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Moss column: The 'no grow' movement is winning

Laurel Park News

NIMBY NATION: County has colorful history of citizen uprisings

When he started his unlikely fight against a gigantic project to build 14 dams on tributaries of the French Broad River, Jere Brittain knew the odds were stacked against him.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Safelight director leaving for new job

The Board of Directors of Safelight, Inc. announced Sunday Executive Director Tanya Blackford will be leaving her position effective Jan. 23, to become Area Director for Crossnore School & Children’s Home.Under Blackford’s leadership since 2003, Safelight and its affiliated programs have significantly expanded the services available to adults and children who have been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The expansion of services included the merger of Mainstay, the domestic violence center, with The Healing Place, sexual assault center. Through innovative partnerships, additional services have been added including the Dandelion Eatery, Believe Child Advocacy Center, the Henderson County Family Justice Center, and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program at Park Ridge Health, Pardee Hospital, and The Free Clinics. Blackford’s vision also led to a transformative renovation of the Safelight shelter this year, creating more private living spaces for individuals and families.“Tanya led our organization during a time of significant transitions and partnerships that strengthened our ability to provide services,” said Board Chair Pat Ashe. “The Board is grateful for Tanya’s hard work, dedication and inspiring leadership. We will miss her but wish her well in her new position.”Crossnore School & Children’s home works to create a sanctuary of hope and healing for children in their homes, schools, and in the community. Services include residential group foster care, community-based foster care, clinical services, and educational services. Crossnore currently has campuses in Crossnore and Winston Salem, NC, with plans to begin serving children in the Hendersonville area.“Although we are all sad to see Tanya leave Safelight, we take comfort in the fact that the children of our community will be the future beneficiaries of her talents,” Ashe added.Blackford begins her new position on Jan. 25.     Read Story »

Henderson County News

Marathon cyclist covers miles in the 100s

Larry Oslund has only been a part of the Ultra Marathon Cycling world for three years and has left his mark in dramatic fashion.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

LOCAL BRIEFS: Roots music, Happy Tails, compost pumpkins

The Center for Cultural Preservation, WNC’s cultural history and documentary film center, continues its 2017-18 “Keeping the Fires Burning” series with a performance by up-and-coming Johnson City roots musician Amythyst Kiah at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at Thomas Auditorium at BRCC. Kiah’s commanding stage presence is only matched by her raw and powerful vocals—a deeply moving, hypnotic sound that stirs echoes of a distant and restless past. An expert performer on the banjo and acoustic guitar, she also has an incredible grasp on the history of Appalachian African-American roots music. Her eclectic influences span decades, drawing heavily on old-time music (Mississippi Sheiks, Son House, Jimmie Rodgers, Olla Belle Reed, Carter Family), inspired by strong R&B and country music vocalists from the ‘50s-’70s (Big Mama Thornton, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mahalia Jackson, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn) and influenced by contemporary artists with powerful vocal integrity (Adele, Florence and the Machine, Megan Jean and the KFB, Janelle Monae). Tickets are $10 and advanced reservations are strongly recommended by visting www.saveculture.org or calling (828) 692-8062. Recycle your holiday leftovers Between Halloween and Thanksgiving households will accumulate plenty of jack-o-lanterns and fall squash leftovers. Instead of filling the landfill, they can become compost at the Henderson County Convenience Center.Residents can bring leftover pumpkins and decorative squash to the food waste collection bins at the Henderson County Convenience Center through Dec. 8. Since September, residents have deposited 243 pounds of food waste into the bins at the recycling center, kicking off a strong start to the 10-month pilot program. Providing this voluntary collection option is part of the Solid Waste Division’s long-term waste reduction strategy. The collected food waste and pumpkins is taken to Atlas Organics in upstate South Carolina, mixed with other organic materials, and eventually become saleable gardening material. Throughout the month of November, residents can also participate in a canned food drive at the Convenience Center to benefit local food pantries through Manna Foodbank. Needed items include: dried/canned beans, peanut butter (no glass jars), canned meats, hearty soups, canned fruits, fruit/vegetable juices, cereals and grains (bag or box), canned vegetables, and meals in a box or can (stews, chili, mac-n-cheese). Find more information online at https://www.mannafoodbank.org/how-you-can-help/donate/donate-food/. This food waste and pumpkin collection program is for use by Henderson County residents. No household trash or recycling is acceptable in the food waste collection bins. Only organic materials are accepted, even painted pumpkins (please remove any candles or other items). The Convenience Center, at 265 Convenience Center Drive, is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information on this and other recycling programs, visit hcrecycles.org or call Environmental Programs at (828) 694-6524. Master Gardener signup is now open Henderson County’s Extension Service is accepting applications for its 2018 Master Gardener program through Nov. 10. The program’s educational component includes a required 12-week class typically offered on Wednesday mornings from mid-January through early April. Topics include general botany; soils and fertilizers; annuals, perennials and woody ornamentals; trees; and plant diseases. Students also give 40 hours of volunteer service for the remainder of their first year. Once certified as a Master Gardener, each must volunteer 25 hours per year on approved projects, and continue their horticulture education through occasional part-day classes.Applications are available at the Extension Office, 100 Jackson Park Road in Hendersonville. Candidates can also request an emailed form by calling 828-697-4891 or emailing sdpettis@ncsu.edu. The training fee is $130, and class size is limited. Pardee on rebound from weak 1st quarter Pardee Hospital reported a lackluster first quarter financially but is off to a strong start in the second quarter of its fiscal year, the Pardee Board of Directors was told last week.The finance committee reported that admissions were 7.9 percent under budget and 1 percent above last year. In-patients surgeries were up by 7.7 percent while emergency room visits were 2.8 percent below budget and 4.6 percent behind last year. The hospital lost $563,399 in September.The first quarter report came after the board received a positive presentation on its FY17 audit, which showed that the hospital finished the year on June 30 with a 1.5 percent margin, bouncing back from a 10.5 percent loss in the previous fiscal year.The first quarter has been up and down, CEO Jay Kirby said, with a weak July followed by a strong August and a weak September. October is sustaining the pattern.“We’ve already more than made up for that (loss in September),” Kirby said. “You’ll see in October.” Happy Tails Lady offers pet care tips Charlotte Sheppard, The Happy Tails Lady, is hosting a “Spoil Your Pet” fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Humane Society 2-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at Sanctuary Brewing Company, 147 First Ave. E.The event is designed to teach pet owners little-known ways to care for their pets. The public is invited to attend short classes to learn how to use essentials oils to benefit pets, participate in a group healing for pets and their parents led by a Reiki Master Healer, and learn about pet massage, training, and nutrition. There will also be a class on pet trusts so attendees can learn how to provide for their pets if they survive their parents. Vendors will be on hand for early holiday shopping. Admission is free.For information on the fundraiser, visit Facebook.com/HappyTailsLady/. To learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society visit blueridgehumane.org   Read Story »

