News

LOCAL BRIEFS: Coffee for cops, plant sale, library celebration, Train Tales

A school bus was retrofitted to accommodate up to 15 students seated on benches for the new ‘Meals on the Bus’ program that debuts this summer.

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 6, 2017

Slated to roll out this summer, the Henderson County school system’s “Meals On the Bus” mobile feeding site has already inspired community organizations to work together to feed students in need.

Throughout the fall and spring, the vision of HCPS Child Nutrition Supervisor Amanda Stansbury has been taking shape, thanks to efforts from the school system’s transportation department, the Child Nutrition Department, the Correction Enterprises of the N.C. Department of Public Safety, the graphic design and carpentry classes at North Henderson High, Printville in Hendersonville, the Community Foundation of Henderson County and Gillilandscaping and Grading.

A retired school bus was purchased earlier in the school year with a donation from Gillilandscaping and Grading and a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Henderson County covered the retrofitting of the bus interior to accommodate up to 15 students seated on benches at tables along either side of the bus.

North Henderson High School’s carpentry class installed a plywood floor base in the bus. Stansbury Child Nutrition Director Robert Rolfe taped the interior windows so the Transportation Department could paint the inside walls a clean blue.
The design for the bus was created by North Henderson High student Christian Martinez-Maya, who won a $100 scholarship from the Child Nutrition Department for his winning entry in the design contest.
The “Meals On the Bus” will be a mobile addition to the three summer public feeding sites at King Creek, Edneyville Community Center and Patton Park, as well as 28 feeding sites at each elementary school and youth service organizations, which the school system already operates through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program to provide free lunches to children ages two to 18.
The mobile food site will allow the school system to reach students where they are, Stansbury said. In the future, the retrofitted bus could also be used by partnering organizations to provide students with a mobile library book check-out, health screenings and dental checks.

Law officers get free coffee at Black Bear

Stand TALL (Thank a Local Lawman) will host the next week of free coffee, tea and soft drinks at Black Bear Coffee Co., 318 N. Main St., from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 10-15.

Trinity Presbyterian sets Friends in Christ

Trinity Presbyterian Church, at 900 Blythe Street, invites men of the community to join in meeting as Friends in Christ on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 in the church lounge. Friends in Christ offers men a time and place to get together to talk and share personal feelings with other men without fear of being embarrassed or judged. All are welcome.

While Biblical scripture is a major source for closer connection with God and each other, Friends in Christ is not a Bible study group. Men show up because they enjoy being among friends or feel a need to be present where all are welcomed. Trust and honesty are expressed, heard, and felt among the men who become Friends in Christ. For more information call 828-692-6114 or visit www.trinitypresnc.org or the Facebook page.

NAMI Connection meets on April 13

NAMI Connection, a free facilitator-led peer-to-peer support group for adults living with mental illness, will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, at First Congregational Church, 1735 Fifth Avenue West. For more information call 888-955-6264.

 

