Recs and the city

The Asheville Parks and Recreation Department has announced a wide range of programs for children and adults this fall. Here’s a partial rundown.

East Asheville recreation for toddlers

Parks and Rec will offer toddler activities this fall at the East Asheville Recreation Center, 906 Tunnel Road. All programs are for children five and under. For more information, contact the center at 251-4041 or at eastrecctr@ashevillenc.gov.

• Big Messy Art – Craft projects designed for little hands, along with a play dough table. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Toddler Playtime – Join other toddlers at the center for a fun playdate! Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon.
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Oakley recreation for toddlers

Parks and Rec will offer a new, toddler recreation program this fall at Oakley Recreation Center, 749 Fairview Rd. For more information, contact the center at 251-4042 or oakleyrec.c@ashevillenc.gov.

• Parent’s Morning Out – Arts and crafts, games, music, story time, and social interaction for ages 3 to 5. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, starting in September. Fee: $40/week per child. Parents provide daily snack, drink, and change of clothes. Child must be potty-trained. Activity registration required.
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Women’s Empowerment and Self Defense

Parks and Rec presents Women’s Health & Education Endeavors (WHEE), a series of free, educational workshops on women’s health and wellness at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver St. The next workshop in the series will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 18, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Darlene Fore of the Buncombe County Health Department will present information about “Ladies Night Out,” a community program which provides free cholesterol tests, blood pressure checks, mammograms and pelvic exams to women in financial need, along with support services to access the program, including transportation and child care. A light snack will be provided. Come early and join in a free step-aerobics class offered prior to the workshop.

For more information on the WHEE workshop series, contact Maureen at Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 350-2058, or at stephenslee@ashevillenc.gov.
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Community festival in Oakley

Parks and Rec, the Oakley Recreation Center, Oakley United Methodist Church, and Oakley Community Association will host a free Community Festival on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oakley United Methodist Church, 607 Fairview Rd. Enjoy music, local artists, children’s activities, food and fun.

For more information about the festival, contact Candy Shaw at 251-4042 or at oakleyrec.c@ashevillenc.gov.
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Tai chi class at East Asheville Recreation Center

Parks and Rec will offer Tai Chi classes at the East Asheville Recreation Center, 906 Tunnel Road, on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. starting Oct. 2. Instructors: Matt and Heather Kabat. Fee: $100/eight-week session; $50 for senior citizens. For more information, contact the center at 251-4041, or at eastrecctr@ashevillenc.gov.
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Community yard sale at Montford Recreation Center

Parks and Rec will host a community yard sale at Montford Recreation Center, 34 Pearson Dr., on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 8 a.m. to noon. Find great bargains on the treasures you need including an assortment of household appliances, outdoor gear, clothing, and much more. This is also a great time to clean out your own basement or garage and make a profit on those items you no longer need. Tables are $5 and can be reserved through Sept. 28. Sale will move indoors in case of inclement weather.

For more information or table reservation, contact the center at 253-3714.
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Women’s health day at Stephens-Lee Recreation Center

Women of all ages are invited to bring a friend to the Women’s Health Day with Asheville Parks and Recreation Department on Oct. 6, noon to 4 p.m. at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver St. Enjoy workshops, movement classes, health screenings, free massage, demonstrations, speakers and much more at this free event. Learn about breast and cardiac health, nutrition, herbs, and community resources. Try new moves with Nia and yoga. Register to win door prizes, certificates, and a two-week membership to a local fitness studio.

A wealth of exhibitors and service providers will be on hand offering women information and free material including ABIPA, ARP-Phoenix, Avon, Buncombe County Department of Health, Head Start, Helpmate, Land of Sky Council on Aging, Memory Care, Mission Hospital, Mountain Biz Works, NAMI, Nia Technique, NC School of Holistic Herbalism, On Track, Our Voice, Project NAF, Red Cross, Services for the Blind, T.H.E. Center, Weed and Seed, and other local community resources.

For information, contact the center at 350-2058, or at stephenslee@ashevillenc.gov.

— Cecil Bothwell, staff writer