Henderson County News

WHHS senior selected for U.S. Army All-American band

Michael Bell of West Henderson High School was honored today as a 2018 U.S. Army All-American band member during an event at the school, joining an elite group of marching band members who will perform during halftime at the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. A senior, Bell plays trumpet and is drum major for the Falcon marching band.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

LIGHTNING REVIEW: Treadway shines in 'Dial M for Murder'

Where would Miss Marple be if you handed her the murderer on a silver platter without her having to solve the case through meticulous attention to the smallest clues?   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Commissioners may call timeout on big subdivisions

Confronted by repeated protests over housing developments and road improvements, the Board of Commissioners may call a timeout on growth.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Don't miss this week's Hendersonville Lightning (150)

You won't want to miss this week’s Hendersonville Lightning.    Read Story »

Henderson County News

Clear Creek tops in state for academic growth

Clear Creek Elementary School was named the 2017 N.C. National Title I Distinguished School for High Progress at a ceremony in Greensboro on Friday, making it the top school among 1,443 Title I schools in North Carolina. As part of the designation, Clear Creek was awarded $12,500 to support the continued education of its students. “This recognition truly honors the dedication of Clear Creek’s administrators and teachers, who daily provide all students with equal access to a high quality, engaging education,” said schools Superintendent Bo Caldwell. The National Title I Distinguished School designation recognizes high student achievement in schools that have substantial poverty rates, high end-of-grade success rates, and significant growth in scores. Each year, two Title I schools from North Carolina are chosen to represent the state as National Title I Distinguished Schools in the “High Performance” and “High Progress” categories. Approximately 10 percent of Title I schools in North Carolina – 140 schools – were eligible to be included in the Distinguished Schools process; schools in the top 10 percent of those eligible schools – the top 1 percent of Title I schools statewide – were asked to submit portfolios for consideration for the prestigious N.C. National Title I Distinguished School Awards. This is the fifth year in a row Clear Creek has received recognition as a top ranking Title I school eligible for a National Title I Distinguished School Award, and the first time it has represented North Carolina as a National Title I Distinguished School. The most recent school in the district to be named a N.C. National Title I Distinguished School was Dana Elementary in 2012. “Many individuals become teachers because they want to change the world and believe educating the next generation is the way to do it,” said Director of Student Services Matt Gruebmeyer. “Clear Creek's selection as an N.C. National Title I Distinguished School is only the most recent sign that Clear Creek staff, families and community are succeeding in that effort.” “This is a recognition of our teachers’ hard work to meet the academic, emotional, physical, and social needs of every Clear Creek Cub –every day,” said Principal Marcie Wilson. She said the designation also highlights the collaboration among the school and local community and business leaders, who engage with and mentor Clear Creek students. “We’re so fortunate to have such great community partners,” she said.     Read Story »

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