Congregational Church announces Sunday forums

First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1735 Fifth Ave., invites the public to its weekly adult forums in the Felix Building at 9 a.m. Sundays. There is no forum on Easter Sunday. Here are the topics:
• April 9 – Women’s March. The recent Women’s March on Washington and its more than 600 sister marches around the world was a powerful protest and advocacy event. People from FCUCC who participated, Maralee McMillan, Diane Rhodes and Dawn Kucera, will speak about their experiences. The male perspective will be given by Clay Edelman.
• April 23 –Weapons of the Spirit. Rabbi Philip Bentley. Holocaust Remembrance Day begins at sunset. Rabbi Bentley will tell stories, including the one about the Christians in the French Protestant farming village of Chambon-Sur-Lignon who used non-violent resistance to save the lives of 5,000 Jews after France had surrendered to the Germans in WWII. “Weapons of the Spirit,” an award-winning documentary movie released in 1989, told the story to the world. Retired Rabbi Philip Bentley was recently named by Agudas Israel Congregation as Senior Rabbinic Scholar.
• April 30 – Thrive and Nami, Kristen Martin and Lisa Wilt. Kristen Martin, executive director, will articulate Thrive’s position on the importance of mental health parity and the need to participate in preventative care that includes preventative mental health care. Wilt, president of the Henderson/Polk affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI Four Seasons, will describe how the agency is eradicating the stigma of mental illness, promoting recovery and optimizing quality of life for both individuals and families by providing information, promoting legislation and supporting community programs.
• May 7 – The Body Code. Fran Westin. Developed by Dr. Bradley Nelson, the Body Code is a form of energy work that identifies and corrects imbalances that can cause emotional and physical problems for people. Westin, an Emotion Code and Body Code practitioner, was a social worker for 10 years working with parents’ and children’s intense emotional experiences before becoming a mother and grandmother. The experiences have given her deep understanding of how stored emotions affect our health and how the human body has a powerful ability to heal itself if conditions are right.

County hosts ‘I Love My Library’ on Friday

The Henderson County Public Library holds its third annual “I Love My Library” event at the main library from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, April 7. The event is intended to thank patrons, demonstrate library services, show how to get involved at the library and welcome new members. The event includes information tables, refreshments, prize drawings, giveaways and demonstrations of digital services. Henderson County Commissioner Grady Hawkins will host a special children’s story time and craft at 3:30 p.m. For more information contact Marcie Dowling at 828-697-4725 x. 2320 or mdowling@henderson.lib.nc.us.

Bullington Gardens sets Mother’s Day plant sale

Bullington Gardens, a horticultural education center and public gardens at 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, will hold a special Mother’s Day plant sale on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The sale features a wide variety of native and non-native perennials, hanging baskets, tomatoes and other vegetable starts, herbs, unusual annuals, and small trees and shrubs. Many of these plants were started from seeds and cuttings onsite in Bullington’s greenhouses. They’re perfect for Mother’s Day gifts, functional and decorative birdhouses, garden art and crafts created by volunteer artists will also be available. For more information, call Bullington Gardens at 828-698-6104 or visit bullingtongardens.org.

AAUW invites public on Barter Theatre trip

The American Association of University Women invites the public to join in for a Spring Fling to the see the hit musical “Footloose” at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Va. The all-day trip on Wednesday, May 23, includes bus transportation, lunch, the play and a stop to browse the Heartwood Artisan Center, wine, snacks and soft entertainment on the return trip. The bus will leave from behind Belk at 9 a.m. and return at 7:30 p.m. The all-inclusive cost is $99 for the early bird special (until April 10) and $109 until the May 5 reservation deadline. For more information and tickets, contact Martha Rumbough at 828-595-2879. The trip is a fundraiser sponsored by the Hendersonville branch of the American Association of University Women. Proceeds will support women’s education.

Galleries host receptions for ArtScape banner artist

 

The ArtScape Hendersonville Banners committee invites the public to celebrate the ArtScape banners recently installed in downtown Hendersonville during receptions at Art Mob Studios & Marketplace, 124 Fourth Avenue East, and at Art On Fourth Gallery & Studio, 125 Fourth Avenue West, from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 7. The two galleries are hosting the receptions with the artists and banner sponsors in attendance.

The art reception and sale celebrates the first annual ArtScape Hendersonville banners. Artwork selected as a result of a jury process has been reproduced on 40 banners that will hang from lamp posts on Hendersonville’s Main Street, Seventh Avenue, and side streets for a year.

The 40 artists will be at the opening reception, and are offering the artwork depicted on the banners for sale to the public. Live music, appetizers, and drinks will be provided at both locations.

Led by Hendersonville artist Costanza Knight, the ArtScape Hendersonville Banners Committee is a collaboration of the Art League of Henderson County, the Arts Council of Henderson County and Downtown Hendersonville and received funding from the Community Foundation of Henderson County. For more information contact the Arts Council at acofhc@bellsouth.net or 828-693-8504 or visit www.acofhc.org.

