Community News

LOCAL BRIEFS: High-tech greenhouse, Earth Day, Community Band concert

BRCC leaders, students and supporters celebrate the opening of the new automated greenhouse at Blue Ridge Community College. [BENJAMIN RICKERT/Blue Ridge Community College]

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 17, 2025

BRCC celebrates high-tech greenhouse

Blue Ridge Community College celebrated the grand opening of its new automated greenhouse on April 10 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and praise for the technology features that advances the horticulture program.

The “Growing Bright Futures” celebration brought together local leaders, supporters, faculty and students to mark the completion of the cutting-edge 4,320-square-foot facility designed to support agriculture education and workforce development across the region.

Funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation, the Cannon Charitable Interests and Henderson County, the $1.79 million state-of-the-art greenhouse will serve as a high-tech training ground for horticulture students and local agribusiness professionals while also offering interdisciplinary learning opportunities for programs like information technology and engineering technology.

Kelly Leonard, vice chairman of BRCC’s Board of Trustees, recognized the contributions of numerous partners, including project architect Clark Nexsen, contractor Cooper Construction, manufacturer Stuppy Greenhouse and the college’s facilities, maintenance and administration teams.

The new greenhouse, located just north of the Spearman Building, stands more than 25 feet tall and is designed with advanced features that support both education and innovation. The facility includes motorized shade curtains, automated irrigation and fertigation systems for precise water and nutrient delivery, real-time weather tracking and integrated data systems. It also offers accessibility features, safety and first aid stations, forklift and utility vehicle access and a backup power generator.

“In Henderson County, Blue Ridge Community College is a vital partner in shaping the future of our residents and our local economy,” Henderson County Board of Commissioners Chair Bill Lapsley said. “Here, students gain the education and training that will open doors to opportunity and a better life, while also supplying local employers with the skilled talent they need to thrive.”

Nonprofits invited to apply for grants

The Mills River Town Council is accepting applications from nonprofits that have programs that serve the town.
Each year, the council hears requests from local nonprofits for the purpose of promoting partnerships for the benefit of Mills River residents and to strengthen community organizations. Past recipients include the Mills River Farm Market, Mills River Life Enrichment Center, Literacy Connection and Smart Start Partnership for Children.
The council will convene at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, to hear the requests from 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Organizations interested in partnering with the town are encouraged to attend in-person. For an application contact Patty Brown at patty.brown@millsriver.org. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. April 14.

Earth Day program focuses on advocacy

The Henderson County League of Women Voters will celebrate Earth Day with a program from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the Hendrick-Rhodes Veterans Center at Five Points, 900 North Main St.

“Local Environmental Advocacy — Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” will be a discussion about the local environmental scene and the Environmental and Conservation Organization, which helped lead the way. Formed in 1987, ECO worked to protect the environment of Henderson County. In 2014 ECO merged with two other regional organizations to form Mountain True.
Program presenters will include two former executive directors of ECO, Mary Jo Padgett and David Weintraub. Katie Breckheimer will facilitate. For more information visit lwvhcnc.org.

Community Band show features music by women

Women of the Podium, the upcoming concert of the Hendersonville Community Band, promises to be a special event featuring Dawn Price, former professor of music, director of bands and coordinator of music education at Wingate University, and several pieces composed and arranged by women. The concert is at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Blue Ridge Conference Hall at BRCC.

Dr. Price is a former student of Winford Franklin, the community band’s principal conductor. The title of the concert is taken from a composition of the same name composed by Virginia A. Allen and conducted by Price.

Price will also conduct Blessed Are They (Johannes Brahms) scored by Barbara Buehlman and Rusty Bucket (Carol Chambers), a fun and challenging piece for the band.

Associate Conductor Cole Hairston will conduct two movements of Steampunk Suite (Erika Svanoe), a new (2016) and most unusual composition.

Scored by Barbara Buehlman, Beautiful River, based on the hymn Shall We Gather at the River, will be conducted by Franklin. Rounding out the program will be will be Slava (Bernstein), Disney from the Movies (arr. Higgins), Loch Lomond (Ticheli), Fire of Eternal Glory (Shostakovich), Brighton Beach (Latham) and the Carmen Dragon arrangement of the tribute to our country America the Beautiful (Samuel Ward), all led by Franklin.

The Hendersonville Community Band is grateful to the N.C. General Assembly for allocating funds for the Grassroots Grant and to The Arts Council of Henderson County for a grant to HCB. The concert is partially sponsored by the Grassroots Grant.

The Ralph Campbell and Joan Tripp scholarships for college students majoring in music education will be awarded during the concert. HCB also awards music camp scholarships, in honor of HCB founder Jim Stokes, to Henderson County band students. Donations, which are tax-deductible, may be made toward the scholarships at the concert or by mail.

Concert admission is $12 per person; free for students. Tickets are available at the Visitors Center, from band members and at the door.

Democratic Women hear about elder law

An overflow crowd filled Democratic headquarters March 15 to hear attorney Caroline Knox speak on elder law during a meeting of the Democratic Women of Henderson County. One of a handful of attorneys certified in elder law in the state of North Carolina, Knox addressed issues facing elders and their families concerning wills, trusts, estate planning and conservatorship.

Democratic Women also held a brief meeting and presented a slate of officers for the coming session. The new slate was unanimously approved and will be voted on at the group’s monthly meeting this month. Through education, collaboration and advocacy, DWHC strives to motivate their community and support and elect Democratic candidates at the local, county, state and national level.