Brown honored; Constitution Week, Litter Sweep Days set; League of Women Voters to meet

Staff reports
·4 min read

Brown honored by Blue Ridge Quilts of Valor

William Douglas Brown of Brevard was recently honored by Blue Ridge Quilts of Valor members for his service during World War II.

World War II veteran William Douglas Brown receives a quilt from quilters Didi Salvatierra, left, and Sheila Solen.
World War II veteran William Douglas Brown receives a quilt from quilters Didi Salvatierra, left, and Sheila Solen.

Quilters Didi Salvatierra and Sheila Solen presented an originally designed and crafted patriotic quilt to Brown in his home. His wife, Perry, and friends JD Bolt and Elizabeth Cantrell were in attendance at the formal ceremony which is conducted for all recipients of the (international) Quilts of Valor Foundation.

Seaman First Class Brown served in the US Navy from 1945-47, reaching the rank of E-3 Seaman. His service began at boot camp in Memphis, Tennessee, followed by machinist mate training in Norman, Oklahoma and Ariel gunnery training in Pensacola, Florida.

Brown’s quilt was made by Patty Smith, a friend of Blue Ridge Quilts of Valor. Founded in 2003, Quilts of Valor Foundation quilters have presented 354,712 to veterans throughout the United States, Canada, Germany, and Iraq. For more information about Quilts of Valor or to nominate a veteran or active service member for a quilt, visit Quilts of Valor Foundation at qovf.org.

DAR invites public to Constitution Week Program

The Joseph McDowell Chapter and the Abraham Kuykendall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are inviting the public to the Bells Across America program on Constitution Day at 3:45 p.m. Sept. 17 in front of the Historic Henderson County Courthouse.

The 2021 ceremony for Bells Across America featured Mayor Barbara Volk, center, issuing a proclamation.
The 2021 ceremony for Bells Across America featured Mayor Barbara Volk, center, issuing a proclamation.

According to a news release, bells will sound for a full minute across America at 4 p.m. to commemorate the 236th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. The celebration will occur at the same time across America, with each time zone adjusting its time so that it will happen simultaneously.

Historian Don Hendrix will be the speaker, and Mayor Barbara Volk will present a proclamation proclaiming Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in Hendersonville.

This celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1955 when the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Litter Sweep Days set for September

The City of Hendersonville and Henderson County in partnership with N.C. Department of Transportation are organizing Litter Sweep Days to be from Sept. 16-30 and a litter clean-up event from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 24 along Berkeley Road.

Litter Sweep Days encourages community members to take action in reducing roadside litter while learning about waste reduction, according to a news release.

Individual/Group Litter Pick Up (Sept. 16-30): Participants can volunteer to pick up trash during NCDOT's Fall Litter Sweep. Participants should coordinate with NCDOT for litter pick-up supplies, location, and trash pick-up. Visit http://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/ww_JCyPAVriyD2oYEfZR64f?domain=ncdot.gov for more information.

After participating in the litter sweep, fill out this participation survey to report yourself or your group: http://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/-a7WCADXvPf10lOjMi9Jujt?domain=surveymonkey.com. The individual or group that picks up the most bags of trash will be recognized at a future City Council and Board of Commissioners meeting as a Litter Sweep Warrior.

Litter Pick-Up Event (2-4 p.m. Sept. 24): The City of Hendersonville and Henderson County will be organizing a separate event for members to pick up litter along Berkeley Road. Registration is required to attend the event. Contact Sustainability Manager Caitlyn Gendusa at 828-712-4464 or cgenudsa@hvlnc.gov to sign up.

AAUW to host Serving Students and Supporting Teachers event

Hendersonville: AAUW will be hosting “Serving Students & Supporting Teachers” from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Art Place at 2021 Asheville Highway.

Founded in 1986, the Henderson County Education Foundation was formed “to improve the educational experience for Henderson County students and teachers.” A presentation about the Foundation’s initiatives and programs will be presented by Executive Director Peggy Marshall and students.

There is no charge for the event but due to limited space, seats must be reserved by Sept. 17 at ssmreb@bellsouth.net. Lunch is also available. For more information, go to https://hendersonville-nc.aauw.net/.

League of Women Voters to meet

The League of Women Voters of Henderson County will hold a gathering to kick off its fall schedule of events from 2-4 Sept. 17 at Flat Rock Village Hall.

Members and friends from the community are invited to attend and hear what the League is doing to educate and advocate for its mission of Empowering Voters and defending Democracy. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.lwvhcnc.org.

This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Brown honored; Constitution Week, Litter Sweep Days set; League of Women Voters to meet