• Walking in a Winter Wonderland | Monday, Dec. 19-Friday, Jan. 6 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove St., Asheville | Free | Celebrate the season with a stroll through a festive winter wonderland crafted by the Grove Street crafting club.

• Quilting Bee | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Rd., Asheville | Free | Quilters of all ages are invited to bring their own sewing machine and projects to work on in a friendly community setting.

• Hanukkah Candle Lighting | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 5-5:30 p.m. | JCC Main Courtyard, 236 Charlotte St., Asheville | Free | Join the JCC community in the front courtyard for a half hour of warmth and light —plus a singalong led by JCC music legend Penny White.

• Making Spirits Bright Holiday Jazz & Blues | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 8:30-10 p.m. | The Main Stage, 743 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $20 | Local blues singer Peggy Ratusz brings smooth and soulful sounds backed by her holiday jazz and blues band.

• Fireside Friday | Friday, Dec. 23 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, 9 Midnight Dr., Asheville | Free | Enjoy a campfire, s’mores, and variety of beverages — and bring your own instrument for an open jam session.

What we tried:

• 47º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain

• $400,000. That’s how much the N.C. Land and Water Fund is providing to restore 14 acres of riverside on the Mills River. Mills River Partnership plans to stabilize river banks, plant native species like elderberry and river birch, and prevent 300 tons of sediment from entering the river each year. 🌳 (Mountain Xpress)

• A temporary homeless shelter may occupy the vacant Asheville Primary School on Haywood Road — but the school’s location is split between zones that do and do not allow for shelter use. The Asheville Board of Education unanimously voted for shelter use, and are waiting for the city’s final decision. Learn more about Winter Safe Shelter. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• The seasoning doesn’t fall far from the flavor tree. “Station Nation,” a new show hosted by Guy Fieri’s son, Hunter Fieri, explores the gas station cuisine revolution — and West Asheville’s The Brew Pump at 760 Haywood Rd. is featured. Check out a mouthwatering clip of the show. 🍳

• AAA Carolinas is predicting 3.3 million North Carolinans will travel this holiday season, a record high number since before the pandemic. Recent road issues include speeding and risky driving behavior — officials recommend slowing down, preparing to be patient, and packing emergency kits.

• Canine influenza has spiked in the southeast. Here’s how The Asheville Humane Society recommends protecting your furry friend: avoid popular dog spots like dogs parks and breweries, consider having your dog vaccinated, and seek veterinary care for influenza symptoms. 🩺

• Local nonprofit Mercy Urgent Care provides half a million dollars in free and reduced healthcare annually through the Compassionate Care program. Part of the Catherine McAuley MERCY Foundation, the program assists patients who don’t have the financial means to pay. Ashevillians can help families in need by making a donation. 🤝 *

• Did you know? MB HAYNES offers a variety of services for breweries. Whether looking to get started or expand a brewery or kombucha facility, the local pros at MB HAYNES build and service all things brew. Cheers. 🍻*

• If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for someone on your list, look no further. Let us introduce you to gift cards from our AVLtoday shop, Six & Main. Purchase a gift card today. 🎁
• Give the gift of a quality shave month after month with a Harry’s trial set and blade subscription. Choose your handle color, refill frequency, and let the good shave days roll in for as little as $5 on sign-up (yes, you heard that right). 🪒 *

• Our apologies to those who tried to click the “10 more winners” link in Friday’s newsletter. If you’re still on the edge of your seat, go ahead and try this link again to see the full breakdown of winners from the Venture 15 and Venture Asheville Honors event.