Henderson County News
The keynote speaker at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast used five quotations from the slain civil rights leader as guideposts that can show people how to “demonstrate love and strengthen your community.”
Valaida Fullwood, a Morganton native and graduate of UNC at Chapel Hill, is the author of Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists, which received the prestigious McAdam Book Award as “the most inspirational and useful new book for the non-profit sector.”
“In Giving Back,” said a short review at Goodreads.com, Fullwood “poignantly chronicles the African American philanthropy experience. Intimate vignettes and candid reflections reveal a myriad of philanthropic practices grounded in faith, mutuality, and responsibility.”
Valaida FullwoodFullwood urged a capacity crowd at the 18th annual tribute to King to take to heart the civil rights leader’s message “as a blueprint for a better America.”
The topic she chose to research deeply and write about, philanthropy, showed her many examples of “how to create community, how to be generous, how to give, how to impact people’s lives and the community.
“Translated from the Greek, philanthropy means love, love of humankind,” she said. “I like to think of it as love of what it means to be human.”
Some of King’s most inspiring words show how to demonstrate love, lead change and put others first:
“Life’s most personal and urgent question is, ‘What are we doing for others?’” King said. “So what are we doing for others?” Fullwood asked. “Some might say we need to be selfless. I would say we need to be self-full, giving all of yourself.”
“Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary,” King said. Fullwood challenged the audience to think beyond check-writing and look deeply at why the donation is needed to start with. “What are you choosing to overlook?”
“Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives,” King said. “What change are you willing to make,” Fullwood asked, “to demonstrate love and strengthen your community?”
“Nothing in the world is more dangerous,” King said, “than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” Fullwood urged people to be willing to engage closely with others, even strangers, to better understand their community and its needs. “What do you remain dangerously ignorant about largely because you stay at a distance?” she asked.
“For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it,” King said, “there is no stopping point short of victory.” “Are you willing to sacrifice for what is right?” she asked. King sacrificed his own life, 50 years ago on April 4 of this year, for what which is right. “That’s not what I’m suggesting you do. I’m suggesting sacrificing by letting go. Letting go of control, letting go of material things, letting go of needing to be liked by everybody, letting go of prejudice, letting go of having to be right all the time.”
Keeping in mind that Dr. King lived only to the age of 39, people ought to make their span of time count, avoid overlooking issues that cause poverty and injustice and make changes in their lives that demonstrate love of humankind, Fullwood said. The people gave her a standing ovation.
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Hendersonville News
Motorists cowering in fear at the prospect of roundabouts guarding access to the new Publix might want to gird themselves for the newest proposal for the I-26 interchange at Four Seasons Boulevard. The design would require drivers to turn British for a few hundred yards.
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Henderson County News
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Hendersonville Lightning is withholding the names of the juveniles in this report. They are referred to as Witness 1, Witness 2 and Witness 3.
Three teenaged boys testified in court Friday that group home founder and operator Michael Absher drove them to a high school where they bought marijuana and later bought them alcohol, which the boys consumed at the group home with his knowledge.The stunning testimony came in a daylong trial in Henderson County District Court, where Absher faces charges of allowing the juveniles to consume alcohol and of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The case has only just gotten started and Absher has yet to put on his defense. When Judge Patricia Young ordered potential witnesses out of the courtroom, seven or eight people walked out, including the three boys who testified Friday and other boys who are expected to testify on Absher’s behalf when the case resumes on Tuesday morning after the three-day holiday weekend.Absher, who impressed dozens of supporters with his inspiring personal story of rising from homeless as a teenager himself to founding Only Hope WNC, took notes on a legal pad, consulted a thick notebook with details of his defense and spoke with defense attorney Doug Pearson as the teenagers testified about what happened in November and December 2016. Absher faces misdemeanor charges of aiding and abetting alcohol consumption by a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. A member of the School Board, Absher, 28, is the founder and leader of Only Hope WNC, which operates a nonprofit group home on Allen Road in East Flat Rock.Because of the potential for conflict of interest among other elected officials in Henderson County, the case involves a judge and prosecutor from Buncombe County — District Court Judge Patricia Young and Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Ingle.The first witness was a 16-year-old student at Henderson County Career Academy and Innovative High School who was terminated from Only Hope on April 1 after violating group home policy. During cross-examination, Pearson drew from the witness that he was on probation for a fight that caused injuries serious enough to send the victim to Mission hospital for reconstructive surgery. The witness also acknowledged that he had been kicked out of Only Hope for fighting. When Pearson asked him if he had been disciplined for shoving Absher against a wall, the boy said no, that had happened in a car.The witness testified that he came to live at Only Hope in early November 2016 based on his probation officer’s recommendation because of instability in his home life with divorced parents. The boy, 15 at the time, testified that Absher helped the teenagers buy pot by giving them a ride and money.
“So the defendant would actually take you to where you would purchase marijuana?” Ingle asked.Yes, the witness said.
