
Transylvania County In Top 20 For Health in the State of NC
Transylvania is ranked in the top 20, according to the 2010 County Health Rankings, which look at the overall health of North Carolina’s100 counties.
The counties received two rankings: health outcomes, which represent how healthy a county is, and health factors, which looks at what influences a county’s health.
Transylvania was ranked 17th under health outcomes and sixth under health factors.
The health outcomes ranking is based on mortality (the length of life) and morbidity (health-related quality of life and birth outcomes).
Health factors take into account several areas, including education, income, tobacco use, community safety, diet and exercise, and access to health care and its quality.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute calculated the rankings for each state.
The goal is to provide counties with a snapshot of their overall health and how they compare with other counties.
Buncombe County was ranked 25th for health outcomes and ranked third for health factors. Henderson County was ranked 33rd for outcomes and fifth for factors. Jackson County was ranked 12th for outcomes and 31st for factors. Haywood County was ranked 56th for outcomes and 19th for factors.
Closer Look
Under health outcomes in the mortality rankings, Transylvania came in at 28, while in the morbidity rankings the county was ranked at 13.
Health factors took into account four areas, with each county being given a ranking, as well:
• Health behaviors — smoking, diet and exercise, alcohol use and risky sex behavior. Transylvania’s ranking was 17th.
• Clinical care — access to care and its quality. Transylvania was ranked 4th.
• Social and economic factors — education, employment, income, family and social support, and community safety. Transylvania was ranked 4th.
• Physical environment — environmental quality and built environment.
Transylvania was ranked 79th. This ranking is based on air quality measures, such as unhealthy air due to ozone and particulate matter.
The built environment corresponds to access to health foods and the number of liquor stores.
Article Courtesy of the Transylvania Times
newspost586-transylvania-county-in-top-20-for-health-in-the-st.aspxPosted on 3/10/2010 2:56:26 PM

Vote for Brevard as America's Coolest Town
Brevard is currently running neck and neck between #1 and #2 out of 147 entries for Budget Travel’s 'CoolestSmallTown in America".
I'm on a campaign to make sure we get #1, so please follow the link, Click on the red dot in NC and vote! You can vote about every 3 hours. We are running neck and neck with ElyMinn. and I can assure you we are leaps and bounds above Ely as the coolest town.
Please take the time to vote at least once if not once a day. Then get all your friends and family and everyone you know to do it. This is pretty exciting, so I’m pushing everyone i know hard. This could be really great for Brevard and its economy. So, please get all your family and friends to vote, and spread the word on your Facebook, myspace, twitter, Blogger etc. Voting ends in May so help us out and let the real coolest town of BrevardNC win!
Vote here: America's Coolest Small Town
newspost585-vote-for-brevard-as-americas-coolest-town.aspxPosted on 3/10/2010 12:41:08 PM
Top 10 Most Advantageous Places to Retire
RISMEDIA, March 9, 2010—(MCT)—Where do you want to live in retirement? Most folks age in place, but there are those who spend their golden years in dreamy locales.
The 100 most popular retirement towns for 2010 are—no surprise—mostly located in the Sun Belt states, according to TopRetirements.com. In fact, 68 of the 100 top positions were occupied by warm-climate towns. Florida dominated the list, taking 23 of the spots, followed by North Carolina (11) and South Carolina (8).
But there are 25 new towns on the list, according to John Brady, editor of the second edition of 100 Best Retirement Towns. Some of the 25 new cities on the list include Boulder, Colo.; Eugene, Ore.; Santa Fe, N.M.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Portland, Maine; Smyrna, Del.; and Cape Coral, Fla.
According to Brady, the 100 most popular retirement towns list is compiled by calculating the 100 towns with the most online visits of the 450 cities reviewed at Topretirements.com. The list is essentially a popularity contest; it reflects the towns that site visitors are the most interested in for retirement. “One thing is clear,” Brady said of the trends he’s noticed in this year’s list. “The Sun Belt is so dominant because people are interested in retiring to where it’s warm.” In addition, he said, this year’s list is dominated by college towns. People are looking for a place to retire where they have access to intellectually challenging activities.
The towns with the most online visits include:
Asheville, NC
Asheville is a long-time favorite. Part of its ongoing appeal is its climate (it’s mild year round); its location (it’s in the Blue Ridge Mountains; there’s water everywhere for fishing and boating, and its downtown is walkable and dynamic); its housing stock (there’s a wide range of upscale housing opportunities for seniors). What’s not so special is that Asheville gets crowded in the summer and overdevelopment is coming.
