Above, a group of boys enjoy a game of pickup basketball in Grovemont Park. The new basketball goal was installed by volunteers earlier this summer. It’s part of a Grovemont Park enhancement project funded by the Swannanoa Community Council, Friends of the Swannanoa Library, and a grant from Buncombe County Recreation Services. The project also includes installation of new benches and picnic tables.

With so many things we can’t do because of the pandemic, Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS) has been looking for things we CAN do. And one of those things is giving blood to help meet the critical shortage. So far, FANS has sponsored two Swannanoa Community Blood Drives, held at Valley Hope Church, in cooperation with the American Red Cross. At the most recent event in late June, every donor time slot was filled, and 49 pints of blood were collected. Thanks to all those who came out to give the gift of life! FANS plans to sponsor another blood drive this fall. Stay tuned for details.