The boys said Absher knowingly permitted their pot smoking in a bathroom of the residence where there were no video cameras.Asked about their relationship at that time, Witness 1 said, “By that time he was kind of my friend and guardian.”The first witness and the next two, all 15 at the time, testified to what happened about a week before Christmas in 2016.Absher drove Witness 1, the one living at the home, to pick up Witness 2 and Witness 3, at the home of Witness 3 that afternoon or early evening. The three boys were friends who had known one another for around a year or so and hung out at school, Balfour Education Center at the time, played basketball at Etowah Park and played video games on Xbox. Only Witness 1 lived at the group home.That night, according to their testimony, after Absher picked them up, they got pizza. Then Absher drove them to West Henderson High School, where one of the boys bought marijuana, the witnesses said.“He (Absher) gave me $50 and (Witness 2) had $20,” Witness 1 said. “It was decided we’d get high and have a good time.”None of the boys testified that Absher ever participated in smoking pot.Back at the house, the teenagers asked Absher to go out and buy them liquor.“They argued back and forth and Michael finally told (Witness 1) to shut up and he’d go,” Witness 2 said.Absher drove to the ABC store and came back with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, regular Smirnoff and pineapple Smirnoff vodka, one of the boys said. Absher told the boys how to conceal the alcohol use.“Michael said there was no cameras in his room, to take it in there,” Witness 2 said.All three testified that they did not give Absher money for the booze and that he never told them they should not be drinking alcohol.“At any time did Michael prevent you or hinder you from drinking alcohol?” Ingle asked.“No,” Witness 3 said with a chuckle. “Not at all.”At 2:51 p.m., two questions into Pearson’s adversarial cross-examination, Witness 1 stood up and tried to leave the witness stand.“Whatever happens happens,” he said. “I’ve given enough of my time for this.”Judge Young warned him that he was not free to leave and, although she could not force him to stay and answer questions from the defense, she would have to strike his testimony for the state if he would not sit for the cross-examination. After a 15-minute recess, Witness 1 returned to the stand.Pearson tried to establish that Witness 1 had made the allegations against Absher in retaliation for being kicked out of the house. The defense attorney pointed out that the teenager never told law officers, a school resource officer or any other authority about drinking alcohol and smoking pot at the house until after April 1, 2017, when he was thrown out.Witness 1 also testified that Absher had ordered a vacuum storage container for pot and two smoking pipes from Amazon. He had made Snapchat pictures of those items and sent them to Henderson County sheriff’s Detective Aaron Lisenbee, the lead investigator in the case. Also part of the case are the witness’s Snapchat photos of pot in the home and one at West Henderson High, where the witnesses said they bought pot.
D.A. drops threat charge
One Absher charge did get resolved on Friday.The state agreed to drop a charge against Absher for communicating threats. The charge was brought by Tony Carswell, an East Henderson High School teacher, after a dispute over Absher’s failure to sign in when he visited the high school. Absher, who had filed a complaint of his own accusing Carswell of threatening him, said Friday that he had dropped his complaint earlier.
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Henderson County News
The Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation honored five outstanding employees for their service to the community, the college and its students The 2018 award recipients were announced Wednesday by the Board of Directors of the Foundation. The award winners:
Jack IglemanBusiness Administration Instructor Jack Igelman received the Dr. and Mrs. William D. Killian Outstanding Teacher Award for his dedication to motivating and helping all students recognize their abilities and potential. Jack was recognized for his use of non-traditional and innovative strategies to deliver complex subject matter to his students. He was also commended for his work with Discover Diversity Week and the Inclusive Education Committee.
Peter HemansPeter Hemans received the Dr. Molly A. Parkhill Staff Person of the Year Award. With 20 years of service to the College, Peter currently serves as Facilities Director. Recognized for his exceptional performance and can-do attitude, he most recently coordinated major building projects at the Health Sciences Center and Innovative High Schools with Henderson County while still managing a large multi-faceted, fast-paced department which serves three campuses in two counties.
Tom HayesThomas Hayes received the Dr. Eliza B. Graue Extra Mile Award for his dedicated investment in the lives of students at Blue Ridge Community College. Thomas was praised for his countless hours of teaching preparation in order to help students succeed in classes, especially those with advanced scientific topics. His students gave numerous examples of his efforts to help them succeed in class, their program of study, and their career path. He currently serves as Biology Instructor.
Shelah CombsEarly Childhood Instructor Shelah Combs received the Dr. David W. Sink Jr. Community Service Award. Shelah was recognized for her exceptional service to the community and for passing on her dedication for community involvement to her students. Through her leadership, Blue Ridge Community College early childhood students gain valuable workplace skills by participating in a wide variety of community service activities. She, herself, volunteers in many areas that focus on children and families including Art in the Park, Kindergarten Readiness Rally, and Week of Young Child Conference. She also assists local organizations during the holidays to gather donations of toys and food for area families.
Belinda FrantzdRetention Specialist Belinda Frantz received the Wellness Award. She competed against other employees using a point-based system designed by the College Wellness Committee to encourage long-term healthy lifestyles through friendly competition. Belinda participated in numerous wellness events and challenges throughout the year.Retention Specialist Belinda Frantz received the Wellness Award. She competed against other employees using a point-based system designed by the College Wellness Committee to encourage long-term healthy lifestyles through friendly competition. Belinda participated in numerous wellness events and challenges throughout the year.
