Black Mountain – The residents of Black Mountain and Swannanoa get into the Christmas spirit by decorating trees for the holiday throughout the area for a cause: helping the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry’s Fuel Fund. As you walk about the Monte Vista Hotel and many of the shops and businesses in Black Mountain, which is just 10 minutes away from Asheville, you will find beautiful Christmas trees decorated by members of the Black Mountain community.
The decorating theme this year is “Let Heaven and Nature Sing.” This charitable benefit runs from December 2 through Tuesday, January 3, 2023. At the beginning of 2010, his event only had a handful of participants and only 12 trees. Every year more businesses have gotten involved, so it has grown. Now there are approximately 42 trees being decorated.
Each tree has a collection box next to it. Why? to give the passerby the opportunity to vote on the tree with a donation to help keep a family warm. Every penny raised during this event will benefit the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry’s Fuel Fund. Between Sept. 15 and Nov. 15 of this year 90 families, representing 200 members in the families, have received over $30,000 from the Fuel Fund of Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. This includes Oil, Propane, Kerosene, and Electric. Of course sadly the price of fuel has risen incredibly.
This Deck the Trees event has many financial sponsors. Major donors are Givens Highland Farms, Sue Conlon and Barney Fitzpatrick (who renovated the Monte Vista Hotel) and Mark A. Kleive, DDS. There are many others as well. The donated funds are a contribution to the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry’s (SVCM) Fuel Fund. During the 11 years the total funds raised has reached $192,000. Last year it was over $41,000, the highest ever. When you realize that the population currently of Swannanoa and Black Mountain combined, there are only close to 13,000 residents, this figure is quite remarkable.
The public is invited to see the beautiful and unique trees at the Monte Vista Hotel from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will be 21 trees throughout the lobby and hallways on the first floor. And many activities are planned around this event. Prizes are given as well.
Santa arrives at the Monte Vista at 308 State Street on Monday, December 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Festivities will include hot chocolate and cookies for the kids and some crafts. The Monte Vista Bar will be open for boozy, winter-inspired beverages along with the Monday Tapas menu. Perhaps this is a good time to sign up for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Dinner at the Monte Vista, which will feature an elegant four-course prix fixe dinner for $60 per person. Or if not that, then the gourmet Christmas Day buffet. The dining room will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day. The price is $65 per adult and $29 for kids 12 and under. Pricing does not include tax or gratuity. Be sure to put your reservation in right away as the dining room fills up quickly.
Driving along East or West State Street, a number of businesses have lighted, unique trees. Others are found at businesses thoughout the area, such as the Black Mountain Savings Bank, Sunshine Pharmacy, Kilwin’s Black Mountain, and the Swannanoa Valley Museum. Each has been decorated and is a treat to see. On Broadway, Tyson Furniture and Herschels’ both have stunning trees. On Laurel Circle Drive, you will find a tree at Lakeview Activity Aging Center, and on US Highway, Laps and Naps Swannanoa Valley Animal Hospital is showing a decorated tree that needs to be voted on. As you help those who are in need, you are also partaking in the Christian spirit of giving at Christmas.
Programs of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry
The Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry has the support of over 30 Christian churches for their many projects. Kevin Bates is the executive director. He is very excited about this coming Christmas season and hopes the trees will bring in even more donations than last year. The committed churches, staff, and volunteers work to provide vital services to neighbors in need throughout the year. Their ministry area reaches from Oteen (east of Riceville Road, Asheville) to Ridgecrest, NC. One of the many projects is the food pantry and clothes closet. SVCM offers a “client choice” food pantry where clients call and a volunteer or staff member takes their food order from the list of available items.
Clients can come every 21 days for food. Clients can check once a week to see if the free produce they seek is available. The Clothes Closet has men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, as well as shoes. There are also household items such as plates, bowls, glasses, silverware, basic kitchen utensils, and small appliances.
As homelessness has continued to be a pressing need to be solved throughout the area, the SVCM now has something called Hope for Tomorrow. With this program, they strive to inspire and build hope for the future of Valley children and their mothers. According to their website, they say: “Through the generosity of a local family, land was donated to SVCM, allowing us the opportunity to plan and construct housing for homeless mothers and their children.” Eight 1-bedroom apartments and two 2-bedroom apartments have been built, which have enabled us to house nine families, including children and their mothers. There is also an on-site resident manager who occupies the tenth unit. There is a play area for the children.
In addition, there is the Renae Brame Scholarship Program. Renae Brame was SVCM’s director and served for 14 years before retiring in 2016. She is a local author, singer, and songwriter. She has a big heart for scholarships. She began the program to help others achieve their education and career goals through access to higher education. In order to get a scholarship, one must apply and make an appointment to meet with staff at SVCM. Contact the SVCM Director at svcmdirector@gmail.com. Approved students will receive assistance with gas vouchers to get to classes, with class tuition costs, and with class materials and books.
Deck the Trees is a major fundraiser for SVCM’s Fuel Fund. SVCM assists anyone in the Valley regardless of their religious affiliation or belief. It has been a highly successful event year after year. The SVCM’s physical address is 101 North Ridgeway Avenue, Black Mountain. Volunteers are always welcome. Call 828-669-9404 for more information. The organization makes a variety of life-enhancing opportunities available for those in need. They aim to strengthen the community one life at a time. Every donation gives hope to those who are having a difficult time.