News

LOCAL BRIEFS: New doc in Mills River, tree walk, Empty Bowls

Bradley Orr

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 10, 2023

Family medicine physician joins Pardee's Mills River clinic

UNC Health Pardee continues to expand access to primary care with the addition of family medicine physician Bradley Orr in Mills River.

Orr joined family and sports medicine physician Daniel Drechsler at Pardee BlueMD on Boylston Highway this week. Dr. Orr is passionate about creating relationships with his patients to help them improve their health through education, lifestyle change and medical treatment when needed.

“I see my role as a consultant, encourager and liaison to connect patients with the appropriate healthcare services,” Orr said. “I look forward to joining a great team at Pardee BlueMD, living and working in a beautiful area, and doing my part to have a positive impact on the health of the community.”

Orr said that his favorite part of his job is building relationships with patients and working together to improve their acute and long-term health. “I particularly enjoy the opportunity to ‘de-prescribe’ medication when patients no longer need them,” he said.

Orr earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in family medicine at St. Luke’s University Health Network.

“I want potential patients to know that I practice family medicine with a focus on lifestyle medicine, which involves helping patients better their health through improved nutrition, physical activity, sleep, avoiding toxic substances, stress management and social connections,” he said.

Orr added that his recommendations are based on scientific evidence, but treatment decisions and lifestyle changes are ultimately up to the patient. 

When he is not working, Dr. Orr enjoys live music, movies, traveling, hiking, camping, contra dancing, technology and spending time with his wife and dog. He is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment call 828-694-8150.

Registration coming up to exhibit at WNC fair

If you think your artwork, baked goods, garden products, livestock and more are ribbon-worthy, take note that entry deadlines for exhibiting at the 2023 N.C. Mountain State Fair are rapidly approaching. 

Along with visual arts, various culinary arts and livestock competitions, the fair also recognizes the performing arts, such as clogging and gospel singing, as well as a “Little Miss and Master” pageant. There is even an ice cream eating contest.

The deadlines to enter are as follows:

• Gospel Singing Contest, Aug. 11
• Cooking Competitions, Aug. 11
• Clogging Championship, Aug. 18
• Livestock Contests, Aug. 25
• General Exhibits, Aug. 25
• Pageant, Sept. 9 by 9 a.m.
• Ice Cream Eating Contest, Sept. 13 by 6 p.m.

Livestock competitions include categories for cattle, swine, goat, sheep, poultry, rabbits and llama. Registration for youth shows is free, with a fee for open shows. 4-H and FFA clubs are encouraged to enter. Please check the website for rules and documentation required for each category. 

All general exhibit competitions are free to enter and open to any North Carolina resident. A drop-off and pickup time must be completed at the time of registration. More information about this year’s competitions can be found at https://www.wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair/competitions. The 2023 Mountain State Fair runs Sept. 8-17 at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher. Discount tickets are now on sale at www.wncagcenter.org.

Arborist leads guided walk on Main Street

Arborist Bill Leatherwood will identify trees, shrubs and flowers on Main Street and discuss their care and maintenance during a 90-minute guided walk at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20.

Those planning to go must make reservations by Thursday, Aug. 17, by phoning Mac Brackett at 828-692-3026. Details will be provided. Sponsored by the Hendersonville Tree Board, the guided walk is open to the public at no charge.

Leatherwood, an arborist under contract with the city of Hendersonville to care for downtown trees, is intimately involved with tree care and maintenance along the downtown artery and has inventoried each tree and shrub. He will discuss methods he uses to both prevent and treat pest damage and his efforts to keep the trees and shrubs stress-free.

“The trees and garden-like setting create the character of Main Street as much as the sidewalk cafes and historic buildings,” Leatherwood said. “As we walk, we will identify some unusual trees and see how the city and the downtown business district have planted and maintained trees over the years to enhance the beauty of this ‘front yard’ of Hendersonville.”

Empty Bowls fundraiser is Sunday

FLAT ROCK — Local pottery artists are firing their kilns for the sixth year to help hungry children in the greater Flat Rock area.

On Sunday, Aug. 13, “Empty Bowls,” a community meal benefiting the Flat Rock Backpack Program, will take place at the Parish Hall at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Highway.  

Advance tickets are recommended for the two seatings, 12:30-2 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. Each ticket includes a hand-crafted bowl (all donated by area potters) and a soup-based meal (a variety of soups, breads and desserts). For those wishing to eat at home, takeout is available. 

Tickets are $25 per person or $50 for a family of two adults and children under 12. They are available at St. John in the Wilderness Parish House Office, from Backpack team members or at the door on the day of the event. For more information, call 828-693-9783. Credit cards are accepted; checks should be made out to SJIW, noting Empty Bowls. One hundred percent of the money collected goes to feeding the children.

Flat Rock Backpack Program thanked participating restaurants AlyKat Deli, Cuisine Team, Hot Dog World, Kenmure Country Club and Campfire Grill and sponsors Hendersonville Community Co-op, Wild Birds Unlimited, Homestead, Boyd Chevrolet Buick Inc., Art Mob Studios & Marketplace, Merrell Paint & Decorating, Raymond’s Garden Center, First Bank, Dry Falls Brewing Co. and Publix.

The Parish Hall is located across Rutledge Road from the church at 1905 Greenville Highway. For more information call 828-693-9783 or visit www.stjohnflatrock.org.