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Lifelong Learning announces spring lineup

Henderson County Life

LOCAL BRIEFS: Mental health support, chili, Bible studies, theater benefit

Mental health alliance launches support group NAMI Four Seasons, the National Alliance on Mental Illness affiliate serving Henderson and Polk counties, is launching NAMI Connection, a free support group led by trained facilitators for adults living with mental illness. Meetings will be held the second Thursday of each month, beginning with Jan. 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1735 Fifth Avenue West. NAMI Connection provides a safe and confidential setting for participants to learn from one another’s experiences, challenges, and coping strategies. The peer-to-peer discussion format also fosters relationships and a sense of community. For more information, call 888-955-6264. Grace continues study of the Reformation During the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Grace Lutheran Church invites the community to join an adult study series exploring the Reformation on Wednesdays continuing weekly through May 17 from 5:45 to 7 p.m. (except during Lent Feb. 22 to April 26). No registration is required, and there are no fees. Child care for children birth through 5 years old will also be available as well as supervised children’s activities for ages 5 years through 5th grade. For those who wish dinner before the class, please make reservations by calling the church at 828-693-4890 by Monday afternoon for the upcoming Wednesday meal. Meals include a main dish, veggie choices, dessert and a salad bar. The cost for dinner is $5 per person, $3 for children under 12, and $16 family cap.“The first four sessions of Oasis will focus on Lutheran worship and liturgy,” said the Rev. Greg Williams, Senior Pastor at Grace. “These sessions will look at the four primary parts of Lutheran worship: Gathering, Word, Meal, and Sending. Despite fundamental liturgical reforms, Martin Luther preserved the basic ancient pattern of worship. For Christians, worship is the center of faith life. Through the centuries, Christians have gathered, traditionally on a Sunday, to confess our sins, to receive forgiveness, to pray, to be prayed for, to hear the Word announced, to proclaim the Crucified and Risen Christ, to remember God’s promises declared in baptism, to receive the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion, and to be sent renewed and empowered into the world to love and serve our neighbors.”Grace Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Sixth Avenue West and Blythe Street in Hendersonville. For further information call 828-693-4890. Men’s Bible Study meets at Dixie Diner The Christian Men’s Breakfast Bible Study is celebrating its fourth year with a growing membership and is open to new members. The ecumenical group meets at 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the Dixie Diner on U.S. 64 West in Laurel Park. Every week four Scriptures are chosen based on the weekly lectionary used in most Christian liturgical churches. The Scripture lessons include an Old Testament writing, a Psalm, an Epistle and a Gospel.Participants should bring their Bible and no homework is required. During the breakfast meeting each assigned Scripture is read and discussed regarding the context and the meaning for people today. Those who attend may order breakfast from the menu and are responsible for the cost. For further information call study facilitator Bob Andersen at 828-697-0464. Wellness ministry offers workouts The wellness ministry at Grace Lutheran Church invites the community to participate in twice-weekly free exercise classes to promote healthy bodies. A walking exercise class is offered on Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9 a.m. in Stull Hall. After a devotion, a walking DVD gives participants the option to walk between one and four miles. Weights and stretch bands are also available. Participants can choose easy walking or vigorous workouts. Drop-ins are welcome.With photos of Tavernier, Hanna Coffee concerts benefit city’s Community Theatre Christopher Tavernier, a 16-year-old concert pianist from Hendersonville, will be the featured performer in back-to-back coffee-themed concerts that will benefit the Hendersonville Community Theatre. The free concerts, on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 14 and 15, will be at the theater, 229 S. Washington St.The concerts are part of a three-concert series, sponsored by the Music Foundation of Western North Carolina. The 2nd Annual Benefit Concert Series will also include a classical and jazz concert on Friday, Jan. 27.The first concert, “A Rich Blend of Piano Solo Classics,” will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. This concert will feature popular classical piano solos from the Baroque, Romantic and Modern periods. The second concert, “Cappuccino: A Rich Swiss Blend of Clarinet & Piano,” will be 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, and will include local clarinetist Matthew Hanna. The musicians will perform both solos and duets, including the modern classic “Sonata for Clarinet in B-flat and Piano” by the late French composer Francis Jean Marcel Poulenc. Also on the program are several other selections, both solos and duets. Free coffee will be served at both concerts. For more information call (828) 707-2604 or visit HendersonvilleTheatre.org. Racquet Club offers adult tennis lessons The Hendersonville Racquet Club is offering a six-week series of classes for adult beginner tennis players every Wednesday from 7-8pm starting Jan. 11. The cost is $60 for the six weeks.All classes are taught by certified tennis professions and will be held on HRC’s indoor courts. For more info visit hvillerc.com, call 693-0040 ext. 109 or email info@hvillerc.com. Texas Exes invited to Chili Fest at brewery The WNC Texas Exes club invites Longhorns, Bears, Owls, Cougars, Aggies, Red Raiders, Mustangs, Horn Frogs and all other Texans and Texas alumni to Chili Fest 2017 from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Southern