United Way celebrates 70 years; Alzheimer's walk, Camera Club exhibition, Saluda trail talks set
United Way of Henderson County celebrates 70 years
United Way of Henderson County celebrated its 70th anniversary with approximately 175 people attending an event at Trailside Brewery on Sept. 26, according to a news release.
Founded in September of 1953, United Way has partnered with individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations through the years to raise over $60 million to help improve education, health, financial stability and basic needs in Henderson County, the release said.
During the program, former board members, staff, and volunteers were recognized. Three awards were announced during the evening.
The Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award, sponsored by Morrow Insurance Company, honored Jan Witte for exceptional community service. Witte was a former United Way board member and volunteer who died in December of 2022. The Edward C. Brisley, Jr. Award, sponsored by Ken Adams at Edward Jones, was presented to Barbara Platz, a volunteer at United Way of Henderson County for over 20 years, including 12 years as a member of the Board. The Community Champion Award was presented to Barbara Volk, mayor of Hendersonville, for her longstanding civic engagement and support of the community.
United Way also announced campaign awards to companies that excelled in their support of the wider community through employee and corporate giving to United Way in 2022: Premier Cornerstone Award to Wilsonart, Power of Partnership Award toCummins-Meritor, Change Maker Award to Kimberly-Clark at Berkley Mills, and Live United Award to Publix.
Walk to End Alzheimer's set for Sept. 30
The Alzheimer's Assocation-Western Carolina Chapter is hosting the Walk to End Alzheimer's - Henderson County from 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 30, with the walk beginning at the Historic Henderson County Courthouse Square on Main Street.
The funds raised support the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association. The walk will be held, rain or shine, the news release said. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the opening ceremony and walk set to begin at 10 a.m.
Free public parking is at the Hendersonville Visitor's Center on South Main Street, one block from start of walk route.
Camera Club of Hendersonville to present exhibition
The Camera Club of Hendersonville will conduct an exhibition of member photographs from Oct. 2-13 at the Kaplan Auditorium of the Henderson County Public Library. These photographs are the result of the Club’s annual print competition of almost 100 images depicting North Carolina scenery, wildlife, architecture and people, according to a news release.
The Club, which has nearly 90 members and has been in existence for over 40 years, sponsors photography field trips, mentoring and monthly photo reviews to help members improve their photography skills. The Henderson County Public Library is located at 301 North Washington St. in Hendersonville. Because the Kaplan Auditorium is frequently scheduled for other purposes, visitors should plan their visit by checking the auditorium’s schedule athttps://hendersonpl.libcal.com/space/139054. To learn more about the Camera Club of Hendersonville, visithttps://www.cameraclubofhendersonville.com/.
Meetings scheduled to discuss Saluda Grade Trail
Two public meetings have been scheduled on the Saluda Grade Trail. The first will be 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Inman Library in Inman, S.C., and the other will be at 5:30 p.m. at Polk County High School. The public is invited to drop in, learn more about the proposed trail and share their goals, ideas and concerns.
The Saluda Grade Trail is a proposed 31-mile rail trail that would follow the route of the historic Saluda Grade rail line. Along the way, it would run through Campobello, Inman, Landrum, Tryon, Saluda and Zirconia. The Saluda Grade Trail is being spearheaded by a coalition of nonprofits in North Carolina and South Carolina — Conserving Carolina, PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well and Upstate Forever.
Education Foundation seeks nominees for 2024 Hall of Fame
The Henderson County Education Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Henderson County Education Hall of Fame. The nomination window will be from now to Jan. 5.
The Education Hall of Fame honors individuals who have demonstrated measurable influence and made significant contributions to the growth and development of education in Henderson County. Nominees may include educators, teaching assistants, bus drivers, support personnel, administrators, board members, volunteers, donors and community leaders who have directly impacted education.
Nominations can be submitted at https://hcefnc.org/ourwork/halloffame/.
Carl Sandburg home writer has new book published
Tony Robles, who is a Hendersonville based poet and Carl Sandburg Home Writer in Residence, recently had a new book published by Redhawk Publications titled "Thrift Store Metamorphosis.
It is a new poetry collection by San Francisco-born and Hendersonville-based poet Robles. Following the success of his previous works, Robles writes about symbolism found within the walls of a local thrift shop along the Asheville Highway, according to a news release. Robles said he sees it as a gift to his new home of Hendersonville where he has resided for four years.
Inspired by his experiences while working at a thrift store during his graduate studies, Robles discovered a treasure trove of metaphors and symbols within the donated items. From crockpots to vintage clothing, old records to weathered books, each object unveiled a larger meaning, inviting the poet to explore the vibrant tapestry of the Hendersonville community.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: United Way celebrates 70 years; Alzheimer's walk, Camera Club exhibition, Saluda trail talks set
