News

LOCAL BRIEFS: Paramedics certified, Born Learning Trail, Postcard Party, AAUW

Students load a patient into an ambulance during training for their Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certification. [CONTRIBUTED]

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 7, 2025

Paramedics ace certification exam

Blue Ridge Community College’s entire paramedic class passed the challenging Advanced Emergency Medical Technician state certification exam on their first attempt.

Blue Ridge Community College Emergency Medical Services faculty paramedic instructor Virginia Purdy said her six students have been working incredibly hard to reach this milestone.

“The Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certification is the next step after EMT, allowing providers to perform IVs, administer a limited formulary of medications, and perform more advanced skills, all of which are essential building blocks on the path to becoming a paramedic,” Purdy said.

Purdy attributed her students’ determination to their existing and substantial hands-on experience.

“They know what’s at stake,” she said. “They were all working as EMTs during the hurricane and saw first-hand what working in EMS means to our communities.”

Purdy leads by example, demonstrating to her students the same commitment to clinical excellence and lifelong learning that she encourages in them. This spring, she earned a specialized Community Paramedic certification by passing a rigorous examination administered by the International Board of Specialty Certification. Purdy continues her professional growth by preparing for another challenging IBSC examination to become a certified Critical Care Paramedic.

United Way cuts ribbon for Born Learning Trail 

United Way of Henderson County recently celebrated the update and ribbon cutting of the Born Learning Trail on the Oklawaha Greenway.

On May 22 the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting to officially open the refurbished trail on the Oklawaha Greenway. Henderson County has two Born Learning Trails. The Oklawaha Greenway segment runs from the parking lot at Kimberly-Clark to the Berkeley Road parking lot and the Mills River Park trail is located at 124 Town Center Drive in Mills River.

“Quality early learning experiences for all children are a key driver of school readiness,” said Kat Carlton, executive director of United Way. “Our impact areas of kindergarten readiness and school success align with the purpose of the Born Learning Trail. This interactive trail provides a learning opportunity tailored to our youngest neighbors and their parents and caregivers and expands upon local opportunities for them to learn and grow.”

Originally constructed in 2017, the Born Learning Trail on the Oklawaha Greenway has received an update to the signage, including the addition of Spanish language signs, and a fresh coat of paint on the interactive learning spaces. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Hunter Subaru, the refurbished Trail is open for all residents to enjoy.

The trail consists of a series of ten signs placed along a walking path through the park. Each sign offers an educational prompt that guides adults on specific ways to create learning games outdoors and suggests tips to use at home. The Born Learning Trail on the Oklawaha Greenway helps parents and caregivers turn a small excursion into a creative and fun learning experience.

Progressive Alliance announces Postcard Party 

The public is invited to join the Progressive Alliance of Henderson County at its free Postcard Party and social time from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 20, from at Trailside Brewing, 874 Lenox Park Drive. 

The Postcard Party and Social Time is an opportunity for civic-minded individuals to mingle and write postcards to elected officials and others on current legislative topics and concerns of participants. The theme for June aligns with the nationwide “Hands Off Our Democracy!” initiative, with special focus on due process and the rule of law. For more information, visit progressiveallianceofhendersoncounty.com.

Stokes speaks to university women

The AAUW invites all to its 47th annual meeting on “AAUW’s Power & Purpose” Thursday, June 12 from 11:30-1 at the First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 1735 Fifth Ave. W., Laurel Park. 
Trina Stokes, executive director of Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, will speak on “The Power of Giving." The club will also discuss AAUW’s new strategic plan and priorities. A buffet catered by Dandelion is $25. Reserve by June 8 byemailing ssmreb@bellsouth.net