Flat Rock News
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.’ 1 Corinthians 13:12
FLAT ROCK — Shortly before he ascended the pulpit of St. John in the Wilderness Church on Sunday afternoon, the Rt. Rev. Porter Taylor had learned a relevant piece of church history.
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Henderson County News
Erik Dowdy, one of the top real estate sales agents in Atlanta, could have been scarred for life from his first brush with racism at age 11.
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Henderson County News
Laborde honored for helping seniors
Robert LabordeHendersonville ophthalmologist Robert P. Laborde is among eye doctors honored for volunteer work to restore vision for seniors. The national public service program, EyeCare America, received the President’s Volunteer Service Award.A program of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, EyeCare America over the past 30 years has helped more than 1.8 million people obtain access to eye care and medical resources through a corps of more than 6,000 volunteer ophthalmologists.“Losing vision can be devastating, but some seniors think it’s inevitable due to their age and suffer in silence rather than seeking help,” Laborde said. “Today, we are very fortunate to have several treatments to help stop and even restore vision loss for older Americans. It’s an honor to be part of a national program that helps make it so much easier for seniors to access these treatments, and I’m pleased that my work has helped gain recognition of EyeCare America from the President.”Those interested in the program can see if they qualify for a sight-saving eye exam and care at no out-of-pocket cost by visiting EyeCare America’s online referral center at www.eyecareamerica.org. The online referral center also allows friends and family members to find out if their loved ones are eligible to be matched with an EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologist.Laborde Eye Group treats Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, and diseases of the retina.
Rudnick fund donates $50k for cancer center
The Perry N. Rudnick Endowment has pledged $50,000 in support of the Pardee Comprehensive Cancer Center Campaign, the Pardee Hospital Foundation announced.“On behalf of Pardee Hospital Foundation, I would like to thank the Rudnick Endowment for their long-time support and generous gift to Pardee’s new Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Kim Hinkelman, executive director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “Our donors help make leading-edge cancer care in our community possible.”Set to open in fall 2016, the Comprehensive Cancer Center will house advanced services and facilities to provide more convenient care, better research capability, increased synergy among providers and better outcomes for patients.
Park Ridge among top places to give birth
Park Ridge Health has received the 2016 Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics, Park Ridge announced.The evidence-based designation is the only award that identifies the country’s best health care institutions for obstetrics based on robust criteria that consider female patient satisfaction, clinical excellence and what women say they want from a hospital. The list of more than 400 award winners, including Park Ridge Health, represents hospitals that offer exceptional obstetric services. These hospitals ranked above the national average for patient safety, thereby supporting a woman’s decision when choosing the best for her maternity needs. In 2015, The Baby Place at Park Ridge Health was the choice of parents for the births of more than 600 babies.“At The Baby Place, we care for our patient’s body, mind and spirit during their time with us,” said Beth Cassidy, Director of OB/GYN for The Baby Place. “Birth is a life-changing event and the nursing staff, nurse practitioners, physicians and midwives are committed to delivering the best experience possible.”To learn more about The Baby Place at Park Ridge Health visit parkridgebabies.com or call 855.PRH.LIFE (855.774.5433).
Southeastern manages Pardee rehab centers
Pardee Hospital announced last week that Southeastern Fitness and Rehabilitation is managing two Pardee Rehabilitation locations.Effective Jan. 1, Southeastern Fitness and Rehabilitation assumed management of Pardee Rehabilitation’s new Turtle Creek location in South Asheville as well as its existing location at the Mission Pardee Health Campus in Arden.Southeastern Fitness and Rehabilitation provides physical therapy, occupational therapy and post-operative care for orthopedic, muscular, bone and joint injuries and pain, as well as aquatic therapy, a fitness facility and massage therapy. Additionally, the program offers preventive and onsite medical care to student-athletes at 10 area high schools and middle schools.
Pardee now offering 3D mammograms
Pardee Hospital will offer the latest in breast cancer screening advances with 3D mammography exams. 3D mammography exams are clinically proven to detect 41 percent more invasive breast cancers and reduce false positives by up to 40 percent, decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing or biopsies. Appointments are currently being scheduled and can be made by calling 828.698.7979.The 3D mammography exam allows doctors to examine breast tissue layer by layer. So, instead of viewing all of the complexities of breast tissue in a flat image, as with traditional mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below.“A great comparison would be to imagine if you were examining a book,” said Teresa Frady, Pardee Hospital mammography coordinator. ”With traditional 2D mammography, we would only be able to look at the front, sides and back cover of the book, but with new 3D mammography, we are able to see every page in the book and every word on the page.”A 3D mammography exam is very similar to having a traditional mammogram. There’s no additional compression required with the exam, and it only takes a few seconds. The exams also deliver a very low dose of radiation, roughly equal to that of traditional mammography, well within FDA guidelines.Appointments are currently being scheduled and most major insurance policies cover the exam. However, Pardee will cover any fees that insurance companies do not insure during the first year the machine is out. For more information, go online to pardeehospital.org. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 828.698.7979.
