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

Doors Open: 6:00 PM

– ALL AGES (kids 12 and under FREE)
– PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT LEAF GLOBAL ARTS

This is a very special show with two master musicians from Africa – Adama Dembele from the Ivory Coast, and Chinobay of Uganda – who have made WNC their home, and who are deeply connected with LEAF Global Art’s mission of connecting cultures and creating community through music, arts education and experiences, to cultivate curiosity, preserve cultures and promote global understanding. This year-end benefit show, which will also feature other talented local musicians from the Asheville area, is all about supporting this powerful work, and connecting our local and global communities as we celebrate the closing of one year, and the beginning of a new journey around the sun.

Learn more about these amazing musicians below, and visit theleaf.org/give to hear more about the work that you’re helping to support by buying a ticket to this event, and becoming a LEAF Member.

Chinobay is Uganda’s leading international world musician. He is a singer/songwriter, creative arts producer, educator, multi-instrumentalist and philanthropist whose work has been described as “some of the most exquisite music coming out of Africa today.” For more than 15 years, he has captivated audiences with his soothing rhythms and powerful world-roots-dance melodies that emanate from the diversity of the many traditional instruments he customized to develop his unique sound. His educational and outreach programs are the gateway into Africa through which he introduces Africa’s culture, arts, history and lifestyle rarely covered by mainstream media to global audiences most especially those in schools and colleges.

Adama Dembele is a master djembéfola (djembe player) from Ivory Coast, West Africa and tailor of West African clothing, and for 12+ years Adama is a leading Master Teaching Artists with LEAF Global Arts! Adama come from a family of musicians for 33 generations, and has toured several continents with various major acts such Oumou Sangare, Salif Keita & many others. Adama has created and played in several drum and dance companies such as Yelemba d’Abidjan, Ensemble Koteba, Congoba and many more. You can play drums with Adama most Saturdays 12-2at his Yala! at LEAF Global Arts downtown Asheville. “When I share my culture, I am representing all of my family of drummers, storytellers and culture keepers in Ivory Coast and Mali. I am grateful to have a place to share my culture with so many great people. This means everything to me and the future.” – Adama

Learn about how to grow mushrooms at home, basic fungal biology, and the top wild mushrooms to collect in the forest. Presented by Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show,

Bonsai is a Japanese term that means “planted in a container.” Bonsai is the art of growing beautiful small trees that actually mimic full-sized trees, and is a tradition that has been carried out for over a thousand years.

Join Bob Thatcher of the Blue Ridge Bonsai Society to learn more about the history, care, and appreciation of Bonsai!  Bob will talk about how to get started, covering the basics of the cultivation and maintenance of bonsai trees. Thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this program.

This free program will be at the Weaverville Library on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. and everyone is invited.

This winter and spring join us for an introduction to pollinators presented by Bee City USA Asheville. Pollinators are under threat, but there’s plenty we can do to help right in our backyards.

We’ll talk about:

• What is pollination
• The importance of pollination
• Pollinators & their identification
• The importance of pollinator habitat

The presenter for this program will be Athena Rayne Anderson who holds PhD in Ecology with a focus on native pollinators. Athena is also a Certified Pollinator Steward through the Pollinator Partnership and works with Bee City USA Asheville to promote the value of native pollinator plants.

Our pollinator programs will be:

Fairview Library
Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 3:30 p.m.

Swannanoa Library
Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m.

Leicester Library
Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m.

Skyland/South Buncombe Library
Tuesday, May 14 at 6 p.m.

These programs are free and everyone is invited.

Pruning techniques are essential for promoting the health and productivity of plants. Different techniques can control diseases, stimulate new growth, and maintain aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Join us as horticulture expert John Murphy teaches the basics of pruning.

Healthy plants start with healthy soil! In this workshop, learn the basics of how soil works, how to manage weeds with minimal tilling, and the important role of organic matter and diversity in the health and productivity of your soil. Join us to discover: five guiding principles of good soil management how to implement these principles for a thriving garden We will be conducting hands-on soil sample tests and discussing how to read a soil report, along with many other useful soil health tips and tricks!   Workshop participants will receive 10% off on same-day purchases at Fifth Season Gardening Asheville.

This winter and spring join us for an introduction to pollinators presented by Bee City USA Asheville. Pollinators are under threat, but there’s plenty we can do to help right in our backyards.

We’ll talk about:

• What is pollination
• The importance of pollination
• Pollinators & their identification
• The importance of pollinator habitat

The presenter for this program will be Athena Rayne Anderson who holds PhD in Ecology with a focus on native pollinators. Athena is also a Certified Pollinator Steward through the Pollinator Partnership and works with Bee City USA Asheville to promote the value of native pollinator plants.

