In an upcoming issue, Mountain Xpress will showcase locally produced calendars that put an Asheville-area spin on 2008. We’ve learned of five so far:
• Treasured Trees, by Quality Forward
Perhaps the finest in local calendars, nonprofit Quality Forward’s big, glossy tribute to “treasured trees” puts its emphasis on leafy local “survivors” this year — signature trees that have withstood weather, development, disease and pollution (for example, the silver maple behind City Hall that’s pictured here). The calendar, which features the photography of Benjamin Porter, can be purchased for $15 from Quality Forward’s office (29 Page St. in Asheville, 254-1776), or online for $18 here.
• The Men of Westville Pub
Making their third annual venture into local calendaring, the Men of Westville Pub will bare it all (or most of it) again for 2008. The calendar, which costs $10, is still being printed, but will available by the end of the year. All proceeds benefit domestic-violence-prevention group Helpmate. Check the pub’s Web site for updates on the calendar’s completion and availability.
• Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company
It’ll cost you $15, but you’ll get $75 in coupons inside. The calendar should become available this week, at both the Merrimon and Coxe avenue locations.
• UNCA’s Weather Calendar
For a mere $6, you can own a year’s worth of valuable local-weather information, prepared by the folks at UNCA’s Atmospheric Sciences Department. This is the 23rd year they’ve prepared the calendar, and it’s clear they know what they’re doing. In addition to months, days and dates, the calendar features everything from temperature and precipitation normals to moon phases to sunset and sunset times. Order one by mailing a check for $6, payable to “Weather Calendar,” to Dr. Alex Huang, UNCA Atmospheric Sciences Dept., One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804-8511.
• Bares it ALL for Breast Cancer Calendar
Local breast-cancer survivors age 25 to 73 serve as models for this tastefully artful fundraiser for Bares it ALL for Breast Cancer, which raises funds and awareness in WNC. Dubbed “A Celebration of Life and Hope,” the calendar costs $10 and is available at numerous locations. Call 243-1451 to find out where to get one.
Now, those are five compelling calendars, but certainly there must be more in our neck of the woods. Tell us, do you know of other locally focused 2008 calendars? If so, share the information below or e-mail it to us at xpress@mountainx.com.
— Jon Elliston, managing editor
We’ve just learned of another local calendar: SouthWings, an Asheville-based conservation organization, recently created a calendar for 2008. See images and learn more here: http://southwings.org/Calendar.htm, where you can also purchase a copy. According to the organization, “In addition to being sold on our website, the calendar is available at the Warren Wilson College bookstore, Malaprop’s, the Compleat Naturalist and Black Dome (Tunnel Rd. location).”