News

LOCAL BRIEFS: Taste of the Vineyard, Pup Crawl, BRCC grant

Big Brother Joey Popp, Little Sister Mary and Little Brother Andre enjoy a Carolina Panthers game.

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 9, 2024

Taste of the vineyard

A Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser Oct. 3 at Point Lookout Vineyards offers dancing, craft beer and the opportunity to sample some fine bourbon.

A Taste of the Vineyard, the annual fundraiser now in its 11^th year, has added a new twist – an optional specialty bourbon tasting. It’s all part of a night of fun, friendship and fundraising for an organization that matches professionally vetted and supported “Bigs” with “Littles” looking for mentors who listen well and are up for fun.

The annual event will pair a BBQ dinner with a cash bar serving wine by Point Lookout Vineyards and craft beer. (Specialty bourbon tastings are an additional cost, except for package deals and sponsorships). A silent auction featuring unique experiences will accompany live music by Marley’s Chain. Point Lookout is at 408 Appleola Road.

Admission is $75 per person. A $1,000 VIP package includes eight event tickets and a complimentary bourbon tasting for each of the eight guests. For tickets visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/totv-bootsbourbon/event/totv-boots/.

BBBS of Henderson County works to ensure every child has an enjoyable, long-term relationship with a caring adult who believes in them and sees their potential. To learn more visit bbbswnc.org.

Pup Crawl is Oct. 19

Blue Ridge Humane Society invites the public to participate in the fourth annual Historic Seventh Avenue District Pup Crawl from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.

Participants will purchase “Pawsports” and enjoy a pet giveaway or treat and a unique pet-themed activity at participating dog-friendly food and beverage businesses, earning stamps at each stop for a chance to win a grand prize.

Host businesses participating in the Pup Crawl include Brandy Bar + Cocktails, Celtic Creamery, Guidon Brewing Co., M&T Distilling, Southern Appalachian Brewing Co. and White Duck Taco Shop. Each business is generously donating 10 percent of sales that day.

“Pup Crawl is a fun and interactive event for dog owners, and we get to witness firsthand the bond between dogs and their owners at each stop,” BRHS Executive Director Angela Prodrick said. “Not only can community members come out to help raise funds for our mission to save lives, it is an opportunity to support these Seventh Avenue businesses who are hosting events, donating treats and sharing a portion of proceeds during these difficult months of construction.”

Pawsports are $20 for one dog and $40 for two or more dogs from the same household if purchased by Oct. 16. Pawsports can be purchased on the day of the event for $30 for one dog and $50 for two or more dogs from the same household. Human-only Pawsports can be purchased for the same price that will allow participants to collect all six stamps and be entered into the grand prize drawing. Dogs must be leashed at all times and current on vaccinations. Event will be held rain or shine.

To buy a Pawsports visit blueridgehumane.org/get-involved/events/pupcrawl or all (828) 692-2639 ext. 304.

Event sponsors include Fletcher Animal Hospital, Veterinary Emergency Group (Asheville) and Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital and Veterinary Emergency Hospital and BRHS Ally Sponsor Wag! A Unique Pet Boutique.

BRCC wins EMS grant

Blue Ridge Community College has been selected to receive a $400,000 grant from the North Carolina Community College System to bolster its Emergency Medical Services programs.

For decades, BRCC has served the public safety community in Western North Carolina by training first responders in the emergency medical, fire and rescue and law enforcement fields.

The grant will purchase two advanced simulation manikins with augmented reality technology, trauma simulation equipment and two power stretchers. The items provide more realistic training for Blue Ridge students, preparing them to use the same equipment available in the field.

“As a prehospital care leader in the region, Henderson County EMS relies on highly trained team members who are ready to make a difference in our community,” Henderson County Emergency Services Director Jimmy Brissie said. “We are fortunate to have a tremendous working relationship with Blue Ridge Community College, not only as a training location but also as a crucial pipeline for recruiting new staff.”

BRCC offers EMS courses on all three of its campuses, as well as online. Concentrations include emergency medical responder, emergency medical technician, advanced EMT and paramedic.