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.” And what a year it was! Here are some of the projects and activities FANS was involved in during 2017:

• Launched a successful fundraising campaign that raised over $4,000 for a beautiful new “Welcome to Swannanoa” sign in front of the Swannanoa Ingles.
• Co-sponsored “Cinema on the Square,” a highly successful new outdoor movie series in Grovemont Square, adjacent to the Swannanoa Library.
• Donated over 1500 pounds of produce to our neighbors in need through the Swannanoa Community Garden, managed and operated entirely by volunteers.
• Sponsored the annual Swannanoa Sweep community cleanup, and two Community Yard Sales in the Swannanoa Ingles parking lot.
• Obtained a grant for construction of a new pavilion in the Swannanoa Community Garden, and completed construction in record time with the help of an amazing group of volunteers.
• Regularly published both an electronic and print version of the this community newsletter, packed with information about Swannanoa happenings, history and more.

FANS is looking forward to another banner year in 2018. In addition to continuing our ongoing projects (cleanups, community garden, outdoor movies, yard sales, newsletter, etc.), our planned 2018 initiatives include working with Mountain Housing Opportunities, Buncombe County, and DOT on a variety of pedestrian and safety improvements along U.S. 70. FANS is also forming a Swannanoa Beautification Committee — we’ll have more details on that in the coming year. Good things are happening, but your help is needed!

As you think about possible end-of-year donations, please consider putting FANS on your list. FANS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; your donation is tax deductible. We’re an all-volunteer community organization, with no employees, no offices and no overhead, so your dollars will be put to work right here in Swannanoa. Click on the link below to make a donation, or mail your check to:

Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa
PO Box 697
Swannanoa, NC 28778.

Thank you for your support, and best wishes for the holidays and the new year!