Pardee invites women to ‘Live Empowered’
Pardee Hospital will host “Live Empowered: A Ladies Night Out” on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown, at 125 S. Main St.Attendees will join Pardee Hospital health care providers for an informative, interactive gathering to learn more about how to protect their back/spine, knees and shoulders from injury. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to gather fitness tips and information from health empowerment stations including yoga, massage, cycling, running, and overall exercise. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided at the free event.Karen Lewis, spine navigator with Pardee Spine Center, and physical therapist David Gerrer of the Pardee Rehab and Wellness Center, will be among the guest speakers. Other speakers include Rachel Heath, coordinator for medical wellness at Pardee Rehab and Wellness Center; Duane Young, PT and manager of Pardee Rehab and Wellness Center; and Jessica Foster, PT at Pardee Rehab and Wellness Center. Dr. Nathaniel Jablecki, medical director for Pardee Sports Medicine, will kick off the evening with his own personal remarks about injury prevention while staying active and empowered.
Cardio rehab program wins recertification
Pardee Hospital announced the recertification of its cardiovascular rehabilitation program, Heart Life, by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Pardee was again recognized for its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing standards of care.Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery stents and coronary artery bypass graft surgery) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.Pardee Cardiovascular Rehabilitation has offices next to Epic Theatres (212 B Thompson St.) and in Arden at the Mission Pardee Health Campus (2775 Hendersonville Road). Referral by a physician is required to participate in the program. Read Story »
Henderson County News
Contractors were finishing up work this week on a front counter at an old house on Kanuga Road that was last home to Bluewater Seafood.The town has seafood and it has pastries and it has KFC. Paul and Sarah Klaassen are sure that it needs chicken and donuts.Residents of Hendersonville for about five years, Paul and Sarah had been cooking in upscale kitchens. “We decided to go out and do our own thing,” he said. “We wanted to do something fun do two things that this town doesn’t really have yet.”Besides fried chicken by the piece and doughnuts, they plan to offer breakfast biscuits and chicken sandwiches plus Southern-style side dishes including mac’n’cheese, collard greens and Brussels sprouts. They also plan to locally source their ingredients, buying from the Mills River Creamery, a coffee company in Black Mountain and Blue Blaze soda in Asheville.“We are going to have beer and we’re going to try to get some of the local breweries that are in town — Sanctuary and Southern Appalachian,” he said. A brunch offering on Saturdays and Sundays will also offer champagne drinks.“We’ll have seating for 40 or 50 people and we’re also going to fence in the front yard with picnic tables,” Paul said.They plan to be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Read Story »
Henderson County News
The 100 block of South Main Street in Hendersonville is a neglected spot no more. Once a frontier that drew little foot traffic, the block is lively now thanks to pioneers like West First and the Poe House. Never Blue and Jonga Java benefit from the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown.
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Henderson County News
Servicemen who came home to Detroit after World War II wanted pizza in a deep pan like they had gotten in Europe.
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Henderson County News
The Lightning asked candidates for the Republican nomination for the 48th Senate District about the $2 billion bond issue for community college and university buildings, water and sewer systems and parks and National Guard facilities; the Ecusta Trail, a proposed 20-mile greenway connecting Hendersonville and Brevard; and goals for the 48th Senate District.
Here are answers from the candidates, Lisa Carpenter Baldwin of Fletcher, Chuck Edwards of Hendersonville and Dennis Justice of Fletcher.
What is your opinion of the $2 billion bond referendum that will be on the March 15 primary ballot?
Baldwin: I believe that the $2 billion bond referendum is essentially a “pork barrel” of pet political projects that will saddle the next generation with debt. It is, essentially, a tax increase, contrary to its portrayal by the website, http://connect.nc.gov/. If university facilities, parks, the zoo and agricultural research are a priority, then these projects should be in the budget. I have two children at NC State University and I see empty classrooms and underutilized buildings on campus. With today’s technology, on-line classes and distance learning, brick and mortar is less important than ensuring we have qualified master teachers.
Chuck Edwards: This issue will now be resolved at the polls, and there is no doubt that it contains some pet projects. My two concerns as a legislator are: First, if the people vote “yes” we must have in place the means to ensure the taxpayers’ money is being spent exactly as intended, and efficiently. This vast amount spread over 98 projects has huge potential for sloppy management. Secondly, if the people vote “no” then what is our next plan to build the collegiate infrastructure needed to prepare our citizens for better paying jobs? As far the National Guard and Public Safety portions, I doubt many people would dispute today that we need to better protect ourselves.