I must add here BrevardNC: This is not part of the original article, yet Brevard a small, quaint town out of the hustle and bustle of Asheville, yet only 35 minutes away has so much to offer. Known as the Land of Waterfalls and home of the white squirrel in TransylvaniaCounty, we have in my opinion far more natural resources to offer than most of the top 10!
The Pisgah National Forest with the cradle of forestry, looking glass falls, and a mountain bikers dream. Not to mention I love riding my motor cycle through the twiste’s and stopping at overlooks to see some of the finest untouched by man views west of the Mississippi. Then there is the DuPont State Forest with its Triple Falls 40 plus miles of hiking trails, mountain bike trails and horseback trails. If you want to get away from the big city, traffic, horns blowing, light pollution at night and see all the Glory that God gave us then you must visit TransylvaniaCounty and BrevardNC. I have a feeling if you don't make Brevard your next home, second home or retirement, you will return year after year for vacation. I found Brevard some 40 years ago after relocating from MiamiFlorida, and I assure you I have found my home till....
Sarasota, Fla.
Sarasota is the cultural capital of Florida. Part of its appeal is that is has one of Florida’s best downtowns, a downtown that includes an impressive array of cultural facilities such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. On the downside, there are a lot of tourists and traffic in winter, and summers are hot. Of note, the Ringling Brothers located the winter quarters of their circus in Sarasota.
Prescott, Ariz.
An old mining town, retirees choose this location for its warm climate and interesting setting. The town, which borders the Prescott National Forest, features 525 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and Whiskey Row. On the downside, there are a lot of tourists. At an elevation of 5,400 feet, the winters are colder here than the rest of Arizona. Plus, there are watering restrictions, according to TopRetirements
To read the rest of the article visit: http://rismedia.com/2010-03-08/top-10-most-advantageous-places-to-retire/
newspost584-top-10-most-advantageous-places-to-retire.aspxPosted on 3/9/2010 12:04:07 PM
How Long Should Your Appliance Last
Average life expectancy in years of a thermostat and a compactor, respectively the longest-lived and shortest-lived appliances in the American home, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Bank of America Home Equity Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components. (See the table below for an alphabetized list of appliances.)
Keep in mind that the life expectancy listed here is just a general guideline—depending on the model and brand of appliances you buy and how well you treat them, your gear might last longer or might need replacing even sooner.
So after you figure out where to buy appliances, be sure to check the brand-repair histories (available to subscribers) of the gear on our Appliances hub.
| Appliance | Life Expectancy (years) |
| Air Conditioners (room) | 10 |
| Air Conditioners (central) | 15 |
| Boilers (electric) | 13 |
| Boilers (gas) | 21 |
| Compactors | 6 |
| Dehumidifiers | 8 |
| Dishwashers | 9 |
| Dryers (electric and gas) | 13 |
| Freezers | 11 |
| Furnaces (electric warm air) | 15 |
| Furnaces (gas warm air) | 18 |
| Furnaces (oil warm air) | 20 |
| Garbage Disposers | 12 |
| Humidifiers | 8 |
| Microwave Ovens | 9 |
| Range/Oven Hoods | 14 |
| Ranges (electric) | 13 |
| Ranges (gas) | 15 |
| Refrigerators | 13 |
| Refrigerators (compact) | 9 |
| Thermostats | 35 |
| Washing Machines | 10 |
| Water Heaters (electric) | 11 |
| Water Heaters (gas) | 10 |
| Water Heaters (tankless) | 20+ |
Appliance | Life Expectancy (years) |
Air Conditioners (room) | 10 |
Air Conditioners (central) | 15 |
Boilers (electric) | 13 |
Boilers (gas) | 21 |
Compactors | 6 |
Dehumidifiers | 8 |
Dishwashers | 9 |
Dryers (electric and gas) | 13 |
Freezers | 11 |
Furnaces (electric warm air) | 15 |
Furnaces (gas warm air) | 18 |
Furnaces (oil warm air) | 20 |
Garbage Disposers | 12 |
Humidifiers | 8 |
Microwave Ovens | 9 |
Range/Oven Hoods | 14 |
Ranges (electric) | 13 |
Ranges (gas) | 15 |
Refrigerators | 13 |
Refrigerators (compact) | 9 |
Thermostats | 35 |
Washing Machines | 10 |
Water Heaters (electric) | 11 |
Water Heaters (gas) | 10 |
Water Heaters (tankless) | 20+ |
newspost583-how-long-should-your-appliance-last.aspxPosted on 3/3/2010 12:24:46 PM
Brevard NC in the Top 10 America's Coolest Small town. Vote NOW
Don't know if you've heard, but Budget Travel magazine is picking the Top 10 America's Coolest Small Towns and Brevard is currently in second place - by just a hundred or so points! If you could help get the word out, perhaps we could vote Brevard into top position!
