Stories on Asheville’s Front Porch will launch its third season on June 30 with David Novak weaving his storytelling magic for the audience. This year’s theme is “Stories Whispered by a Mountain Breeze.” The gifted storytellers will be predominately sharing stories from our mountains as we celebrate the life and gifts of Ray Hicks, who is recognized as the premier mountain storyteller who did much to preserve the tradition. Hicks is honored by the National Storytelling Association with a statue in his memory in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

Saturday, June 30– David Novak, preeminent teller and favorite of Asheville audience. Sherry Lovett will open at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, July 7– Connie Regan Blake, a teller who has captured many of the “stories whispered by a Mountain Breeze.” Elena Diana Miller, teller extraordinaire, will open.

Saturday, July 14– Pat Stone, spinner of Jack Tales. Teller VixiJill Glenn will open

Saturday, July 21– WNC favorite Michael Reno Harrell, with teller and Asheville Storytelling President Wallace Shealy.

The performances are free, held rain or shine. Stories begin at 10:30 a.m. at Pack Place in the Rhino Courtyard. Please enter through corridor off Biltmore Ave. at the Marble Slab Creamery. For more information visit www.packplace.org.

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This I Believe – 5th Graders from Isaac Dickson Elementary School wrote and recorded sixty essays as part of the Asheville Writers in Schools Project. Working with Janet Hurley of True Ink and Asheville Writers in the Schools, the children wrote essays on things they believe in – everything from recycling to Legos. WCQS is featuring a sampling of the essays Monday – Friday at 6:35 a.m. and again at 8:35 a.m. Audio files of all sixty essays can be found on the WCQS web site, www.wcqs.org. Additional information about Asheville Writers in the Schools, Writing to Change the World may be found at www.ashevillewritersintheschools.org.

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Twilight Firefly Tour – A sure sign of summertime is the blinking of fireflies, or what some call lightning bugs. On June 16 from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. enjoy the magical evening forest and learn about the natural history of these fascinating insects. Park and meet at the Pink Beds Picnic Area on Hwy. 276, located next to the Cradle of Forestry.

The firefly walk will be led by a naturalist from the Cradle of Forestry. The group will meet to discuss the life cycle and special features of fireflies and then take an easy, slow paced walk looking for them and exploring the surrounding forest. Please bring along a flashlight and your sense of wonder. Cost for this special evening program is $6 for adults and $3 for youth, and America the Beautiful Senior Pass holders.

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Rapid River Magazine’s Artists Receptions

Saturday, June 9 – Taste of Opera, Crowne Plaza Resort. Reception 5:30-9 p.m.

Friday, June 15– Daniel McClendon Fine Art Gallery. Reception 5-8:30 p.m. On display through June 27.

Saturday, June 16– Waynesville Fly Shop. Reception 5-8:30 p.m. On display through June 20.

Friday, June 22– Jack of Hearts, Weaverville. Reception 5-9 p.m. On display through July 10. (pg. 4)

Friday, June 29– Creatures Cafe, Asheville. Reception 5:30-9 p.m. On display through July 5.

Friday, July 6 – Fine Arts League of the Carolinas. Reception 5-8:30 p.m. On display through July 17. (pg. 20)

Friday, July 13 – Gallery 262, Waynesville. Reception 6-9 p.m. On display through July 31.

Friday, July 20 – Riverside Studios, West Asheville. Reception 5-8:30 p.m. On display through August 7.

Friday, August 3– Studio B, North Asheville. Reception 5:30-8 p.m. On display through August 16. (pg. 30)

Friday, August 10– VanDyke Gallery, Asheville. Reception 5-8:30 p.m. On display through August 28.

Friday, August 17– Frame It To-a-T, South Asheville. Reception 5:30-8:30 p.m. On display through August 23.

Saturday, August 25– Great Smokies Creations, Waynesville. Reception 2-5 p.m. On display through September 4.

Thursday, September 6 – Neo Cantina Awards Party, Biltmore Village. Reception 5:30-9:30 p.m. On display through September 17.