Community Briefs

Green home tour tickets available

Tickets are now on sale for the first green home tour scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, sponsored by the Environmental and Conservation Organization in conjunction with the Southern Energy and Environment Expo. The tour will feature homes in the region that showcase the highest level of green technology that work in concert with nature. Many of the homes feature solar hot water, radiant heating, geothermal heat, native gardens and more.

With energy costs out of sight and climate change a growing concern, these homes demonstrate sustainable design in their use of energy, water and materials and reduction in impacts on human health and the environment.

Tickets are available by visiting www.eco-wnc.org, at the ECO office, at the Hendersonville and Asheville Visitor's Centers. They will also be available at the SEE Expo ECO booth at the WNC Ag Center on Friday, Aug. 22. Special carpool rates are available. For more information, call 692-0385 or visit www.eco-wnc.org.

5-mile walk/run to be at Lake Lanier

TRYON - Tryon's Lake Lanier is the site for the third Ache Around the Lake five-mile run/walk. On Saturday, Sept. 20, hundreds of competitive runners, power walkers, leashed dogs and buckled babies tucked tightly in their strollers will make their way around these scenic five-miles all for fun, for prizes, a personal challenge and St. Luke's Hospital.

Founded in 2006 by Lake Lanier residents Katie Malone and Scarlette Tapp, the charity race has grown exponentially since teaming up with the St. Luke's Hospital Foundation to raise funds for the hospital. Last year, all race proceeds went to upgrade St. Luke's mammography equipment to digital technology for earlier and more accurate detection of breast cancer.

For those interested, visit www.achearoundthelake.org and click the "training blogs" button. Whether participants are walking or running, race founders Katie and Scarlette provide training tips from their different perspectives: The "pro" and the "slow." The cost for registration is $20 with a postmarked deadline of Sept. 10, and a deadline of Sept. 15 for online registrations. Participants can register on race day for $25 in the Tryon Antique Mall parking lot beginning at 6 a.m.

Talk to troops via Times-News site

Salute the Troops video greeting has been started on the Times-News Web site at www.blueridgenow.com/troops. Users are able to visit the Web site and upload a greeting to a friend, family member or just a general video of support for free.

For more information, visit www.blueridgenow.com.

Dealing with back pain topic of talk

"Managing Back Pain with Physical Therapy," with David Gerrer, physical therapist, COMT, with Pardee Hospital, will be from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday at the Pardee Health Education Center.

The free presentation will give a physical therapist's perspective on basic review of spinal anatomy, normal and pathological conditions and how physical therapy addresses various conditions. He will discuss the benefits of physical therapy intervention and recommendations for physician referral for those seeking advice on diagnosing their condition and/or seeking referral to a physical therapist.

Registration to attend this presentation is required by calling 692-4600 or visiting www.pardeehospital.org.

Four Seasons golf tournament Monday

The 10th golf tournament for Four Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care will be Monday at Kenmure Country Club. The tournament play is Captain's Choice format with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The tournament is sponsored by Morrow Insurance.

Four Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care affirms life and provides holistic care in harmony with the goals of individuals with chronic, serious or life-limiting conditions while offering support to their families and loved ones. The staff at Four Seasons strives to provide the very best end-of-life care to patients and families in our community.

Registration is $175 per player and includes green fees, golf cart, two mulligans, gifts, lunch provided by Atlanta Bread Co. and dinner provided by Carrabba's Italian Grill. All golfers will receive a "goodie bag" sponsored by Tho. Shepherd & Sons. Hole-in-one prizes are sponsored by Bryan Easler Toyota.

For registration information, call 233-0319.

- T-N Staff