Vote Here:
http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/coolestsmalltowns/CST2010.htmlThanks for your help!
newspost580-brevard-nc-in-the-top-10-americas-coolest-small-to.aspxPosted on 2/27/2010 4:07:44 PM

An Exciting Weekend Full of Outdoor Oriented Activites Awaits You in Beautiful Brevard, NC!
A special weekend of outdoor-oriented events and activities is ahead for residents and visitors to Brevard and TransylvaniaCounty during the annual Banff Mountain Film Festival on March 19-21.
The event is part of the Festival’s 34
th consecutive World Tour and will be hosted by BrevardCollege for the fifteenth year.
Two different shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at the PorterCenter will feature new films on mountain sports and culture. But there will be much more, with a weekend packed full of fun and exciting activities, including canoe trips, bike rides, waterfall tours, a fly fishing contest, skateboarding and rock climbing, a “gear swap,” pottery-making and other art events. Special values for dining, shopping and lodging will be offered by local merchants. The Transylvania Partnership, with organizational support from the County’s Planning & Economic Development Department, the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce and the Heart of Brevard, has engaged Joan Van Orman as the event coordinator. Van Orman is the owner of Main Stream Marketing and co-owner of Bluewood Gallery and will guiding the planning and promotion of the event. The Tourism Development Authority is supporting the marketing efforts through a TDA mini-grant.
According to Van Orman, “Our overall objective is to take greater advantage of this opportunity to promote TransylvaniaCounty as an outdoor sports destination – and ultimately to enhance local business. A group of local business representatives have been meeting regularly for several weeks to plan and organize the weekend festivities. Everyone involved is working diligently to make this an outstanding event to be enjoyed by young and old alike.”
For more information visit
www.brevard.edu/banff Picure is of:
Banff Film Festival planning is underway. Left to right: Wendy Jones, Brevard College; Tammy Hopkins, T-Carts; Debi Whitmire,
Headwaters Outfitters; Joan Van Orman, Event Coordinator.
Article from: Planning and Economic Development
newspost575-an-exciting-weekend-full-of-outdoor-oriented-activ.aspxPosted on 2/25/2010 1:06:56 PM

Rodeway Inn Re-opens in Brevard NC
Rodeway Inn Back Open For Business
Mark Todd, Staff Writer 23.FEB.10Marc Rosenbalm, the new general manager of the Rodeway Inn in Brevard, is happy to be in town and looking to bring one of Transylvania County’s largest lodging facilities back to good health.
The inn on Asheville Highway was closed for about 18 months, but has reopened under new ownership and management.
Rosenbalm, Lisa Lunsford, and Nicole Ferrell are the new owners of the inn, which originally opened in 1963 and for years was Brevard’s only large motel or hotel.
They purchased the inn from Asheville Savings Bank in a foreclosure sale.
Until recent years, the property was known as the Imperial Motor Lodge.
Later, the name was changed to the Rodeway Inn and a prior ownership group made major renovations to the property in 2007.
Rosenbalm’s group is also associated with two Rodeway Inn properties in Asheville, and he has been the general manager of a Rodeway location near Biltmore Square Mall.
Brutal winter weather since mid-December has been bad for the hotel and motel business, he said.
He has lived in the Asheville area since 1986 and said the only winter that compares with this one in that time was 1992-1993.
Rosenbalm said the new owners plan to reopen the pub and swimming pool at the site in Brevard this spring and have already done some additional upgrades, including new 32-inch LCD flat screen televisions for the motel rooms and new mattresses for beds.
He said despite the fact that the property closed and went into foreclosure, the new owners found the facility to be in excellent condition.
“It is a very well built building, constructed of brick,” he said. “It is true, they don’t build them like they used to. I like the curb appeal of the motel. It’s nostalgic.”