Appalachian Brewery, 822 Locust Street. Get out your favorite iron pot, chili pot, crock pot and fix up a big ole pot of Red. Fix it with or without beans. Those that don’t have a favorite recipe may bring a side or dessert. Cornbread, Mexican cornbread or pecan pie will do. SAB has beer, wine and soft drinks. To RSVP call 828-329-4971 or email noirs@aol.com. Local students win honors at Wingate Alexis Morse of Hendersonville was named to the Wingate University President’s List for the 2016 fall semester. The president’s list is made up of undergraduate students who earned a grade point average during the semester of at least a 3.80 with no grade below a C in a minimum of 12 semester hours.Named to the dean’s list were Benjamin Gustafson of Hendersonville, Emily Pruitt of Horse Shoe and Kendra Rice of Fletcher. To qualify for the dean’s list a student must earn a grade point average of at least a 3.30 with no grade below a C in a minimum of 12 semester hours. Fletcher calls for cooks for annual chili cook-off The Fletcher Parks and Recreation Department is inviting cooks to compete in the 16th annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veritas Christian Academy.Awards will be given for Best Overall Chili, Best Individual Chili, Best Business Chili, Best Table Décor and People’s Choice. All types of chili will be accepted including traditional chili, white chili and vegetarian chili. Cooks may download an application at www.FletcherParks.org or stop by Fletcher Town Hall. Applications should be returned to the parks and recreation department no later than Jan. 20. The event is free and the public is invited to taste all the different flavors Fletcher has to offer. For more information visit www.FletcherParks.org or call (828) 687-0751. Trinity Women invite public to Stop Hunger The Trinity Presbyterian Women invite people of all ages to participate in the third annual Stop Hunger Now food packaging event from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The project packages more than 10,000 dehydrated meals to be shipped to needy children and adults in disaster areas around the world. To register call Judi Weeter at 595-9354 to register. St. Gerard House hosting workshops St. Gerard House is partnering with Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center to host “Individual Education Plan” workshops.Students with special needs who attend public school must have an Individual Education Plan to receive services. The services may include occupational therapy, speech therapy, extra time on tests, special seating and sensory breaks. St. Gerard House and ECAC will bring the community two free workshops for families with disabilities and special needs. The first workshop, Introduction to the IEP, takes place Monday, Jan. 16. The second workshop, an IEP Clinic, is Monday, Feb. 20. The workshops will take place at St. Gerard House, 620 Oakland St.The workshops cover an Individual Education Plan, how to write measurable goals and objectives and explanations and examples of accommodations and modifications that can be used to support a child’s learning.St. Gerard House is a non-profit resource center and service provider assisting families and professionals in Western North Carolina. It serves individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, from diagnosis through adulthood and is committed to professionalism and excellence in services to meet the broad range of needs in our community.The workshops are free. A light dinner and childcare will be provided. Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. The workshop and childcare are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All materials and a CD will be provided at no cost. Registration is required by the Thursday before each workshop. For more information or to register contact Sharon Stokes at (828) 693-4223 or sharon@stgerardhouse.org. Cabin Creek Revue performs on Jan. 15 Cabin Creek Revue will headline the Bluegrass Bash at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15. The community is invited and there is no charge. Besides the music, complimentary cookies, cake and ice cream will be served. The Bluegrass Bashes, held year-round, attract nearly 200 vacationers as well as the churched and unchurched from many parts of the county for each performance. Old Testament prayers are focus of Bible study “Prayers of the Old Testament,” a Ladies’ Community Bible Study, will be held 9:30-11:00 a.m. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 11 and ending Feb. 22, at Hendersonville Presbyterian church on Seventh Avenue at North Grove Street. A study book costs $9. For information contact Jan at jandemirgian@gmail.com or 828-551-9226. Grace Lutheran Church sets prayer life workshop The community is invited to join the members of Grace Lutheran Church on Sunday, Jan. 15, from 3 to 5 p.m. for their annual “Recharge your Prayer Life” workshop focusing this year on the Holy Spirit. The free workshop will conclude with a time of Prayer and Praise followed by simple soup supper.The workshop will be led by Grace’s Prayer Ministry Team and joined by Pastor Ken Langsdorf as everyone explores ways the Holy Spirit teaches, guides and comforts each person as they learn to hear the inner voice of the Spirit and deepen their relationship with Him. Prayer Ministry Team member Deanna Plowman said: “People often ask, ‘Why do we need the Holy Spirit’s help when we pray?’ Too often we don’t even know how or what to pray, but the Holy Spirit guides us and gives us comfort. The Helper teaches us all things and brings to our remembrance all things Jesus has told us. Are we recognizing the Spirit’s definite help in praying about our deepest concerns? From Ephesians 2:18 we learn that He is our intercessor; for through Christ we all have access by the one Spirit to the Father.”To join the workshop, please register by Jan. 11 by calling the church at 828-693-4890 X304 (messages can be left on voice mail). Grace Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Sixth Avenue West and Blythe Street in Hendersonville.   Read Story »

