Briefs: Johnson Farm volunteer session, Black History Month performance set
Volunteer information session set for Feb. 24 at Johnson Farm
Historic Johnson Farm if welcoming its new volunteers by hosting a volunteer information session at 10 a.m. Feb. 24. at the farm, located on Haywood Road across the street from Rugby Middle School.
According to a news release, anyone interested in learning more about volunteering at the farm is welcome to attend to learn about various volunteer duties as well as a brief history of the farm. There is no weekly or monthly commitment to volunteer. Some come regularly on the same day each week, and others come when they are able.
Some of the volunteer opportunities include working on the grounds crew or as a gardener, serving as a tour guide, assisting with school field trips, helping with special events, cleaning the historic farmhouse and more.
Every Monday morning a group of volunteers meets to maintain the grounds and provide simple maintenance. Mowing, weedeating, cutting small trees, changing light bulbs and minor repairs are just some of the things the group works on. The gardening group also meets on Mondays to maintain the gardens and flower beds.
“I enjoy the fellowship with the other volunteers and helping to preserve a historic landmark for the public; also, I grew up on a farm and working at Johnson Farm feels ‘natural,'" grounds volunteer Craig Long said in the release.
For those more interested in working with the public, field trip leaders and tour guides are always needed. Field trip volunteers help when classes of students come to the farm and lead programs in the farmhouse, schoolhouse and barn. Guides lead tours of the historic farmhouse to the general public.
“It’s inspiring to see both children and adults with their reactions to all the history that the farm has to offer. Insight into bygone times, including lifestyle and farm maintenance, is eye opening to us all," volunteer Nan Croft said.
Historic Johnson Farm was a gift to the schoolchildren and the community by the late Vernon and Leander Johnson. It is owned by Henderson County Public Schools and is managed by an executive director and the Historic Johnson Farm Foundation. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information, contact the farm foundation office at 828-891-6585, visit www.historicjohnsonfarm.org or www.facebook.com/HistoricJohnsonFarm or send an email to jfarm@hcpsnc.org.
American Red Cross blood donation opportunity set for Feb. 20
Those wishing to donate blood in Henderson County will have an opportunity to do so near the end of February.
The next American Red Cross blood donation will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Henderson County Offices, American Red Cross Basement Office located at 211 First Avenue East in Hendersonville.
To donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.
According to a news release, all blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are at least 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Black History Month performing arts event set for Feb. 25
To celebrate Black History Month, a performing arts event will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 25 at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located at 901 Robinson Terrace in Hendersonville.
According to a news release, this will be a celebration of the Harlem Renaissance and Kwanzaa principles with performing arts. There will be an art exhibit by two students with spoken word, singing and dance performances.Crystal Cauley and Diane Caldwell of the Black History Collective of Henderson County will be the featured speakers.
Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra to perform on Feb. 26
The Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra will be having a winter concert inspired by Italy and the Italian Opera entitled “Bei Ricordi” (Beautiful Memories), at 3 p.m. Feb. 26 at Grace Lutheran Church, located at 1245 Sixth Avenue West in Hendersonville.
Concert tickets may be purchased at the door for $10.
According to a news release, the concert will feature “Rinaldo” by Handel, “Concertino” by Donizetti, “Sonata No. 1” by Leonarda, “Ancient Airs and Dances” by Respighi, “Lascia Ch’io Pianga” by Handel, and “O Mio Babbino Caro” by Puccini. Featured soloists include Carlton Graham-Alexander on English horn for the Donizetti and soprano Kimberly Hughes for the Puccini.
In alignment with the theme of “Beautiful Memories,” the Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra will collaborate with the Council on Aging Henderson County. Short personal stories about how music has affected lives will be collected from clients at the Council on Aging as well as from community members. Concert attendees will also have the opportunity to learn of ways to actively support the Council on Aging.
According to the release, the Council on Aging Henderson County is a non-profit agency that promotes the independence, dignity and well-being of adults through the provision of service, education and advocacy.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Briefs: Johnson Farm volunteer session, Black History Month performance set
