Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS) is pleased to welcome Rev. James Lytle to our Board of Directors. James has been the Pastor of New Salem Baptist Church in Swannanoa for the past 15 years, and also works as Purchasing Coordinator for the Old Fort Engineering Center International Automotive Components Group. James is a member of Mud Creek Baptist Association and Mt. Allen Lodge #704. He was born and raised in Old Fort, and attended McDowell County public schools. He has studied at McDowell Technical College and Fruitland Bible College, and has taken courses at Mars Hill Extension. James has been married for 45 years to Evelina L. Lytle and has four children, James Jr., Tyrone, Felicia and Donavon, as well as 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren!
Archive for FANS News
An article about the Swannanoa Community Garden recently appeared in the Black Mountain News. Read it here.
Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS) is grateful for all the community support we received this past year as we pursued our mission of “working for a strong and vibrant Swannanoa by encouraging active involvement, fostering community spirit, and honoring our unique history and natural heritage.” From the individuals, organizations and businesses that supported our fundraising efforts, to the many volunteers who participated in FANS’ projects and special events, we’re fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful community.
FANS would like to give a special shout-out to Davidson Homes for their generous sponsorship of the new print edition of this FANS community e-newsletter. Their support has enabled us to extend the newsletter’s reach to hundreds of residents without ready access to a computer. Thank you!
As we move into 2015, we look forward to sponsoring more community yard sales, expanding our community garden, increasing distribution of the FANS newsletter, organizing river and roadside cleanups, and working on improvements along U.S. 70, including bus shelters and new “Welcome to Swannanoa” signs.
As you think about possible end-of-year donations, please consider putting FANS on your list. FANS is an all-volunteer organization, with no employees, no offices and no overhead, so 100% of your donation will be put to work right here in Swannanoa! Checks can be made payable to FANS and mailed to PO Box 697, Swannanoa, NC 28778. FANS is a 501(c)(3) organization; your donation is tax deductible.
Thank you for your support, and best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity recently celebrated the successful completion of the 5-year, $5 million Building a Way Home campaign. Building a Way Home enabled Habitat to triple the number of families served, acquire and develop land for 150 future Habitat houses, implement a Home Repair program, and expand the Habitat ReStore, office and warehouse space.
The celebration culminated with the unveiling of a donor recognition wall in the Habitat ReStore: a metalwork “quilt” created by local metal artist David Earl Tomlinson. Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS) is honored to be recognized with a quilt panel (bottom center) on this beautiful work of art. FANS partnered with Habitat in 2014 to help recruit donors and volunteers for construction of the Sweet Home Swannanoa house, one of 17 homes in Swannanoa’s new Habitat neighborhood in Beacon Village. Although FANS’ name appears on the quilt panel, the recognition really belongs to the many “friends and neighbors” in the Swannanoa Valley, whose generous donations of money and time helped make the Sweet Home Swannanoa house a reality. Thank you!