Hendersonville Life

Most primary roads, a fifth of secondary roads, are cleared

N.C. Department of Transportation crews cleared 75 percent of interstate and primary routes in the division that includes Henderson County although icy spots remained. Through Saturday afternoon, the crews had cleared 20 percent of secondary roads. Meanwhile, state officials issued strong warnings about black ice after overnight lows that are forecast to fall into the single digits.   Read Story »

Flat Rock Life

Go tail it on the mountain: Dogs coming to Playhouse

Canines and comedy collide at the Flat Rock Playhouse in a smash hit performance that’s leaving audiences everywhere howling for more. From shelters to showbiz, the amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in a breathtaking, action-packed comedy dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented 4-legged performers. Deemed a "Must See" show by the Washington Post, Mutts Gone Nuts: A Canine Cabaret features furry stars that are sure to steal your heart and then your socks! Performances are 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. Individual tickets for this event and the rest of the Flat Rock Playhouse 2017 season go on sale on Monday, Jan. 9. For tickets call 828.693.0731 or visit flatrockplayhouse.org.   Read Story »

Hendersonville Life

Ask Matt ... about ups and downs of 2016

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. OK, 2016 wasn’t all that bad. We had new industry, a new cancer center, new schools, old schools, elections, wildfires, snakes and the construction of two supermarkets within an avocado’s throw of each other. No lack of good material. Here’s my annual pick of the best and worst. \/ A foot of snow closes schools for four days in January. DOT snow plows were AWOL. /\ Flat Rock Park neighbors whine about playground noise but Village Council stands its ground. Kids rule. \/ Paychecks to ex-staffer put Rep. Meadows in hot water with ethics panel. It’s our money Mark, not yours. <> City announces water restrictions during drought and cuts off water to downtown’s “mountain fountain.” Who noticed? /\ FernLeaf Academy opens as new Fletcher charter school. Note to teachers: FernLeaf is misspelled. (sideways) Unaffiliated voters overtake the GOP on county rolls. We know you’re just dodging robocalls. \/ Lake Osceola owner drains lake but drags feet on dam repairs. Summon the beavers. /\ Million Dollar Quartet rocks the Playhouse with Carl, Johnny, Elvis, and Jerry Lee. Great balls of fire! <> Trump stumps in Fletcher but leaves huge 757 jet behind. No matter, we’ve already seen the Concorde. \/ City loses yardage with Mill building preservation deal, tries a hail Mary for a hotel but the fans are leaving the stadium. /\  Laurel Park passes leash law for dogs. Cats get a pass. But no more shooting the birds in town. Tweet that. \/ Bengal tiger escapes from Edneyville petting zoo. Can’t be fake news if it’s on Facebook. \/ Garden Jubilee goers hit for cash by parking lot entrepreneurs. Come on folks, can’t you just sell donuts? \/ Orange barrels gone at the airport interchange but they will be back for I-26 widening. Enjoy. /\ Old Quality Inn morphs into cool resort with 3 hot tubs and indoor pool slide. Wheee! /\ How much law could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Well, how about two Chucks. Voters elect Chuck Edwards to the state Senate and return Chuck McGrady to the House. Good luck down there at the sausage mill boys, there’s a new boss in town. But when it comes to our delegation, we’ll find out if two Chucks are better than one. \/ Publix and Ingles get into a food fight to open new stores. Motor mile mentality comes to cabbage corner. /\ Dirty Dancing producers snub Asheville and open studio near 7th Ave. Who were those Hollywood stars anyway? <> Apple Festival attendance tops 285,000. Crowd avoidance option: Saluda’s Coon Dog Day. <> Henson beats Copelof for State House seat. Newbie with old family name trumps former Navy officer. Thanks for your service, Captain. /\ GF Linamar to build $217 million plant in Mills River. Etowah gets Domino’s Pizza. Hey, all jobs are good jobs. <> Gov. McCrory observes firefighting