Pisgah Legal hosts ambassador training

Pisgah Legal Services is hosting an Ambassador Training on Thursday, April 6, from noon to 1:30 p.m. to provide volunteers and supporters with an overview of key information about Pisgah Legal Services’ programs and plans. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in learning more, to get an insiders snapshot of Pisgah Legal Services. Participants will meet attorneys and key staff who are vital to the work of helping the most vulnerable escape domestic violence and child abuse, avoid homelessness and overcome the legal challenges of living in poverty. RSVP to eleanor@pisgahlegal.org or 828.210.3443 if you plan to attend and if you would like lunch.
The Last Road performs
at church’s Bluegrass Bash
The Last Road will perform at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church’s monthly Bluegrass Bash at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 16. There is no charge and the public is invited to enjoy bluegrass favorites and free ice cream and cookies. Hendersonville Presbyterian is at 699 N. Grove St. For more information, call (828) 692-3211.

Lifelong Learning program explores Rosenwald Schools

Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning is sponsoring a program on “The Rosenwald Schools” from 10 a.m. until noon Wednesday, May 17, the Patton Building at Blue Ridge Community College.
The course will provide a history about the Rosenwald Schools.
Members and non-members are invited to attend. To register visit www.brcll.com, call 828-694-1740, or visit the BRCLL office on campus or register upon arrival at the course.
On the same date from 1:15 to 3 p.m. there is a community event with alumni from the Mars Hill and the Flat Rock Rosenwald Schools will be present. Miss Hortence Potts of Flat Rock is the only known alumnus still living in Henderson County. The Flat Rock school was open to African-American students from 1922 until 1952.
In the early 20th century, Dr. Booker T. Washington, prominent educator and founder of
Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and Julius Rosenwald, the president of Sears, Roebuck,
and Co. and a wealthy philanthropist, developed “one of the most important partnerships
to advance African-American education.” Their plan for elementary schools to be built in
rural areas included even the building blueprint. By 1932, there were approximately 5,000 Rosenwald Schools built in the South, including some 800 in North Carolina. Most of these community schools were neglected, abandoned, and/or demolished.

Saluda Historic Depot announces Spring Fling

SALUDA — The Saluda Historic Depot is kicking off its spring fundraiser with a fried chicken and shrimp gumbo “Spring Fling” at the Back Alley Barn behind Thompson’s Store/Ward’s Grill at 24 Main Street, Saluda, at 6 p.m. on April 22.

The Radio Rangers will play from 7 to 9. The three-member band from Atlanta is performing for free to help the Saluda Historic Depot with its fundraising efforts to pay the mortgage on the purchase of the building.

Inspired by the town of rich railroad history, Dan Foster wrote a ballad about the Saluda Grade. Dan arranged and performed the first version with the band High Cotton. The ballad has been arranged for the Radio Rangers and was released at the Saluda Historic Depot last November. The CD will be on sale during the Depot Spring Fling. Other band members are singer-songwriter Mark Ewald and Bryant Kachel, on electric bass.

Attic and garage treasures will be sold in a Silent Auction. Auction items include antiques, paintings, glassware, furniture, plants, gift certificates to vacation spots and local adventures and more. Tickets are $30 and on sale at Thompson’s Store, the Saluda Historic Depot and at the door or through PayPal by visiting http://www.saludahistoricdepot.com/fundraisers/.

Donations, which are tax deductible, to the Saluda Historic Depot in 2017 will enable the nonprofit to receive matching grant funds from the Polk County Community Foundation. For more information, please contact Judy Ward at 828-674-5958 or judyward@charter.net or Cathy Jackson at 828-817-2876 or cathy@saludalifestyles.com.