Our pollinator programs will be:

Fairview Library
Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 3:30 p.m.

Swannanoa Library
Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m.

Leicester Library
Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m.

Skyland/South Buncombe Library
Tuesday, May 14 at 6 p.m.

These programs are free, and everyone is invited.

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Greater Greenville Master Gardener Symposium. Featuring entertaining and informative speakers from near and far, the annual GGMG symposium is held on February 10th. Furthering their mission of educating the public, the symposium provides attendees with an inspiring and engaging day and an introduction to new ideas in the ever-changing world of horticulture.

Parking off of Eisenhower Drive.

Please join us for our next free Community Garden Network Workshop, where we will join Lauren “LB” Bacchus, Executive Director of Kudzu Culture, for a hands-on demonstration teaching how kuzu (kudzu root starch) is made. Kuzu has a long legacy of use in Asia, especially in Japan, as an ingredient in macrobiotic cooking. Kuzu is a strong alkaline, and has been traditionally used to make a soothing gooey drink called kuzuyu, among other foods such as noodles, mochi, breads, and soups. LB is an experimental fiber artist whose sculptural work is made from abundant, often invasive, plant material. LB is passionate about learning from traditional craft, and sharing research and processes with others, and has taught eco-art workshops for children and adults at a variety of schools in WNC. This workshop is presented in collaboration with The City of Asheville. For more info go to https://kudzuculture.net/. Please RSVP via the ticket link, and if you have any questions please contact Ta’rin’ii [email protected] or Isa Whitaker at [email protected].

Julie Valentine Center
Celebrates a Legacy of Hope:
Featuring 

Brooke Shields

Actress, Model, Author and Entrepreneur

Brooke Shields has spent her life in the spotlight. At the young age of 14 she was America’s Sweetheart, but that didn’t spare her the difficulties and insecurities faced by so many. In a conversation that deftly navigates between heartfelt and humorous, Shields talks candidly about her career trajectory and life in the public eye, living with an alcoholic parent and her own experiences as a mother. Audiences will find her story resonates with their own lives as Shields talks openly about finding the mental and emotional strength to live life to the fullest.

Actress, Model, Author and Entrepreneur, Brooke Shields began her accomplished professional career at only eleven months of age when she was selected as the Ivory Snow Baby, and by age 3 was a runway model. At age 9, Shields began her extensive film career when she won her first acting role in Alice Sweet Alice and rapidly gained fame after starring in Louis Malle’s Pretty Baby, the Palme D’or Award winner at the Cannes Film Festival, and the coming-of-age tales Blue Lagoon and Endless Love. As a model, she has graced the covers of hundreds of magazines, most notably Time Magazine as the “Face of the Eighties”. Today, Shields continues her prolific appearances in a broad range of worldwide publications, decades after it all began.

The two-part documentary Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (which screened to critical acclaim at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and garnered recent Emmy nominations) premiered on Hulu in April 2023. This galvanizing look at Shields as actor, model, and icon, as she transforms from sexualized young girl to a woman discovering her power, is directed by Lana Wilson ( Miss Americana ). Holding a mirror up to a society that objectifies women and girls, Shield’s story shows the perils and triumphs of gaining agency in a hostile world. The documentary is now ABC News most-watched Hulu debut program ever.

Shields will next be seen in the new romantic comedy, Mother of the Bride for Netflix. The film, directed by Mark Waters ( Mean Girls ) also stars Benjamin Bratt and Miranda Cosgrove. This generational comedy of errors follows Lana (Shields) as her daughter Emma returns from London and announces that she’s getting married the next month. Things become more complicated when Lana learns that the man who stole Emma’s heart is the son of the man who stole hers years ago.

Shields recently unveiled her latest entrepreneurial project “Commence” (formerly “Beginning is Now”), a digital platform that inspires women over 40 to live their best lives with beauty and wellness products developed for the challenges that arise during this period. Rooted in the idea that every second, minute, and day is a chance to start something new, “Commence” celebrates the complexity and diversity of women in this age group from a foundation of true well- being to overcome challenges and adversity and gain the courage to begin again. In addition to community, the site features a mix of content, commerce, and products to promote movement, self-care, rest, nutrition and foster resilience, and happiness.

Shields launched her new podcast, Now What? With Brooke Shields which is focused on asking people about pivotal moments in their lives, now available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Shields has also announced an upcoming book, currently untitled, that promises to explore the humility and power of aging. Blending personal narrative and guidebook, Shields hopes to flip our popular beliefs about aging by lifting the voices of experts and everyday women who find this era of life a period for self-discovery, energy and opportunity.