He said the style of the hotel, with expansive grounds and 67 units spread out horizontally over several acres, all with parking in front of the rooms and single story construction, reminds him of the places he used to stay as a younger man.
New hotels and motels these days are often built with interior corridors and are several stories high, which some people say makes them feel safer.
Rosenbalm said there is traditionally a high turnover rate in the hotel industry, but his company values its employees, treats them well, and has some workers who have been with the company for 15 years.
“They can find a home with us,” he said. “We are a little different than most hotel companies.”
Rosenbalm said the company strives for excellence, since nowadays visitors can easily slam a hotel if they have an unpleasant stay by posting something on web sites such as tripadviser.com.
“The Internet can be harsh,” he said. “What used to be word of mouth is now on the Internet for everyone to see.”
Unfortunately for hotel owners, he said, people who are mad about something are much more likely to make comments than people who are pleased.
He isn’t worried about competition from other hotels in Brevard such as the Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn Express, he said.
The Rodeway prices itself lower than those properties and is described as an “economy” class facility.
Thirty of the 67 units on site have been made available, with others to be added later in the spring, he said.
newspost574-rodeway-inn-re-opens-in-brevard-nc.aspxPosted on 2/25/2010 12:37:54 PM

Brevard's Zero Gravity indoor skateboard park
Mark Todd, Staff Writer 19.FEB.10
Brevard’s Zero Gravity indoor skateboard park changed ownership recently, when Tim Brenton and Barbara Kreager sold the park to Michael Hosey and his wife, Heather.
“Our goal has been to offer our skaters the benefits of healthy physical activity, in a wholesome Christian environment, with their safety ensured by professional adult supervision,” said Barbara, who opened the park with Tim eight years ago.
She said Hosey has been a valued friend and employee at the Old Hendersonville Highway park in the past. She and her husband are comfortable in letting their “baby” move into his hands while they have more time for themselves.
“Passing the torch to Michael ensures our goals and standards will continue to be met,” she said.
The skate park is Brenton’s third business since taking an early retirement from the phone company. An entrepreneur at heart, Brenton is now available for the next opportunity to present itself, he said.
“Traveling, golf, and relaxing are the top priorities for now,” Brenton said.
“We have met wonderful families and have enjoyed watching some of these kids grow up. We couldn’t be happier that Michael is able to take over.”
Hosey graduated from Brevard High in 1998. He then attended Appalachian State University and graduated with a degree in recreation. He helped open the skateboard park and managed it until 2006.
Hosey and Heather have a 2-year-old son, Finn, with another child on the way. Hosey said he looks forward to owning a business in the sport he loves.
He has taught skateboard lessons at a summer camp in Pennsylvania, and is a certified snowboard instructor, as well.
No immediate changes will take place with the new ownership. The park’s operating hours and admission rates will remain the same.
The park will still be available for private rentals.
The park has been popular with preschool children who use the ramps as gigantic slides.
The park will also continue to offer martial arts classes, “Toddler Time,” after school specials and “Skate Church” on Thursday nights.
“It’s business as usual,” said Hosey, with the exception of adding “Girls Night” on Tuesdays when admission for girls will be $2.
In addition to multiple ramps, the skate park hosts a complete concession area, pro shop and party room.
A safe place to skateboard was identified as a need in Brevard’s Focus 2020 study, a grassroots community planning effort.
After much urging by Tim and Barbara’s twin sons, Nick and Joe, Tim started developing the business plan for the park while Barbara researched existing facilities around the country.
The resulting project was a 12,000 square foot building, with a professionally designed and built skate floor.
The ramps are covered with top of the line “skatelite” while metal transitions to the concrete floor make for a smooth ride.
There are ramps, half pipes, drop ins, horseshoes, and all kinds of structures that create fun and challenging skating. Skateboarders, inline skaters, scooters and bikers use the facility, which is the largest of its type in western North Carolina.
Eighty percent of the skaters are under the age of 18, with an average age being around 14.
Their oldest skater is 69, and he also runs the Bible study on Thursdays.
Attendance since opening day has been more than 65,000, with many of those customers making Brevard their tourist destination.
Michael Hosey and his wife, Heather (seen here holding their son, Finn), are the new owners of Zero Gravity, the indoor skateboard park. (Times photo by Mark Todd)
newspost573-brevards-zero-gravity-indoor-skateboard-park-.aspxPosted on 2/25/2010 12:33:33 PM

Brevard council hammers out zoning plan
BREVARD — A proposed compromise zoning ordinance for 640 acres in PisgahForest got the thumbs up from Brevard City Council Monday.