 

Lifelong Learning center announces summer talks

Blue Ridge Center of Lifelong Learning announces the course offerings for the summer. For registration materials and more information visit www.brcll.com or call 828-694-1740.
The Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning, the only lifelong learning program presented at a two-year campus in the state of North Carolina, is a program of courses designed for those who are still interested in learning and enjoying talks on a variety of subjects. The courses are presented, usually in Room 150 in the Patton Building, on the Blue Ridge Community College campus. Parking is free.
Courses are:
• JOURNEY TO JORDAN - 1-3 p.m. Thursdays, May 4 and 11.
• RELIGIONS OF APPALACHIA – 10 a.m.-noon May 8, 10, and 15.
• SOUTHERN AUTHORS - 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, May 16, 23, and 30; 1:00 - 3:00
• ROSENWALD SCHOOLS - 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, May 17.

• PUBLIC TRAGEDIES - 1-3 p.m. Thursdays, May 25 and June 1.

• CHINA UNDER COMMUNISM - 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, and 22.

• TRIVIA WITH WILSON CASEY, THE “TRIVIA GUY” - 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, June 7 and 14.

• BIRDING - 1-3 p.m. Mondays, June 19 and 26.

• SAVING THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER - 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, July 12.
• GLOBAL CAPITALISM AND THE RISE OF ISIS - 1-3 p.m. Thursdays, July 13 and 20.

• THE PROLIFIC PHOTOGRAPHER - 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 19.

• USING REGIONAL (GEOLOGICAL) KNOWLEDGE TO SOLVE LOCAL (ENGINEERING) PROBLEMS - 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, July 25 and Aug. 1.

• MAH JONGG - 10 a.m.-noon Mondays and Wednesdays, Aug. 7, 9, 14, and 16.

• LEGENDS AND LORE OF THE CHEROKEE - 10 a.m.-noon Mondays, Aug. 21 and 28.

EdVentures (one-day fieldtrips) include:

• Carolina Bison and Camels and Elk - OH MY! - Tuesday, May 9; beginning at 9:45 a.m.

• Oak Ridge, TN: The Manhattan Project’s Secret City - Wednesday, May 24; beginning at 7:15 a.m.

• Asheville Art Exploration: The River Arts District and Beyond - Monday, June 5; beginning at 10:15 a.m.

• Mines, Minerals, and Much More! - Wednesday, June 21; beginning at 7:15 a.m.

YMCA hosts Healthy Kids Day on April 29

The YMCA of Western North Carolina is hosting its annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jackson Park.
Healthy Kids Day is a free community event that focuses on improving the health and well-being of local kids and families. The public is invited to enjoy 5k runs, games, healthy snacks and fun for the whole family. The Healthy Kids Day initiative is a powerful reminder to encourage children to focus on physical and mental play instead of idling away their summer days. The event is expected to attract 1.2 million participants nationwide.
The Healthy Kids Day in Hendersonville is presented by Pardee–UNC Health Care with additional support from Foot RX Running, Asheville, Hendersonville Pediatric Dentistry and LuLaRoe (Lisa M. Brown).

 

Transportation author speaks at Train Tales

SALUDA — Terry Ruscin, author-historian-photographer, will be the guest speaker at Saluda Train Tales at 7 p.m. Friday, April 21, at the Saluda Historic Depot.

His program includes a timeline of railroad history in the eastern United States with a focus on the Carolinas and on Polk, Henderson and Buncombe County railroad heritage. Personalities include railroad executives, innkeepers, townsfolk and celebrated figures that passed through our region or became part-time or fulltime residents here. Depot architecture will be illustrated and discussed through contemporary and vintage photographs, elevations and plans.

Ruscin will pilot his audience through Landrum, Tryon, Saluda, Hendersonville and Asheville, including the breathtaking climb from Melrose to Saluda. The program includes a brief history of street rails and logging operations. Ruscin’s latest book, A History of Transportation in Western North Carolina (History Press), will be available for sale and signing. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation starts at 7. There is limited seating.