News

LOCAL BRIEFS: Dom Flemons, Easter Egg hunt, mulch giveaway

Dom Flemons will perform in a virtual concert on March 24.

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 15, 2021

The Center for Cultural Preservation, WNC’s cultural history and documentary film center, will feature legendary musician Dom Flemons, co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Grammy-award winning performer, on Thursday, March 25.

“A Special Evening with Dom Flemons” is a fundraiser for the Center’s forthcoming film on Appalachian moonshine history.

Flemons’s stellar career includes multiple Grammy and Emmy nominations as well as being featured in the Center’s award-winning PBS film on the history of Appalachian mountain music, “A Great American Tapestry.”
“I think old time music is always appealing in the way that it’s deceptively simpler than other types of music,” Flemons says. “So it’s really accessible and easy. And the stories are mostly about the human condition.”

“Dom is not only a gifted multi-instrumental performer,” said David Weintraub, director of the Center for Cultural Preservation. “He does his own research on traditional music and the talented African-American forefathers and foremothers that were the bedrock of old-time music in this country. He not only performs their musical jewels but he personifies them through his performances, touching us with not only the power of their notes and words but with the force of history.”

Flemons will perform a virtual concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25. In addition to performing, he will set aside time to talk with the audience, allowing participants the opportunity to ask questions. Tickets are a donation of $20 and will help support the making of the Center’s newest film, “Moonshining in the Mountains.” Purchase tickets by registering online at www.saveculture.org or calling the Center at (828) 692-8062.

The world premiere of “Moonshining in the Mountains” will be held in June. For more information on supporting the film project and for specific dates visit www.SaveCulture.org.

St. John to host Easter Egg Hunt

The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness welcomes children of all ages to join the church’s Young Families group hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 4.

Participants are encouraged to join the fun in the Rector’s Garden next to the Parish Hall across Rutledge Drive from the church. Parking is available. Covid-19 safety will be in place with the practice of the 3 Ws — Wear a mask, Wait 6 feet apart and Wash your hands. Hand sanitizer will be available.

Families are also invited for outdoor Easter worship services at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Services will take place outside of the historic church’s carriage entrance, just across Rutledge Drive from the Easter Egg Hunt. Worshippers should bring their own chairs. For more information contact the church at (828) 693-9783 or officeadmin@stjohnflatrock.org.

Registration under way for BRCC summer camps

Registration for summer camps at Blue Ridge Community College is under way. Designed to provide opportunities for learning, engagement and discovery, the camps give students the chance to explore their interests, develop new skills and consider their options for the future.

Middle and high school students can explore and develop their skills in one-, three- and four-day camps.

Students can choose between five different camps, including camps specializing in welding, automotive, cosmetology, entrepreneurship and STEM. Registration fees range from $100-200. Descriptions of each camp and online registration information can be found at blueridge.edu/summer-camps. Campers are encouraged to register early, as camps fill up quickly. For more information, contact BRCC at (828) 694-1712 or summer-camps@blueridge.edu

City to start mulch giveaway next week

The city of Hendersonville will begin its seasonal mulch giveaway program to on Thursday, March 18. Mulch will be available for pickup 3-7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays. The schedule will take place until May 29, or until the material is gone.
The mulch will be distributed at the old Wastewater Treatment Plant at 80 Balfour Road. The Public Works Department will have a staff member on-site to operate the backhoe and load the material.
In addition to the mulch, the city will be offering composted leaves as a separate material. These leaves were collected during the fall of 2019, run through a grinder and composted for a year. This material makes an excellent addition to vegetable and flower gardens. For questions about this program, contact the Public Works Department at (828) 697-3084.