The zoning plan was unveiled during a joint meeting between the council and Transylvania County Commissioners in the Rogow Room at the Transylvania County Library.
The process began initially as the city was considering its options for Extraterritorial Jurisdiction extension.
Extraterritorial jurisdiction under state law allows a city government to extend its boundaries without annexing an area. The city can extend its zoning authority up to 1 mile beyond the city limits. PisgahForest residents expressed concern that they would rather be regulated by the county than the city and a joint city/county committee was established last year to explore options.
In May, Brevard City Council members cited the DavidsonRiverVillage development and the properties fronting U.S. 64 between N.C. 280/276 and Davidson River Road as primary areas for growth in the near future. At the time, council members said they were motivated to take action on a possible ETJ by the fear that uncontrolled growth would occur if some kind of zoning were not in place.
Council members praised the proposed zoning ordinance as being a good management tool.
“Committee members had their own personal feelings on this, but they sat down and crafted a plan that works for everybody,” said Councilman Rodney Locks. “They’ve done good work and I think the city is happy with what they’ve done.”
In the report presented Monday, the planning board is recommending an Open Use form of zoning in order to minimize the impact on property owners who are not located on N.C. 280 or U.S. 64.
Eleven high-impact “special uses” fall under county regulation, said Transylvania County Planning Director Mike Thomas. Those uses include industry, solid waste management facilities, mining operations, concrete and asphalt plants, incinerators, junk yards, slaughtering plants, amusement parks, chip mills and motor sports facilities. These are not outlawed for use in the Open Zoning, but would be subject to conditions set forth by the county. Prohibited uses are adult entertainment establishments, hazardous waste facilities and radioactive waste facilities.
The proposed zoning ordinance also creates two districts — a Corridor Mixed-Use District comprised of U.S. 64 and NC 280 and an Open Use District that would include parcels that touch or border the U.S. 64 and NC 280 corridors.
City Councilman Mack McKeller said he was pleased with the proposed zoning ordinance presented Monday. He said that the city will still pursue extending its ETJ to a few small parcels in the U.S. 64 and NC 280 corridors that already have city water and sewer lines. But the area is far from the scale that the city was talking about including in a possible ETJ when the issue first came up a couple of years ago, he added.
“The (county) planning board went to work, rolled up their sleeves and, very much in good faith, did a really good job in putting together an ordinance that will address our (city’s) concerns,” McKeller said. “This means if the county adopts the zoning ordinance that was proposed, as far as I’m concerned, the ETJ issue goes away.”
Brevard Mayor Jimmy Harris said a review of the proposed zoning ordinance by city staffers, city planning board and council members left a “satisfactory” impression.
“The city council allowed the county to see if they could come up with a document that would satisfy the citizens of Brevard, that would allow us to extend our utility system,” he said.
“Our utilities are an expensive part of infrastructure that requires a lot of maintenance, and city residents don’t want it abused, so we manage it and at the county’s request, we were asked to look at a document. We find it quite satisfactory and we agree that it is a good management tool and we accept it as presented. This puts them in a good position to take action on it. We urge them (commissioners) to move forward with it.”
The proposed zoning ordinance could be on a county commission agenda for the March or April meeting.
By Leigh Kelley
Times-News Staff Writer
newspost572-brevard-council-hammers-out-zoning-plan.aspxPosted on 2/24/2010 11:10:05 AM

BIKE & HIKE BREVARD!
The City of Brevard is committed to developing a pedestrian and bicycle friendly community. To that end, we intend to construct over 15 miles of bicycle / pedestrian pathway, as funding permits. When complete this pathway will connect downtown Brevard to Pisgah National Forest through the City's Bracken Mountain property, and along Davidson River to the Davidson River Campground. It will also connnect dowtown Brevard to Brevard Elementary and Brevard High School.
"Safe Routes to School"
Gallimore Road Pathway
The City of Brevard is working to construct the Gallimore Road bike / hike path. When complete this path will connect Brevard Elementary School, the Boys and Girls Club, and Brevard High School, and link existing sidewalks along US Highway 276 and Country Club Road.
The Gallimore Road bicycle / pedestrian pathway is made possible by the taxpayers of the City of Brevard as well as a generous grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School program (SRTS). For more information please visit the SRTS website.