in Bat Cave after dealing with down east floods. Yes, he’s seen fire and rain. /\  City moves Rhythm & Brews concerts to Main Street. Beer lines are shorter. Homer Simpson salutes you. /\ County Schools rated 4th best in the state. Warning to Chapel Hill preppies: don’t look behind you. \/ Illinois stalker assaults Kelly McGillis in her Edneyville home. Actress saved by 9-1-1 call. Memo to NRA: phones do work. <> Mills River raises taxes to pay for police contract. Attention city fathers, you’re getting too big to be outsourcing. /\ Pardee, Wingate, BRCC settle into new Health Sciences Center. The City and County got the traction. High fives all around. <> First Baptist Church buys eyesore post office for more parking. Guess it couldn’t be...saved. /\ County Commissioners nix mega housing project on Horse Shoe Farm. Score one for community planning. <> Serpentarium opens in Mills River. Great for kids but not a charmed life for 200 snakes. /\ Local filmmaker David Weintraub rolls out doc on the 1916 flood. What have we done 100 years hence? Uh, well we paved paradise. \/ Carriage Park developer files for bankruptcy. Dang, we thought the recession was over. /\ National magazine taps H’ville as a top 8 retirement spot. Cool, but little ol’ Knoxville made the list too. Really. /\ Weather Channel star Jim Cantore does apple country broadcast to usher in autumn. Thanks buddy but this drought’s on you! \/ Seven Falls lot owners in stalemate on next steps to get their phoenix to rise from the ashes. It’s your funeral. <> County forges ahead with new HHS with not a penny for Stillwell building. Not to worry, the old courthouse was fixed in just 13 years. \/ Massive 3-day search ends for Pisgah hikers. Couple, dog, guitars found safe busking on Asheville street corner. Throw the bums a dime. Enjoy the rest of the year. If you still have shopping to do, forget the smoked sausage log. A gift subscription to the Lightning is a great idea and there is never ever any fake news.   * * * Matt Matteson writes the Ask Matt column for the Lightning.   Read Story »

Hendersonville Life

Kids' events, Apple Drop highlight New Year's Eve celebration

Henderson County is putting on its first New Year's Eve event with children's activities early and an Apple Drop at midnight. Sponsored by Park Ridge Health, Wingate University, Downtown Hendersonville and Henderson County, the framily-friendly celebration will start with the children's activities from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Historic Courthouse plaza. Activities include:• New Year’s Resolution Board – a large board with various colored markers will be set up for people to write down and share their New Year’s resolutions. After the event, the board will be displayed in the Historic Courthouse lobby.• Musical Chairs – using the Billboard 100’s list of top music for 2016, we will have several musical chairs competitions with prizes for the winners.• Predict the Future 2017 Board – a large board will be set up for people to write down their predictions for 2017. The board will be on display in the Historic Courthouse lobby.• Decorate a New Year’s Hat – Colored markers and other decoration supplies will be provided for children and young at heart adults.• Lip Synch Battle – a la Jimmy Fallon, we will use the Billboard top 100 list for 2016 to have lip synch battles.• GMT New Year’s Countdown at 7:00 p.m. – We will have a countdown to midnight in London at 7:00 p.m.• Corn Hole – There will be three corn hole boards set up for children and parents to play.After a recess, the Apple Drop ceremonies will begin at 11 p.m. This part of the evening’s events will include:• Music playing as people gather to await the Apple Lighting/Apple Drop.• Coffee and hot chocolate will be available to keep the revelers warm• Wingate University will have a tent/photo booth• A local celebrity will emcee the Apple Drop and usher in the New Year• Warming stations will be providedMain Street will be closed between First and Second avenues from 10 p.m. till midnight. In case of inclement weather (rain or snow) or extreme cold (subfreezing temperatures/high wind-chill) the event will be cancelled.   Read Story »