In addition to her film achievements, Shields has maintained a successful and critically acclaimed television career. Her work on The NBC hit Suddenly Susan garnered her a Golden Globe nomination, and she received an American Comedy Award nod for her guest role on Friends. She is the recipient of five People’s Choice Awards, and has previously starred in NBC’s Lipstick Jungle, in addition to guest appearances on a wide range of hit shows including That 70’s Show, Hannah Montana, Two and A Half Men, The Middle, Army Wives, and Murphy Brown. Shields lent her voice to the Adult Swim animated series Mr. Pickles . She also starred in and executive produced Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ mystery movie franchise, Flower Shop Mystery . Shields starred in Law & Order: SVU as a major recurring character in the hit show’s 19th season, and had a reoccurring guest turn as River Fields in the critically acclaimed comedy Jane The Virgin. Shields other films include, Hot Flashes, Daisy Winters, Furry Vengeance, Out of Order, A Castle for Christmas, and Holiday Harmony.

Shields is the best- selling author of several books, including The Brooke Book, On Your Own, and the highly publicized and critically acclaimed Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression. She tapped into her experiences as a mother, successfully branching out into the world of children’s books, penning Welcome To Your World, Baby and It’s the Best Day Ever Dad for Harper Collins. Her latest book There Was a Little Girl: The Real Story of My Mother and Me, quickly became a New York Times best seller.

While attending Princeton University, Shields pursued her love of Theatre as a member of the Princeton Triangle Club. Shortly after graduating with an honors degree in French literature, she made her Broadway debut as Rizzo in the hit musical Grease , for which she earned the Theatre World Award in 1994 for “Outstanding Debut on Broadway.” Shields went on to star in Chicago, Wonderful Town, and Cabaret all of which earned her rave reviews. In 2011, she assumed the iconic role of Morticia Addams alongside Roger Rees in the hit Broadway show, The Addams Family. Shields appeared in the acclaimed ensemble Girls Talk, written and directed by Roger Kumble. She also made her directorial debut with the Hollywood Bowl production of Chicago. She had her critically acclaimed nightclub debut at Feinstein’s at The Loews Regency, performing In My Life, a freewheeling music and stand- up romp through her life’s ups and downs. The show sold out its entire run. She can next be seen at her one-woman show Previously Owned by Brooke Shields, a unique theatrical event where Shields will tell her story in a way only she can, at the Café Carlyle in New York City.

In addition to her professional career, Shields continues to be a strong advocate for women’s issues and keeping the arts alive in schools. She is a happily married mother of two strong and intelligent daughters.

Calling all gardeners crazy about growing tomatoes! Learn best varieties to grow, their culture and disease management.

Two days of educational programs, trade show featuring over 40 vendors and the annual meeting of the NC Tomato Growers Association

This is the largest commercial vegetable grower event in the region with a high quality educational program put together by vegetable extension specialist/agents at NC State University. We hope that you take advantage of this opportunity to learn about current issues associated with vegetables and take time with the representatives from agricultural companies and other businesses that support our industry during our 2-day trade show.

• New education track for small farms/direct market growers/organic production
• A sponsored lunch and awards program will be included at noon on Thursday.
• Pesticide credits will be available for attendees. (X,O, D, N)
• NC Private Applicator Recertification Class (V)
• Fumigation Recertification Class (Z)
• There will be a trade show again this year with a large number of sponsors and exhibitors setting up their displays for attendees to visit. Interested vendors should register early.
  

  SPONSORS/EXHIBITORS

  We welcome sponsors for our event. Sponsorships give you the opportunity to showcase your business and allow us to make this a special conference for attendees. Sponsorships also support scholarships. Details are included on the sponsorship ticket descriptions in the “get tickets” link above. If you need to be invoiced and send a check, please contact Ellen Moss at [email protected].

  SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

  This year we will be holding a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction to support our scholarship fund. Raffle prices are $10/each or 12 for $100. During the conference see the Registration Desk to purchase your raffle tickets or for more information. Drawing will occur at the Tomato Growers Association Luncheon on Thursday. You Must Be Present to Win! If you are not interested in purchasing a raffle ticket or bidding on the silent auction, but would still like to support the scholarship fund, donations are greatly appreciated! Your generosity ensures that NCTGA continues to support future generations of farmers with an endowment fund used to offer merit/need-based scholarships. You can make a donation through this Eventbrite page via the donations ticket button. Details are included in the “get tickets” link above. If you need to be invoiced and send a check, or need a receipt for a tax deduction please contact Ellen Moss at [email protected].

