News

LOCAL BRIEFS: Bullington students, honoring veterans, Christmas parade

Rosie Reeves, Julie Guy, Stephanie McDowell, Gabrielle Rathmell and Annie Higgins pose with the winning design plan BRCC horticulture students McDowell and Rathmell created for Bullington Gardens’ entrance.

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 30, 2023

Students involved at Bullington Gardens

Bullington Gardens recently welcomed a new cohort of students back to its grounds, marking the beginning of another season of learning, growing and community involvement. With the generous support of a grant from St. James Episcopal Church, students in the 10^th grade Occupational Course of Study are not just returning to school but also stepping into the world of horticultural education.

Students in the BOOST (Bullington Onsite Occupational Skills Training) program receive hands-on experience in planting and tending to the school gardens as well as learning essential life skills such as cooperation, focus and project management. Garden beds, constructed using materials provided by the St. James Episcopal grant, will serve as their open-air classrooms for the upcoming year. The students will delve into propagation, design and teamwork, skills that are integral parts of Bullington’s mission.

Students from Exceptional Children classes have also returned to Bullington Gardens, full of enthusiasm for the new season. They have been working hard at removing remnants from last year’s garden to make way for fresh plantings of fall vegetables. Their scarecrows, now perched in the Therapy Gardens, welcome visitors with a touch of charm and warmth.

One of the highlights of this year’s student return is the collaborative partnership between Bullington Gardens and Blue Ridge Community College’s Horticulture Department. Under the guidance of instructor Julie Guy, landscape design students have redesigned an entrance garden which became overgrown in recent years. This initiative not only breathes new life into Bullington’s aesthetic appeal, but also provides students with valuable practical experience in garden design. Students Stephanie McDowell and Gabrielle Rathmell presented the winning designs and will have aspects of their plan implemented in the spring. 

“It’s wonderful to see our gardens teeming with student life once more,” said Rosie Reeves, educational coordinator at Bullington Gardens. “Our students, young and exceptional, are truly the heart and soul of this place. Their involvement, along with the support from St. James Episcopal and Blue Ridge Community College, reinforces our belief in the power of education and nature.”

Veterans get free ride and lunch

In recognition of their service, veterans are invited to ride in antique and classic cars, trucks, jeeps and military vehicles to Veterans Day services at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Saturday, Nov. 11.

Vehicles will assemble at the American Legion Post 77 on Washington Street at 9 a.m. A Sheriff’s Office escort will lead the veterans caravan to the park at 9:30 a.m. Please be sure to arrive at the legion post by 9 a.m. U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards will be on hand to ride with the veterans caravan.
From 10 to 11 a.m., WTZQ radio will interview veterans live on the air. This is an opportunity for veterans to share the story of their service. Following the Veterans Day service, which begins at 11 a.m., a lunch will be provided at Forest Lawn.

In another Veterans Day event, the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be on display at the Veterans Healing Farm, 38 Yale Road, in Horseshoe, Nov. 8-12.

The treaty that ended World War took effect at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Between WWI and WWII Nov. 11 was as commemorated as Armistice Day in the United States, Great Britain and France. After World War II, the holiday was recognized as a day of tribute to veterans of both wars and in 1954 was renamed Veterans Day.

The Transylvania Cruisers Car Club invites all owners of classic and antique cars, trucks, jeeps and military vehicles to participate in honoring veterans. For more information, contact Bruce Hatfield at 828-329-4971 noirs@aol.com.

Young musicians may apply for HSO honor

The Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra is now accepting applications for its 2024 Young Artist Competition.

Now in its 28th year, the competition is open to musicians in grades 9-12 who live in Henderson, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey counties in or who are members in good standing in the Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Cash prizes are first place, $1,000; second place, $600; and third place, $400. The first-place winner will perform as a soloist with the HSO at its April 13 concert, “Spring Awakens.”

Orchestral instrument, piano or voice students who qualify may apply with the recommendation of a music teacher. First-place winners from previous HSO Young Artist Competitions are not eligible to apply. Competition rules and an online application can be found at www.hendersonvillesymphony.org/young-artist-competition. The application fee is $40, and all applications must be postmarked or submitted online by Jan. 17. The competition will be held on Sunday, Feb. 18.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for a young musician to experience the thrill of competition and showcase his or her talent,” said Paul Conroy, HSO’s executive director. “It is an incredible learning experience for the winner to perform with a professional orchestra.”

Instrumentalists must prepare a movement from a standard concerto. Vocalists must prepare an aria from an opera, oratorio, or a song from a song cycle. Works for two soloists may be entered. All music must be memorized for the audition.

For more information, visit hendersonvillesyphony.org, or call the HSO office at 828-697-5884.

Christmas parade applications open

Applications are now available for participants in the Hendersonville Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m., the Hendersonville Merchants and Business Association announced.

“Light Up the Night” is the theme of this year’s parade. Entry deadline is Nov. 20. Applications can be found at nchmba.com. Parade participants may download, print and mail forms with appropriate entry fee to HMBA, P.O. Box 6043, Hendersonville, NC, 28793.

Entry is free for schools, churches, fire departments and non-profit civic organizations. Entry fee for businesses and car clubs is $25. Line-up time is 4:30 p.m. on Oakland Street and Bearcat Lane with judging at 5:30 p.m. Santa and his special sleigh will round out the parade For more information call 828-692-4179.