Dennis Justice: I strongly oppose it. I am the one candidate who speaks with credibility when I say I campaigned against the defeated 1997 school bond referendum, saving taxpayers many $millions. I believe our children’s needs are our problem, not theirs. I therefore oppose long-term debt at any level and propose a state constitutional amendment to limit all future state and local debts to four years, while increasing abilities for local governments to raise revenue without the “overlord mentality” in Raleigh. When current debts are off the books, it will create virtually “pay-as-you-go” government. I also oppose the local sales tax referendum.
How do you feel about the Ecusta Trail?
Justice: I believe we should finally look into legalizing horse racing as one source of revenue for recreational projects like the Ecusta Trail. Gambling is a recreational activity, tax revenues should be for recreation. We’ll never be able to do this with the lottery (although I think lottery monies should be used to increase teacher pay), but if we legalized horse racing, we should designate 90% of revenues to local governments for recreational projects like soccer fields, parks, greenways, community centers, and certainly the Ecusta Trail. Besides, simply legalizing horse racing would create many more jobs than “corporate welfare” will.
Edwards: The unused line, currently owned by WATCO, is theirs to do with as they wish. Our economic developers would prefer to use it to help build industry, but that has been unsuccessful for 15 years. The corridor is an incredible asset for our region. In lieu of rail service, supporting research and working examples of similar projects prove there are enormous economic benefits as a trail. As federal rail banking would preserve the asset for future potential rail service, we have a win-win and there are many funding sources available other than taxes. Public support is growing. If the leaders within our district build consensus to proceed, I will work with them to accomplish their goals.
Baldwin: The proposed Ecusta Trail would make use of a former railroad bed; however, the possible $3.7 million price tag just to purchase from Norfolk Southern puts it out of reach. I believe valuable taxpayer dollars should fund core services, not greenways. If the Friends of the Ecusta Trail want to pursue donations and grants, then they should. A volunteer-led effort would be appropriate. My three sons are all Eagle Scouts and have organized multiple volunteer-led efforts that benefit the community. Western North Carolina is blessed with multiple hiking trails; I would question the amount of the ‘economic benefit’ of adding the rail-trail.
Specifically what are some 48th District goals (as opposed to statewide issues) you would pursue?
Baldwin: I have a proven track record of responding to constituent concerns within 24 hours while on the Buncombe school board. In Buncombe, school board members are elected countywide; I always responded to parent needs regardless of what school district they lived in. Likewise, I will work to actively poll citizens on their concerns in all three counties, as well as attending civic and county commission meetings. I also spend time and money in Henderson and Transylvania Counties’ retail stores. In high school, my daughter was a Pardee Hospital volunteer. My youngest son will be working with the Mountain Horticultural Research Center this summer on his senior project. My two oldest sons spent time at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Center in Rosman, building their own telescopes and then participating in one year research projects with PARI. My husband’s hobby and talent is bagpiping and he has played at events in all three counties.
Edwards: Most business and government leaders I speak with are most concerned with the security of our regional economy. Numerous factors go into those concerns. Without a strong economy we simply could not fund our government and our priorities. My background, leadership skills, and prior involvement positions me well to help address these concerns. Education seems to be on the minds of many. I’m anxious to begin work towards meaningful long-term solutions. Transportation infrastructure, particularly as it relates to I-26 and its connectivity is of vital importance to our entire district. Then there’s the ‘total’ tax burden. Even with recent improvements there is so much more to be done to help families and businesses.
Justice: The most important day-to-day job of state government is emergency management. I proposed “WNC Dome” as a concrete dome arena at the W.N.C. Agricultural Center, so residents in this district wouldn’t have to go to downtown Asheville’s Civic Center. It’s the most cost-effective way to build an arena, is energy-efficient, and most importantly can be a disaster shelter as it has proven to repel the effects of tornadoes and hurricanes, so FEMA grants are very possible. We could shelter people anywhere from the Carolinas if a major hurricane is coming, for example. It also benefits several majors at Western Carolina University, including Emergency and Disaster Management. This dome concept will be wonderful for a cost-effective gymnasium (on the former car dealer lot) at Hendersonville High School WHEN the sales tax referendum is defeated. I have a track record of researching more efficient means of school construction since the 1997 school bond defeat. These concrete domes also benefit affordable housing, agriculture, and job creation. I also propose massive increases in online education and libraries, and a regional plan for ultra-high-speed-Internet in all rural counties to reduce youth flight.
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Mills River News
West Henderson High School won the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School award for its entire athletic program.
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Henderson County News
The Healing Place and Mainstay have combined to form one organization.
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