six week course focuses on proper socialization, bite inhibition, house training, manners and much more! The class is limited to 12 puppies who are 8 to 18 weeks old when the course begins (if your dog is over 18 weeks of age, please sign up for the Canine Manners class).

* All puppies must have started their puppy vaccine series (distemper, parvo and bordetella) at least one week prior to the first class. Owners are expected to commit to continuing this vaccine series during the six week course.

The cost of this course includes six classes, held one hour per week for six weeks from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM on the following dates: December 16, January 6, 13, 20, 27, & February 3. Scheduled cancellations: December 23 and 30 or unless otherwise stated by trainer.

This class will take place at the Asheville Humane Training Center (800 Fairview Road, Suite C1). Please go to the BACK of the building to enter through the back training center door.

About the trainer:

Pia Silvani is an internationally-recognized dog trainer and lecturer with over 35 years’ experience. As VP of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ, she developed numerous courses focused on positive, reward-based techniques. In 2013, Pia began working for the ASPCA, eventually becoming the Director, Behavioral Rehabilitation where she led programs to educate shelter professionals in effective behavior rehabilitation techniques, as well as specialized socialization, enrichment, and shelter protocols. This cutting-edge program is featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary, “Second Chance Dogs”.

After 6 years at the ASPCA, Pia has decided to re-establish her consulting business here in the Asheville area specializing in rehabilitating fearful and aggressive behaviors in dogs. She is Director of Behavior and Training at Asheville Humane, offers private behavioral consultations in client’s homes as well as teaching classes for Asheville Humane Society.

Pia has been chosen as one of Bark’s 100 picks of the best and brightest people that changed the world of dogs. Her goal has always been to combine her love of dogs with her respect and affection for people. She enriches the lives of both through humane relationship work and training.

For more information on Pia, visit her website: www.piasilvani.com and email her for more information.

Join us for a festive, fun-filled celebration for you and your pups this December 17th! We will have Santa here for photo opportunities, live music, and dog treats!
Donations will be accepted for the Blue Ridge Humane society during the month of December

On Sundays, December 3, and December 17, 2023, visit Asheville Outlets from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for FREE pet photos with Santa by TapSnap Phototainment. Located in the Food Court. Visitors receive one FREE 4” by 6” photo and digital download of a single image (while supplies last). For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

A new performance work, titled “Redemption/TIME,” brings together acclaimed poet Jimmy Santiago Baca and jazz violin virtuoso Christian Howes in a unique multimedia collaboration under the direction of Dr. David Gonzalez. The project aims to inspire a new generation through the hard-won life lessons of Santiago-Baca and Howes, and to bring their powerful voices to a wide audience through live performances and streaming services.

In “Redemption/TIME,” Baca’s poetic genius intertwines with Howes’ soulful musicality, along with compelling video design, to create a performance work that aims to “inspire, educate, and motivate audiences across the country,” according to Gonzalez.

Both Baca and Howes have powerful stories to tell, with the former having overcome illiteracy and incarceration to become an award-winning poet, while the latter learned valuable life lessons during his time in prison. Their collaboration is a testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and art.

Who Let the Dogs Out Costume Contest, 1-5pm, Grab your pup and join Bold Rock in Mills River and celebrate “National Dress
Up Your Dog Day” Costume contest. There will be a local dog-trainer on-site to help host, along with dog-inspired giveaways,
prizes for the winners, and live music from Stephen Evans at 1pm,

Benefitting TrapKing Humane Cat Solutions
Fundraiser & Silent Auction, Music
Performances, Cat Clicker-Training, & More!
Join us for the purrfect, cat-filled evening!

Join Dr. Barden Greenfield for an informative webinar that will equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively identify and manage pet periodontal disease in its varying stages. Periodontal disease is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects the oral health of our beloved pets. In this class, we will delve deep into understanding the causes, symptoms, and consequences of periodontal disease in pets. Have questions for the expert? You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice from Dr. Greenfield at our Live Q+A at the end of the presentation.

Can’t attend the class? You will still receive the recording if you register. Sign up today at: https://hfu.hollywoodfeed.com/live-event-page/understanding-managing-periodontal-disease-in-pets/

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Dr. Barden Greenfield is a 1985 graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He became a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) after completing a non-conforming dental residency in 2010. He has a dental referral specialty practice (Your Pet Dentist) in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Greenfield previously served on the AVDC board for multiple years and was President of the College from 2016-2018. He is currently a Board Member of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry. He was the recipient of the prestigious AVDC Peter Emily Service Award in 2017 and AVDC President’s Award for Stewardship in 2020.

Dr. Greenfield is also a veterinary dental educator, lecturing both nationally and internationally.

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD FEED: Hollywood Feed serves pets, their owners, caretakers and communities in 170 stores across 19 states. Consistently ranking atop consumer choice awards in the markets it serves, Hollywood Feed and its family of brands have been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers for 2022 (ranking #1 in the pet care category), Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Customer Service for 2024, Best Pet Supply Stores by Dallas A-List, Best Pet Store by The Memphis Flyer, Best Self Atlanta Magazine’s Best Pet Store, Best Pet Food and Supplies in the Best of Denton County Awards, and Best New Business by Cary Living Magazine in North Carolina. Hollywood Feed proudly stands by its brand promise: If your pet doesn’t love it or if you don’t love it, we will gladly replace or refund it. Learn more about Hollywood Feed at hollywoodfeed.com and facebook.com/hwfeed.