The City of Brevard will hold a groundbreaking for the Gallimore Road Bike / Hike Path on February 25, 2010, 1:30 PM at 377 Gallimore Road (next to Medical Associates). Citizens interested in attending should contact Sarah Lutz-Pietersen at (828) 885-5630 or by email at
sarah.lutz-pietersen@cityofbrevard.com
. Space is limited, so please RSVP by February 22, 2010
newspost571-bike-hike-brevard.aspxPosted on 2/22/2010 3:12:24 PM

Did you know?
Did you know?
Transylvania County, “Brevard NC area” Farm & Agricultural brings in over 54 Million is total receipts to our county.
In 2002 Transylvania County had 256 farms with the average size of 71 acres.
Transylvania County has 18,171 acres of Farmland of which 6,310 acres are harvested cropland.
In 2007, Transylvania County leads the state in
Trout production with $3.1 million in sales from 14 farms.
67% agriculture products sold, was in nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod, as a percentage of the total market.
25% of total market sold was in livestock and poultry. In fact there is a trending for more poultry production in the future. These trends are using more
organic growing methods. With 83% of Transylvania County farms are family operated
with the average age of the farm operator at 57.
We rate number 5in the State of NC in Sod production and number 7 in Nursery stock. Our bottom lands where most of the sod farms are offer some of the richest top soil in our entire county. These bottom lands are known as French Broad River Basin.
newspost569-did-you-know.aspxPosted on 2/22/2010 9:45:03 AM

The History of Henderson County North Carolina
Henderson was formed in l838 from Buncombe County. It was name in honor of Leonard Henderson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. It is in the western section of the state and is bounded by the state of South Carolina and Transylvania, Haywood, Buncombe, McDowell, Rutherford, and Polk counties. The present land area is 374.00 square miles and the population was 89,173.
The first court was to be held at the home of Hugh Johnston, at which time the justices were to decide on a place for future courts until a courthouse was erected. Commissioners were named to acquire land, lay out a town, and erect a courthouse. This town was to be named Hendersonville. The commissioners selected a site which is now called Horse Shoe, but much dissatisfaction developed over the selection and two factions arose, one called the River party and the other the Road party. The River party favored the Horse Shoe site.
In 1839, the Road party enjoined the sale of lots of the site selected at Horse Shoe and the controversy soon became so heated that the Legislature ordered an election to be held to determine the location by popular vote. The Road party was successful. In 1840, Hendersonville was laid out on land deeded by Michael King of Charleston, South Carolina, for that purpose. Hendersonville is the county seat. Henderson County was named for Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court, Judge Leonard Henderson who died in 1833, five years before the county was created. Hendersonville received its original charter in the 1840s with a population of several hundred people.
The county of Henderson is called a typical mountain county, because it consists of these elements: mountain ranges, isolated peaks, a rolling plateau, and level valley areas. Elevations range from 1,400 feet near Bat Cave at the foot of the Blue Ridge, to 5,000 feet on Little Pisgah Mountain.
Henderson County is located on a intermountain plateau and is almost circled by mountains. To the west, the county touches the Pisgah Ledge, and to the east and south borders the Blue Ridge and Saluda Mountains. The county is bordered on the north side by Buncombe County, to the east by Rutherford and Polk counties, to the west by Transylvania county and to the south by South Carolina.
The first source of revenue was agriculture for the people of Henderson County. The settlers grew corn, wheat, rye, potatoes, and cabbage. Williams Mills also planted hundreds of fruit trees each year, so his fellow neighbors did the same. Henderson County now leads the state in production of apples.
Hendersonville had easy access from the lowlands and quickly became a vacation destination for tourists to spend the summer months to escape the sweltering heat, for a milder, cooler climate. Historic Hendersonville has been welcoming guests for more than a century, thus creating a strong tourism based industry. This basic economy held up after World War II. Today’s economy is based on tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and retirement.
Henderson County Town Names:
Bat Cave was named for the Bat Cave Mountain, which was named for the a huge fissure cave under the mountain that was inhabited by thousands of bats.
Balfour was named for Captain William Balfour Troy, who opened a rock quarry there in 1880.
Edneyville was named for Reverend Samuel Edney, a Methodist minister, who served as postmaster and magistrate.
Etowah came from the Cherokee word itawa, possibly meaning city.
