Tom Chalmers returns to star in "The Santaland Diaries" in 35below

Tom Chalmers has been called up from the Elfin Hall of Fame to return to star in The Santaland Diaries, Asheville’s non-traditional tradition! 

Chalmers performed the show to sold out crowds for seven years from 2005-2011. This is the 16^th year in a row for the show, and it will be presented in its original Asheville location, the intimate 35below theatre. The Santaland Diaries will open Wednesday, December 13 and run through Sunday, December 17, 2017 with performances Wednesday-Saturday nights at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:30 pm and additional late night performances Friday and Saturday nights at 9:30 pm. Tickets are limited, and are available online at www.ashevilletheatre.org, over the phone at 828-254-1320, or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre Box Office. All tickets are $15.00.

The Santaland Diaries is a dark comedy that follows an out-of-work slacker who takes a job as an elf in Macy’s Santaland. His observations of the shoppers and employees are much more naughty than nice. In Asheville, the play has transformed from a quirky ticket to a bona fide holiday tradition – for 15 years in a row, performances have been at capacity.

“The Santaland Diaries and Asheville go so well together,” said Chalmers. “So when ACT asked if I would step in, I had to say yes. I haven't done the show for a handful of years and we won't be able to do all the bits we did when the show was upstairs and in full effect but the story always holds up and I will bring everything I can to the iconic comedic role that is Crumpet.”

Though Chalmers performed this role for 7 years, this will be his first time performing it in 35below, a space he knows well. Tom hosts monthly performances of Listen to This: Stories and More on Stage for years, and he teaches improv and acting classes in the space. 

The Santaland Diaries is directed by Josh Batenhorst, who directed Chalmers in the show from 2005-2011. Batenhorst and Chalmers have continued to collaborate over the years, most notably as co-founders and performers with local improv troupe Reasonably Priced Babies.

For more information about The Santaland Diaries or about Asheville Community Theatre, please visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.

Immediate job openings announced by Friday Staffing

FridayStaffing (828) 684-8700 Immediate Openings!!! Position Job Description/Requirements Location Pay Rate Machine Operator (115116) Interpret work instructions on production system, identify correct stock, read job steps, setup and operate heavy machinery to meet production standards. Place wire onto spool, perform quality checks, weigh, tag and box the product. Knowledge of micrometer, small hand tools and wire welder machine for fuse/butt welding Operate hoists, pulleys and guides Hendersonville, NC $13.00/hr Machine Operator (115205) Use of various equipment, follow process specifications, and meet production standards to manufacture products. Perform various operations to supply products to meet customer requirements. Use gauges and other measurement devices to insure accurate output of products. Asheville, NC $13.50/hr 2nd Shift Mon - Fri Welder (125215) Local company is seeking an experienced welder., 8am-4:30pm Fletcher, NC $16/hr Mon – Fri Temp to hire Facility Maintenance Tech (125287) Primary responsibilities for the facilities technician are to carry out the day to day facility requirements for both physical locations. This will include tasks in multiple fields such as carpentry, electrical, heating, ventilation, HVAC, plumbing, phone and data and general project work as assigned. Asheville, NC $15.00/hr Material Handler (125335) STOCK ROOM CLERK Job Title: Material Handler • General requirements: o Ability to read and follow work instructions, pull sheets, and other written instructions o Ability to locate parts by accurately matching number sequences o Ability to count accurately o Ability to keep accurate detailed written records of all part transactions o Ability to accurately record inventory transactions with VE Mobile scanner o Ability to work effectively in a team environment o Available to work varying schedules between 6am and 6pm o Availability to work weekend overtime as assigned Receiving– add to above requirements • Ability to successfully complete fork lift driver certification • Ability to accurately interpret information on purchase orders, pack lists, receivers, and all information in Visual ERP system • Ability to accurately record inventory transactions in Visual ERP system Asheville, NC $13.00/hr Machine Operator (125366) Operate machine and perform required tasks according to machine or position procedures. Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions and report or resolve problems. Clean machines at end of shift to prepare for next workday or next shift. Labeling and packaging material. Perform quality checks as indicated. Asheville, NC $11.05/hr Sewing Machine Operator (125393) Sewing Machine Operator. Prefer candidates to have industrial sewing, but not necessary. If have home based sewing experience, it is helpful. Fletcher/Mills River, NC $10-12/hr 1st Shift Mon - Fri Janitorial/Laborer (125473) Cleaning portion of the job typically takes 4 hours to complete working with another custodian. Remaining four hours of the day will be spent assisting in multiple random job assignments within the facility (Order Pulling or Packing). Flat Rock, NC $11.00/hr 1st Shift Mon – Fri Temp to perm

Mission partners with A-B Tech to offer competitive CNA scholarship program

If you’ve considered becoming a CNA, that goal may be a bit more in your reach, thanks to a competitive scholarship program Mission Health’s Career Exploration Center is offering once again, in conjunction with A-B Tech.

The Mission Grows CNA-I scholarship will cover full costs for the CNA-I certification program at A-B Tech. Award recipients will be able to select the CNA program schedule (see below) that best fits their individual needs, with classes held at the nearby A-B Tech campus on Victoria Road and on the Mission Hospital campus.

Students’ clinical rotations will be offered at Mission Health, and upon successful completion they will be fast-tracked for roles within the system. And if continued career growth is a goal, additional educational support may be available.

Who’s eligible?

The Mission Grows CNA-I Scholarship is open to area high school students and community members; current Mission Health staff and their dependents; to participants in our School At Work, Mission Possible or Students@Work programs.  Scholarship recipients must meet A-B Tech CNA-I program admission requirements, which include a high school diploma, GED or demonstrated ninth-grade reading level. Students also must have a TB skin test, background check and drug screen – all of which will be covered as part of the scholarship.

What’s included?

The scholarship will cover the full costs of the A-B Tech program, including tuition, books, uniform, background checks, drug screens, certification exam, shoes and watch.

In addition, scholarship recipients will receive complimentary services through Mission’s Career Exploration Center. This includes one-on-one career coaching, resume and interviewing assistance, and other resources upon request. Those applicants who are not selected for the Mission Grows CNA-I Scholarship will be referred to resources to assist in their career development, such as GED courses, School At Work and literacy resources, as needed.

What’s next?

Scholarship applications are due by Nov. 30, to the Career Exploration Center.

Scholarship recipients will be notified by Dec. 7.

Recipients will need to enroll in one of the following courses at A-B Tech, with clinical experience at Mission Health:

• NUR-3240-476HC – Jan. 9-Mar. 18  (A-B Tech Asheville Campus, Speer)
• NUR-3240-701HC – Jan. 22-May 18 (Evenings: Mission Hospital – St. Joseph Campus, West)
• NUR-3240-607HC – Jan. 29-Mar. 21 (Mission Hospital – St. Joseph Campus, Arey)
• NUR-3240-478HC – Mar. 3-May 3 (A-B Tech Asheville Campus, Speer)
• NUR-3240-608HC – Apr. 2-May 23 (Mission Hospital – St. Joseph Campus, Arey)
• NUR-3240-609HC – June 4-July 25 (Mission Hospital – St. Joseph Campus, Arey)

Scholarship recipients will need to register as soon as possible to make sure to get the class schedule that works best for them.

For more information, contact the Mission Health Career Exploration Center at careerexplorationcenter@msj.org or (828) 213-4488.