This St. Patrick’s Day, Wagbar is not just about the green on land but also about the joy in water! Alongside our festive celebration with wine slushies, drink specials, and delicious food from Trucking Delicious, we’re excited to announce a special treat: our dog swimming pool will be open for one day only before its full-time opening this summer!

Here’s what’s brewing for the day:
– **Wine Slushee Return**: Our beloved Wine Slushees are back for the day. Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleaser!
– **St. Patrick’s Day Drink Specials**: Enjoy themed drink specials all-day to keep the spirits high.
– **Annual Membership Raffle**: Drop by and get entered for a chance to win a year full of unforgettable Wagbar adventures.
– **Food by Trucking Delicious**: From 2:30 PM to 7 PM, indulge in the best eats on wheels.
– **Free Entry for All**: In the spirit of inclusivity, entry is free for both dogs and humans. Come one, come all!
– **Exclusive Pool Preview**: Dive into fun with our dog swimming pool, open exclusively for this St. Patrick’s Day. Get a sneak peek before it opens full time in the summer.

**Entry Requirements for Pooches**:
– Must be spayed and 6 months or older.
– Up-to-date on rabies, distemper, and bordetella vaccines. (Show proof of vaccinations on entry.)

Dress in your festive best, bring your furry friends, and make a splash this St. Patrick’s Day at Wagbar. It’s the perfect place to experience joy, community, and a little luck of the Irish – both on land and in water. Don’t miss this chance to soak up the fun before our pool opens for the entire summer season!

Let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a splash, laughter, and wagging tails. See you and your four-legged companions for a day to remember!

Dog Eggstravaganza: Kicking off the 2024 event calendar is the Dog Eggstravaganza, which will be taking place at Buncombe County Sports Park’s dog park on March 23 at 12 p.m. This event will offer some springtime fun for our four-legged friends, and will consist of a small and large dog division. Each division will have approximately 30 minutes to find as many hidden eggs (filled with treats) as possible. In addition to hidden treats, dogs who collect the most eggs will receive a special prize. While admission is free, pre-registration is required as there are limited spots available. Registration opens on March 4 and closes March 20.

Kicking off our 2024 event calendar is the Dog Eggstravaganza, which will be taking place at Buncombe County Sports Park’s dog park on March 23 at 12 p.m. This event will offer some springtime fun for our four-legged friends and will consist of small and large dog divisions. Each division will have approximately 30 minutes to find as many hidden eggs (filled with treats) as possible. In addition to hidden treats, dogs who collect the most eggs will receive a special prize. While admission is free, pre-registration is required as there are limited spots available. Registration opens Monday, March 4. Pre-register here.

Presented by North Carolina Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation, Inc. Hear veterans’ stories of healing. Free.
No registration is required.

Presser Memorial Day Services Hendersonville

for more info.

 2024 Memorial Day

In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.

To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.

Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].

Second Gear Celebrates 20 Years of Community and Consigned Outdoor Gear + Apparel on Saturday June 15th with an all day MEGA SALE (biggest of the year!) and a celebratory 20th Anniversary Block Party from Noon-5pm with exciting Raffles, Free Kids Activities, Local Makers, Outdoor Vendors + Educators, Sweet + Savory Treats, Puppy Adoptions and more… Stop by for the savings and stay for the fun as Second Gear says THANK YOU to their beloved WNC community for all the support in making it to this amazing milestone!

In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.

To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.

Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].

In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.

To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.

Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].

RANGER is a true tale of war seen through the lens of a Special Operations soldier, Sgt. David Waterhouse, in Iraq and Afghanistan. This first-hand account documents the brutality of combat and the raw nature of killing and death. It’s a journey of innocence lost, and the scars of war etched into the minds of service members. An untold account everyone should hear.

The Ranger Creed states that, “I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than other soldier.”

After the release of RANGER, Further Faster Harder Foundation was created to give veterans a platform to tell their stories and find their purpose and voice again through documentaries, books, art, podcasts, and many other avenues.

Friday, June 28^th marks the 19-year anniversary of the largest loss of Special Operations life since the Vietnam War. This event honors the memories of the 19 men who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

We want to welcome everyone to join us in our First Charity Screening and Silent Auction to help give Voices to Vets.

Blue Ridge Humane Society (BRHS) has announced they are
expanding their zero adoption fee promotions to include first responders and education professionals.
These two populations join veterans, and those participating in the seniors for seniors program, who can
adopt from BRHS and pay no adoption fees.
First responders are defined as firefighters, law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, utility
workers and public health professionals. Education professionals include teachers and administrators
who are working in both public and private school sectors.
“We recognize the critically-important work of those on the front lines of public health and safety and
those who serve as educators,” said BRHS Executive Director Angela Prodrick. “Having a pet is proven to
reduce depression, stress and anxiety and provide emotional support,” Prodrick noted. “The comfort of
an animal can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder,” she
added.
Adoptable pets can be viewed on the BRHS web page at https://www.blueridgehumane.org/adopt.
Proof of employment or volunteer card is needed to receive the discount.
The Blue Ridge Humane Society, Inc., is a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization started in 1950 and
dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring
communities. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption at the Adoption Center; offers low-cost vaccine
clinics, animal education programs, pet training classes, and youth education and projects; coordinates
community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program
(SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson
County Animal Services Center.
If you believe in our cause, consider donating or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge
Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.

In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.

To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.

Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].

In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.

To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.

Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].