Henderson County Life

Baker Barber photos going on display

You may not know it, but many Thursday afternoons there’s detective work going on in the public library. Twice a month, volunteers gather in the Kaplan Auditorium while their leader, Ron Partin, assembles a batch of 20-30 digital images to display on the giant screen before them.   Read Story »

North Carolina Life

'Roadside Eateries' reveals where the locals chow down

D.G. Martin traces his love of home-cooked country food to his upbringing in Charlotte, where a football teammate introduced him to “the wonders of the annual Mallard Creek Church barbecue” — the exemplar of how “good barbecue and a host of friendly people make a meal into something memorable.”   Read Story »

Hendersonville Life

Here's big list of holiday events

From ice skating to music to holiday greenery to custom hot chocolate treats downtown Hendersonville offers loads of events for Christmas. Here is a list of holiday events downtown and beyond: Dec. 5 – Jan. 1: Winter Lights Holiday Tour: Take a trolley trip to the North Carolina Arboretum to experience the Winter Lights display – masterful outdoor displays created by a Disneyworld lighting veteran – tour is 6-8:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays, Asheville, NC 828-606-8606, ncwinterlights.com Dec. 5 – Dec. 30: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is a drive-through display with acres of lights and music. Open nightly at the WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, 888-321-7542, shadrackchristmas.com/asheville Dec. 5 – Dec. 25: Santa House: Come see where the jolly old elf lives at the corner of 6th and North Main St., Hendersonville Dec. 5 – Dec. 24: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Photo Display: (Mon-Sat. 8 am-7 pm; Sun. 10 am-5 pm) – FREE Carolina Ace Hardware, 911 Greenville Hwy., Hendersonville, 828- 697-2237, carolinaace.com Dec. 5 – 24: Carolers: Hear local church and community group singers perform favorite Christmas carols each weekend – Main Street, Hendersonville Dec. 5 – Dec. 22: Holiday Greenery Market: Shop for your garland, wreaths and Fraser fir trees downtown on an old-time filling station lot with retro trailer, lighting display and Santa House – 620 North Main St., Hendersonville, 828-698-7525 Dec. 5 – 18: A Christmas Carol at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage. Wed-Sun. $15-$40. Flat Rock, NC 828-693-0731 www.flatrockplayhouse.org Dec. 5 -18: Music on the Rock “A Celtic Christmas”: Christmas music of Scotland and Ireland through the ages – Thursday-Sunday – Flat Rock Playhouse – Downtown, 125 South Main St., Hendersonville, 693-0731, flatrockplayhouse.org/show/a-celtic-christmas Dec. 5 – 18: Santa’s Gourmet Hot Chocolate Workshop: Warm up your holidays with a special hot chocolate creation you design! Available at The Green Room, 536 North Main, Hendersonville, every weekend between November 4 and Dec. 18 – all day Friday and Saturday, 11 am – 3 pm Sundays, 828-692-6335, thegreenroomcafe.biz Dec. 9-10, 16-17: Carriage Rides on Main tour historic Main Street in an elegant horse-drawn carriage – rides start at the corner of 6th and Main, Hendersonville, 828-693-9708, visithendersonvillenc.org Dec. 9 – 11: Hendersonville Little Theatre presents Heaven in Your Pocket, a new musical by Mark Houston, Fri& Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 2pm, Hendersonville, NC 828-692-1082 www.hendersonvillecommunitytheatre.org Dec. 10 and 17: Christmas Music at The Green Room, come for dinner and drinks while enjoying enjoy live Christmas music performances. Saturdays, 5:30-7:30 pm, 536 North Main, Hendersonville, 828-692-6335 - thegreenroomcafe.biz Dec. 10 and 17: Children’s Christmas Workshop is a chance for kids to make a craft project as a gift for a parent, grandparent or sibling while watching a children’s Christmas movie. Jongo Java, 117 South Main St., Hendersonville, 828-696-9052 Dec. 10: Santa on the Chimney, Chimney Rock State Park, witness Santa’s daring stunt as he practices on one of the world’s largest chimneys with multiple 200-foot rappels! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities, plus meet live critters, 11am-2pm, 828-625-9611, www.chimneyrockpark.com Dec. 10: Christmas Fun at the Farm features a variety of activities including twilight house tours, pictures with Santa and make your own ornaments. 3 – 6 p.m. at Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood Rd. Hendersonville, 28791, 828-891-6585, www.historicjohnsonfarm.org Dec. 10: Christmas at the Zoo offers a Nativity scene; Santa Claus; caroling; music all day; animals; decorations, from 10 am – 5 pm (weather permitting). Jackson Farm & Petting Zoo, 2025 Gilliam Mountain Road, 828-551-2883, jacksonfarmandpettingzoo.com Dec. 10: Pet Photos With Santa is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Humane Society – come in and have your pet’s photo taken with Santa Claus from 10 a.m. – noon. ACE Hardware, 911 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville, 828-329-3753, blueridgehumane.org Dec. 10: Christmas Tea at Connemara is hosted by “A Southern Cup” at the Carl Sandburg Home in Historic Flat Rock (formal tea attire optional) , two seating’s: 10 am and 2 pm. 81 Carl Sandburg Ln., Flat Rock, 828-674-2003, friendsofcarlsandburg.org Dec. 10: Hendersonville Symphony “A Carolina Christmas” is a world-class Christmas performance by Hendersonville’s professional symphony orchestra. Begins at 3 p.m., Blue Ridge Community College, Hendersonville, 828-697-5884, hendersonvillesymphony.org Dec. 10: Henderson County Crafters Association Winter Arts & Crafts Show, featuring 30 juried, local artisans offering a variety of handmade items, 10am-3pm, NC National Guard Armory, Flat Rock, 828-489-2494, www.hendersoncountycrafters.org Dec. 10: Fletcher’s Annual Christmas Parade. 10:30 a.m. Between Old Airport Rd and Hwy 25. Dec. 10: Nnenna Freelon, Winner of the Billie Holiday Award from the Acadamie du Jazz, Freelon delights audiences with hit originals and beloved standards that recall the heydays of jazz legends; Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon, 28782; 828-859-8322 www.tryonarts.org Dec. 11: Cookie Caper & Inn Tour is a tour of thehistoric inns in the Hendersonville area. Collect a tasty treat at each destination. 1-4 pm, 828-697-3088, hendersonvillenc.gov Dec. 11: Gingerbread House Competition, watch teams build and decorate gingerbread houses, From 1 – 4 p.m. at Jongo Java Coffee House, 117 South Main St., Hendersonville, 828-696-9052. * * * * *   List of Home for the Holidays events was compiled by the Tourism Development Authority.   Read Story »