Flat Rock is built around a tremendous outcrop of granite which is said to have been the site of Cherokee gatherings. A great deal of rock has been blasted away and used for highway material.
Fletcher was named for the Fletcher family of which Dr. George Washington Fletcher was a prominent member.
Hendersonville was named after Judge Leonard Henderson.
Horse Shoe was named for a bend in the French Broad River on which the village is located.
Mills River was first called Mills Creek, named for William Mills, the first white settler in Henderson County.
Tuxedo was called Lakewood until it was renamed to avoid confusion with another Lakewood. Tuxedo was chosen because it was considered euphonious.
Zirconia was named for the zircon mines once operated there.
Article by: J.D. Lewis - PO Box 1188 - Little River, SC 29566
newspost567-the-history-of-henderson-county-north-carolina.aspxPosted on 2/16/2010 12:40:12 PM

Cantrell Creek Trout Fish Farm
Yesterday I visited one of Transylvania Counties most high tech Fish Farms, and wanted to share my experience. Since pictures and videos speak a thousand words I thought you would enjoy seeing an operating trout fish farm and see us dip out a couple rainbow trout ready for the Chef in the family. TransylvaniaCounty or the Brevard NC area has always been known for some of the finest trout ever produced. Our waters are crystal clear, cold and fast running which are 3 of the key requirements of raising rainbow trout.
First here are a couple videos I posted on YouTube and at the bottom of the page you will see a link to the Fish Farm Web Site. The Trout Farm is located in an area of pristine timber lands in a cove nestled between some gorgeous property. The water is so clear I would not hesitate to take a long cool drink as it comes out of over 6000 undeveloped acres.
Dipping fish from the last run that are ready to sell or better yet eat! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmK6LJtOwyM
Trout Farm Runs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t3j_Z9qMvI
Link to Cantrell Creek Trout Farm
http://www.stockrainbow.com/
Here is an article from NCDA and about fishing here.
Cold, clear waters from the mountains of western North Carolina provide an excellent home for farm raised rainbow trout. North Carolina is the second largest producer of trout in the United States. Trout production in our mountains provides work and fun in one package.
Recreational trout fishing in these ponds requires no fishing license or elaborate equipment. Trout farms are located throughout our mountains, so why not plan on catching your own trout meal! Better yet...since there are no limits, catch your next meal and enough to take home to enjoy later!
Pure mountain waters yield clean, healthy and easy to catch trout - a great family outing for young and old alike. Make North Carolina trout part of your vacation plans!
There is no other fish quite like trout. Trout has a special, delicate flavor, which is delicious in itself, or it can be enhanced by the addition of various batters and sauces. There are no great mysteries to its successful preparation. So, for a quick, nutritious dinner...Try North Carolina trout!
newspost556-cantrell-creek-trout-fish-farm.aspxPosted on 12/31/2009 4:12:38 PM
Sunset and Fire in the Sky in Brevard NC
This week I took the picture from my back yard of this fabulous sunset. Notice we had one of the largest snows in probably 10 years so some remains. Old wife's tales say that a snow hanging on this long indicates another one to follow. 
newspost555-sunset-and-fire-in-the-sky-in-brevard-nc.aspxPosted on 12/31/2009 2:23:24 PM
The Perils of Hosting a Holiday Party
The Perils of Hosting a Holiday Party
Who is Liable When Guests Drive Drunk, Get Food-Poisoning or Hurt On Your Property?
As millions of Americans host and attend holiday parties across the street or across the country, many are unaware of the risks they may be taking, or of their own responsibilities to ensure their guests don’t hit the road drunk. Many homeowners do not think they are liable in the event that a guest becomes seriously ill from catered food consumed at the host’s home, and some don’t think they can be held responsible if a guest becomes injured on the sidewalk in front of their property. The bottom line is that homeowners can, in fact, be held responsible in any of these scenarios or accidental incidents.
Consider the following tips to prevent holiday party accidents and protect yourself:
· Limit your guest list to those you know.
· Host your party at a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather in a home or office.
· Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
· Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol. If the party centers around drinking, guests will likely drink more.
· Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who cannot or should not drive home.
· Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end.
· Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
Depending on your situation you may need additional coverage through the purchase an inexpensive Personal Umbrella policy or an Event policy. The Event policy may include liquor liability coverage.
newspost554-the-perils-of-hosting-a-holiday-party-.aspxPosted on 12/30/2009 7:50:57 AM
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