News

LOCAL BRIEFS: Fall plant sale, True Ridge fundraiser, 'Without Shade Without Rest'

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 22, 2026

Bullington Gardens holds sale Sept. 11-12

Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, will hold its annual Fall Plant Sale 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12, offering a wide variety of plants perfect for fall planting.

Renowned for its selection of unique and healthy plants, the sale will feature an impressive array of locally grown fall perennials, shrubs, trees, and cool-season annuals, all carefully selected to thrive in the local climate.

All proceeds from the sale support Bullington Gardens, the non-profit botanical garden that has been a cornerstone of the area gardening community for 37 years.

“We’re thrilled to offer our community a wonderful selection of locally grown plants to enhance their gardens this fall,” said Greg Stivland, director of Bullington Gardens. “Every purchase made during our Fall Plant Sale directly supports our mission, helping us continue to offer innovative educational and horticultural therapy programs as well as to maintain this beautiful garden for everyone to enjoy.”  For more information, visit bullingtongardens.org or call 828-698-6104.

True Ridge announces fundraising luncheon

True Ridge, nonprofit organization that provides bilingual services, resources and support for diverse and vulnerable members of the community, is hosting its first annual fundraising luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 15, featuring Gabriel J. Esparza, secretary of the N.C. Department of Administration, as keynote speaker.

As DOA secretary, Esparza oversees the state agency whose mission is to serve as the business manager for North Carolina state government and a voice for traditionally underserved communities through its advocacy programs and boards and commissions.

The Administration Department oversees government operations spanning from building construction, facility maintenance, purchasing and contracting, and state vehicles to mail services, surplus, state properties and parking. The agency also provides programs and services for North Carolina’s diverse populations including women and youth, American Indians and historically underutilized businesses.

Secretary Esparza is the first Latino to head a cabinet department in state history. Esparza previously served as associate administrator for international trade at the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he helped to create jobs, provide expanded access to capital and advocate for American small businesses around the world. Before that, Esparza spent 13 years s an executive with American Express.

'Without Shade Without Rest' highlights labor in the heat

Community members are invited to a free screening of "Without Shade Without Rest" at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, at St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main St. The screening is sponsored jointly by El Centro Hendersonville, the League of Women Voters Henderson County, Indivisible Henderson County, Progressive Alliance of Henderson County, Just Economics and Creation Care Alliance, in partnership with Working Films.

Following the film, a panel will discuss how the issue affects workers in the local community and what concerned people can do to advocate for change. The event will be presented in English and Spanish with interpretation provided. Complimentary food and childcare will also be available.

Produced by Six Eye Films, an independent nonprofit based in South Florida, the documentary looks at the fight to win heat protection for outdoor workers in Florida in the wake of the hottest year on record. Register at mobilize.us/mobilize/event/977437/