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Mills River News
District Attorney Greg Newman has dismissed the simple assault charge filed against West Henderson High School men’s basketball coach Joey Bryson, saying a video of the incident with an opposing team's player failed to show a push that the player's mother had alleged.
The charge was initiated by a North Henderson player following the game at West Henderson on Dec. 15. West Henderson won the game in overtime. Following the game, the North student and his mother went to the magistrate’s office and caused the criminal charge to be issued against the West Henderson coach. A court date of Jan 26 was scheduled.
“I will not prosecute cases against teachers that have not been properly and thoroughly vetted by law enforcement,” Newman said. "I reviewed video footage of the reported incident and I saw no evidence of any crime being committed by Coach Bryson. What I saw was that Coach Bryson was conferring with one of his players while a foul shot was taking place. The North Henderson player encroached upon their space and the coach flung the hand of the North player away. The charging document issued by the magistrate accused the coach of 'pushing” the player.' I did not see any evidence of pushing. Contact was definitely made by the coach, but it does not rise to any type of criminal action."
The District Attorney went on to say that, “there were at least two sheriff’s deputies at the game who did not believe that any crime had occurred. They were engaged with removing an irate fan from the center of the basketball court. Also, I find it significant that the referees did not call a technical foul on the West Henderson coach or bench."
Newman added that he has explained his decision to the complainant’s mother and that the matter is under review by school system administrators. Read Story »
Hendersonville News
Bossert appoints
campaign manager
The Leadership Committee of the Norm Bossert for State Senate campaign has appointed Meg Hoke campaign manager. Hoke is a Hendersonville resident who has become known in progressive circles for organizing and hosting weekly postcard parties resulting in over 12,000 postcards being written by hundreds of attendees making their opinions heard on federal, state and local issues. “I have gotten to know Norm over the last several months,” Hoke said in a news release. “He is a dependable, steady presence, always takes time to really talk to people and learn what matters to them. As a retired principal who dedicated his career to education, he has strong opinions about public schooling. But he is also a champion for issues such as health care, housing, and the environment. I’m a social worker, so it’s important to me that a candidate have compassion for those who are vulnerable and struggling. Norm is that kind of man. I’m honestly thrilled and honored to be asked to serve in this way. It’s going to be an exciting year!”Hoke moved to the area in 2005, having fallen in love with the mountains as a child visiting her grandparents here. She attended Wake Forest University and has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas.“I think Meg’s training in communication and coordination are absolutely vital in her position as campaign manager,” Bossert said. “Plus, she has such a heart for it. Meg is the perfect person for this role.”
GOP sets Men’s Club,
breakfast gatherings
Sheriff Charlie McDonald is guest speaker for the first Republican Breakfast of the year at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Dixie Diner in Laurel Park. McDonald will speak on a number of topics affecting Henderson County and law enforcement. The Henderson County Republican Men’s Club will meet at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at the Dixie Diner. The Men’s Club is looking for volunteers the assist in recruiting, programs, marketing and speakers. A survey will be provided to solicit input on programs, location, speakers and other activities. All registered Republicans, men and women, are invited. For more information on the breakfast call 828-329-4971 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Health care forum
set for Sunday
A forum on the health, economic and social aspects of providing health care to all will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, and feature Joel R. Segal, who as the senior legislative aide to U.S. Rep. John Conyers was one of the lead staffers on the Affordable Care Act and co-authored HR 676, also known as “Expanded and Improved Medicare for All.” The event is at Patton Auditorium at BRCC.
“Millions of Americans are needlessly suffering because of our bloated, complicated, inefficient profit-driven healthcare system,” Segal says. “Nothing is more important than being able to get the healthcare you need when you need it, without the fear that it will bankrupt you. For many, it is quite literally life and death. That is why in 2003, while working for Congressman John Conyers, I co-wrote a bill that offered real solutions.”
Congressional candidate
at Poe House Jan. 23
Phillip Price, a Democratic candidate for Congress, invited voters to share their thoughts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the Poe House, 105 First Ave. W. For more information about Price go to https://price4wnc.org/.
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Henderson County News
Valaida Fullwood, author of the award-winning author of Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists, will be the keynote speaker at the 18th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 15, at the Blue Ridge Conference Hall at BRCC.A North Carolina native and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Fullwood received the prestigious McAdam Book Award, which recognizes “the most inspirational and useful new book for the non-profit sector.” Fullwood will have limited copies of her book available for purchase at the event and will autograph copies. Giving Back is $36.50. Breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. with the program directly following at 9 a.m. Though a ticketed event, the Unity Breakfast is open to the public. Tickets are required and can be purchased at the door or at Community Foundation of Henderson County, 401 North Main Street, Suite 300. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-12. For information call 828-697-6224. Read Story »
Henderson County News
With recent reports of an increase in flu activity, Pardee UNC Health Care is experiencing a surge in patients, especially with visits to their Emergency Department.
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Henderson County News
Tonya Dirkse was, in her own words, at her breaking point.
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