News

LOCAL BRIEFS: DAR Good Citizen, Kiwanis surprise, Frostbite race

Shown, from left, are Veritas Christian Academy guidance counselor Margo Prechter, Good Citizen winner Hana Barazi and Nedra Moles, chair of the DAR Good Citizens Committee.

By Bill Moss, Published: December 30, 2016

DAR Good Citizen

The Abraham Kuykendall Chapter, NSDAR, of Flat Rock, honored the 2016 DAR Good Citizen Winner Hana Barazi , a senior from Veritas Christian Academy, on Dec. 8. Shown, from left, are Veritas Christian Academy guidance counselor Margo Prechter, Barazi and Nedra Moles, chair of the DAR Good Citizens Committee. The award winner was nominated by her guidance counselor for her leadership, dependability, service and patriotism. Her essay was on the topic of “Our American Heritage and our Responsibility to Preserve It.” She presented her essay at our chapter meeting and received $100 and her certificate. The DAR Good Citizen Award was also presented to Addie Elizabeth Lynch, of Polk County High School, and Michael Scott Woolard, of East Henderson High School.

Library launches program to encourage early reading

The Henderson County Public Library is partnering with Smart Start of Henderson County to launch its 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program in January. The program is geared toward increasing the early literacy skills of preschool children in Henderson County.

1,000 Books before Kindergarten is the result of numerous studies that demonstrate the connection between reading and early stimulation in improving brain development. The program helps guide parents to “grow a reader” by making reading a regular part of the day.

All babies, toddlers and preschoolers are encouraged to participate and invited to the program kickoff from 10:30 a.m. until noon Jan. 3 at the Main Library and at the Etowah branch. Every attendee will get their first reading log and a bright balloon. If parents read just one book a day with their child, they’ll reach the 1,000 book goal in less than 3 years.

For more information, please contact Kathy Kirchoefer at 828-697-4725 x. 2313.

Thrive director speaks at Democratic breakfast

The Henderson County Democratic Party will hold its monthly breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Democratic headquarters, 905 Greenville Hwy. Guest speaker is Kristen Martin, executive director of Thrive, a local mental health agency. All-you-can-eat buffet is $9 for adults $4.50 for children under 10. First time attendees eat for free.

Frostbite race set for Sunday, Feb. 19

Henderson County’s annual 25th annual Frostbite Races will take place on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Leila Patterson Fitness & Aquatics Center, 1111 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher. Presented by Trace and Company, the Frostbite event is oldest and largest footrace in Henderson County. The distance events provide views of Hutch Mountain and are on hilly to challenging terrain, with some steep inclines on both the 10k and 5k courses. A flat and fast 1-mile course makes this premier racing event an opportunity for all running levels and ages.
Registration is now open at https://racesonline.com/events/frostbiteraces. Those who register three or more family members online (at one time) get 15 percent off you’re the entry fee.
A portion of event proceeds will be used for the benefit of Big Brothers, Big Sisters and their mentor programs for underprivileged kids in our area.
For more information, or to volunteer to help out, contact events@idaph.net or visit http://idaph.net/events/frostbite-races/.

Kiwanis Club gets Christmas surprise

The Kiwanis Club of Hendersonville received an unexpected Christmas gift at its weekly meeting last week it announced the winner of its first “Drawing for Kids” raffle.

On Dec. 8, the club drew the winning name for the $5,000 prize. The winner was Worthy Association Management LLC, which manages the Wolfpen subdivision on Chimney Rock Road.
Kiwanis member Dick Lepak, a resident of Wolfpen, had sold the winning ticket to Worthy Association Management’s manager, Marion Bachand. Lepak was present at the drawing and called Bachand to let her know her company had won the ticket.
When Kiwanis President Elizabeth Moss presented Bachand the $5,000 check, she accepted it, then told the club she had something she would like to present. Bachand handed over $5,000 check from Worthy Management to Moss. Her generous act brought the Kiwanians to their feet in a raucous ovation.
Thanks to Worthy Management and Bachand, the Kiwanis Club raised more than $10,600, doubling the funds raised for Kiwanis programs that help local children such as Terrific Kids, the Shoes and Socks program and need-based scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

Credit Union raises $1,385 to ‘pay forward’

United Federal Credit Union donated $1,385 to local families and organizations across North Carolina during the 2016 Pay It Forward initiative. As part of the Pay It Forward program, UFCU provides $15 to every employee to give to a needy individual, family, or organization of their choice. Many times departments and branches combine funds to create a more substantial donation.
Employees in Fletcher, Hendersonville, Asheville and Statesville raised money to benefit local families—some dealing with medical or financial difficulties—as well as a variety of institutions that help local children like Hall Fletcher Elementary School in Asheville and the Blessings in a Box program held in Hendersonville.
In 2016 through the Pay It Forward initiative, UFCU collectively donated more than $11,500 to 34 different individuals and community organizations across the six states where branches are located.