Community Briefs: Cookie competition begins; Youth Banner program announced
16th annual Gingerbread Cookie Contest begins
The 16th annual Narnia Studios Gingerbreak Cookie Contest is now under way and will conclude on Dec. 1, according to a press release.
“Bakers of every age are encouraged to create their best gingerbread man or woman, boy or girl. We are looking for the most artistic creations the entrants can cook up,” said Barbara Hughes, owner of Narnia Studios. “This is the 175th anniversary of Hendersonville, North Carolina, our community. The theme will be historic designs. There are four categories: Traditional, unusual, bakers under 14 and teamwork."
Cookies must be 100% edible. The deadline for entries is Dec. 1.
"We will announce the winners during our 28th Annual Christmas Open House on Dec. 3 and have all the cookies on display throughout that weekend," Hughes said.
The top winner in each category will be awarded a $50 floral gift certificate from Narnia Studios, located at 408 N. Main St. in downtown Hendersonville.
For more information and details on how to enter, call Hughes at 828-697-6393.
Art League announces Youth ArtScape Banner Program
The Art League of Henderson County is excited to announce the addition of the Youth ArtScape banner program at Jackson Park for 2023-2024.
According to a press release, Michele Sparks, chairperson for the youth program has been working closely with Henderson County Parks and Recreation to bring this program to the park for a few years. Twelve of ArtScape’s colorful and artistic banners (with 12-24 images) will be selected and hung inside Jackson Park along the playground area.
Artists may submit two pieces of art from now through Dec. 15. The artists must be 17 years old or younger, in grades 1-12 and live in Henderson County. There is no charge to apply. This program has been made possible by a grant from The Community Foundation of Henderson County.
Artists interested in participating are encouraged to learn more and apply by visiting the ArtScape website: https://artleaguehvl.org/artscape. Paper and digital applications are available through the website. Upon acceptance, the artist’s work, name and grade, along with the banner’s sponsor, will appear on a durable-vinyl banner.
Banners will remain in the park for the season.
"I would like to encourage the youth to submit an entry, be creative... we are committed to the youth and the art community in Henderson County," Sparks said.
Community Foundation of Henderson County seeks scholarship applications
Community Foundation of Henderson County has announced the opening of its scholarship applications for the 2023-24 academic year. According to a press release, the Foundation is offering over $600,000 in new and renewable academic scholarships for the upcoming school year through 274awa rd opportunities for local students.
Scholarship applications are open now on the Foundation’s website, cfhcforever.org. Graduating seniors, current college students and returning adult/non-traditional students are all encouraged to apply. All scholarship applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.
The wide range of available scholarships seek to support students with a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, achievements and higher education goals, the release said. Questions about the online scholarship application and opportunities may be directed to Donor Services Manager Wendy Hamil at (828) 697-6224 or by email at whamil@cfhcforever.org.Since 1984, $8.7 million in scholarship assistance has been offered to thousands of students through the Community Foundation's scholarship program. Anyone wishing to make a lasting impact in the lives of local students by establishing a scholarship fund can contact Community Foundation of Henderson County at (828) 697-6224.
Friends of Ecusta Trail to celebrate GivingTuesday
The 2022 GivingTuesday is approaching, and Friends of Ecusta Trail hope to inspire generosity to help build the Ecusta Trail, a press release said. GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities by giving back, and it kicks off on Nov. 29.
GivingTuesday was launched in 2012. Last year, Ecusta Trail supporters donated more than $10,000 on GivingTuesday. Friends of Ecusta Trail will send out email reminders and social media posts beginning the week of Thanksgiving, reminding donors to help build the Trail.
The Friends of the Ecusta Trail organization began in 2009 as a grassroots effort to turn an abandoned rail corridor between Hendersonville and Brevard into a multi-use greenway. In 2020, the Friends, now a nonprofit, reached out to Conserving Carolina for expertise and guidance in navigating the purchase of the 19-mile line for a rail-trail. Now that the rail line has been acquired, the next goal is to raise the needed funds to construct it. Fundraising has been a joint effort with the Friends of Ecusta Trail and its partner, Conserving Carolina.
Those who are interested in joining Friend’s of Ecusta Trail’s GivingTuesday initiative can visit ecustatrail.org/giving-tuesday.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Community Briefs: Cookie competition begins; Youth Banner program announced