Presenter: Mary Alice Ramsey, Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteer

“As the Garden Sleeps, the Gardener Plans”.  Join Mary Alice Ramsey as she presents Planning Your VegeGarden. Mary Alice has been growing vegetables in her home garden for years. She will highlight the basics of vegetable gardening planning, how to create the right-size garden and how to select which vegetables to grow. She will share information on garden tools and structures, seed and plant sources, getting started and keeping records.

Mary Alice’s Garden has been included in the Gardens of Fairview tours each spring and her garden was featured in Southern Living magazine in August of 2017.

Registration: The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. This will be an indoor program. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522

Presenter: Mary Alice Ramsey, Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteer

“As the Garden Sleeps, the Gardener Plans”.  Join Mary Alice Ramsey as she presents Planning Your Vegetable Garden. Mary Alice has been growing vegetables in her home garden for years. She will highlight the basics of vegetable gardening planning, how to create the right-size garden and how to select which vegetables to grow. She will share information on garden tools and structures, seed and plant sources, getting started and keeping records.

Mary Alice’s Garden has been included in the Gardens of Fairview tours each spring and her garden was featured in Southern Living magazine in August of 2017.

Registration: The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. This will be an indoor program. Please dress appropriate for the weather.

If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

Please come and support Chef Bailey and Our Voice at this lovely dinner on February 22, 2024, at The Mule.

Produced by Shay & Company in Partnership with Devil’s Foot Beverage Company

Stay Tuned for Menu Details

Lace up your running shoes, grab your winter hat, and join us for the 9th Annual Chilly Challenge 8K & 1-Mile Chili Chase on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Run or walk with us to benefit North Buncombe Middle School!

Late winter is the perfect time to start planning for summer gardens and what better way to start than with the Basics of Vegetable Gardening class! Come prepared to learn about what it takes to start growing your own vegetables in our area. Join experienced teacher and former director, John Murphy, as he guides you through vegetable gardening basics.

Shamanic Roots in Celtic Folklore: Southern Scotland

Join us for an enchanting online event as we delve into the mystical world of Shamanic Roots in Celtic Folklore, focusing on the captivating traditions of Southern Scotland. Discover the ancient wisdom and practices that have survived through generations, offering a unique insight into the rich tapestry of Celtic culture that endures in these lands.

Immerse yourself in a virtual journey through time, exploring the hidden realms of Scottish folklore. Our storyteller will share their knowledge and experiences, shedding light on the ancient shamanic practices that have shaped the region’s folkways.

From tales of mythical humans to ancient deities, this event will transport you to a world where magic and reality intertwine. Gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient wisdom of Southern Scotland. Don’t miss out on this captivating journey into the Shamanic Roots of Celtic Folklore!

Agroforestry and food forests are terms describing a diverse planting of edible plants that attempts to mimic the ecosystems and patterns found in nature for a variety of social and environmental benefits. If you don’t know much about agroforestry, we have great news — we are starting our second agroforestry project at the SAHC Community Farm.

Along with Contour Lines Corp we will be leading the planting of a 3-acre diversified food forest which will feature a number of fruit trees and native support trees planted on contour in a system of berms and swales.  This is a unique demonstration project on conservation land, which will be managed in perpetuity so that we can all learn about the numerous benefits and beauty of perennial agroforestry and food forest systems.

Folks will receive a solid introduction on how to plan and plant a food forest agroforestry site that includes hundreds of fruit and support trees on a berm and swale contour system. Some species we will be planting include Black Locust, Willow, Cottonwood, Elderberry, Mulberry, Persimmon, Apple, Pear, Blueberry, Fig and Peaches.

Join us, rain or shine, for all or any part of the day to learn, observe, and take part in planting if you choose. Please bring a water bottle, gloves, raincoat/work clothes if you’re planting; tools will be provided.

Lunch will be provided midway between our morning classroom portion, and then the rest of the day will be hands-on work.

Pre-registration is requested. Suggested donation $20; no one turned away for inability to pay.

SAHC received a $6,000 Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant to support this project, and nonprofit organization Contour Lines  Corp. (contourlines.org) is donating plant material, design and expertise for hands-on workshops to help execute the silvopasture project on the SAHC Community Farm. The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grants Program is an initiative funded by the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farming Coalition (ABFFC) and Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) that is managed by Virginia Tech University in partnership with Rural Action, Appalachian Sustainable Development, The Yew Mountain Center, North Carolina State University.