Hendersonville Life

Skating rink needs volunteers

Hendersonville's newest holiday treat, ice skating at the Visitors Center, is coming together with an added feature — a fire pit with s'mores. Organizers need loads of volunteers to help with attraction, a fundraiser for the America In Bloom Committee. Made by a company from Greenville, S.C., the 30x40-foot skating rink will fill most of the parking lot and hold up to 40 skaters at a time. The half-hour skating times will start at the top of the hour. Volunteers will clean the skate blades and apply a chemical to the ice rink and squeegee it off to keep the surface slick, said Mia Freeman, chair of the America In Bloom Committee and the organizer of the ice skating fundraiser. "The very first day we're having an opening show with a professional skater," Freeman said. Planners need to fill 4½-hour volunteer slots from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Dec. 20 through New Year's Day but they will accept shifts as short as two hours. Duties include ticket takers, checking ice skates out and back in, cleaning ice skate blades and making sure each skater signs a waiver. The county is requiring that all skaters under 18 have a waiver signed by their parents, "A lot of the volunteers are elderly so what I'm really concerned about is the cold weather," she said. "They really need to dress warm. We will have the Volunteer Center open during the day." The TDA is using its own list of volunteers and those who work the Garden Jubilee and Apple Festival to recruit help. Some businesses have signed up to take volunteer slots, too. Freeman has a busy holiday season. She's also in the cast for "Unwrapping Local History," the play about the Henderson County and Hendersonville history from 1900 through the 1960s. The cast has been rehearsing every night until 10 o'clock and it has four performances next Thursday through Saturday. "I bit off a lot more than I thought," she said. "I can't believe it I did this to myself." The TDA, which partnered with America in Bloom on the skating rink, has added a fire pit in the Visitors Center parking lot as part of its overall Home for the Holidays lineup of things to do downtown. For a small fee people can buy a s'mores kit and roast marshmallows. There will also be hot chocolate and other snacks for sale and benches for spectators to watch the skaters. The rink price, $8 for adults and $5 for children, includes the 30-minute skate and skate rental. “The skating rink is going to be one of the biggest draws we have because it’s unique and there aren’t a lot of communities around that will have anything like it. That’s why it’s getting such a buzz,” said Beth Carden, executive director of the TDA. To volunteer call Mia Freeman at 828-768-4413.     Read Story »

Life Archive