OUR 2025
www.carolinaclassifieds.com
SPECIAL EDITION
POST YOUR AD AT
Carolina C arrol olina
CLASSIFIEDS CL CLASSIF FIEDS.com
ADD PHOTOS & MORE! OR CALL
Our 33rd Year
828-248-1408
• Over 25,000 Weekly Readers
ISSUE NO. 4 • January 23, 2025 • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408
YOUR CLASSIFIED AD RUNS IN 3 PAPERS!
Vietnam War Nurse to Speak at Library
The colorful painted box truck outside the Cool Springs Administrative Offices.
Backpack program receives new box truck Cathie & Darryl Solomonson.
Cathie Solomonson, a Vietnam War nurse and former Vietnam Women’s Memorial Project coordinator, will speak on her experiences on Thursday, January 23 at 6pm at Mountains Branch Library. Solomonson served as an Army Nurse in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, tending to both American soldiers and Vietnamese civilians at the 24th Evacuation Hospital in Long Binh, treating spinal cord and head injuries. Along with her husband, Darryl, also a Vietnam veteran, she now spends her time sharing her story and honoring her fellow veterans. The presentation at Mountains Branch will focus on Solomonson’s experience of being in a war zone, as well as its aftermath. “It was a year of witnessing a tremendous amount of pain,” said Solomonson. “I do take some small comfort in remembering that the Vietnam Memorial Wall would have a lot more names without the care given to the wounded.” Mountains Branch Library is located at 150 Bill’s Creek Road in Lake Lure. Attendance to this event is free, and no registration is required. Please call Mountains Branch at 828-287-6392 for more information. Rutherford County Library System
The Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation (RCSEF) celebrated its supporters during the Sponsor Thank You Breakfast and Backpack Program Box Truck Dedication Ceremony January 15 at the Cool Springs Administration Building. Hosted by RCSEF Executive Director Ritchie Garland, the event brought together businesses, volunteers, and community organizations who have generously supported the Foundation’s mission throughout 2024. Chartwells Food Service provided breakfast for attendees. Garland expressed heartfelt gratitude to those in attendance, stating, “If you are in this room, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done, either financially or with your time, for RCSEF this past year.” During the event, Garland highlighted the programs supported by RCSEF, including the Backpack Program, which provides food assistance to over 1,000 students each week. A significant highlight of
K-12 Free Publicc C Charter School ool
the morning was the presentation by Justin Conner, Leadership Rutherford Facilitator, and Lisa Bralley, Leadership Rutherford President. Representing the Leadership Rutherford Class of 2024, they announced their successful fundraising project, which raised over $50,000 to purchase a box truck for the Backpack Program. The truck will play a vital role in transporting food to students in need. A ceremonial key to the truck was
Ritchie Garland addresses supporters of the new box truck.
Open Enrollment January 2nd-March 14th
presented to RCSEF, symbolizing the community’s commitment to addressing food insecurity among students. Dr. Janet Mason, Chairman of the RCSEF Board, extended her thanks to everyone who contributed to the Foundation’s success. “Your dedication makes it possible for RCSEF to support programs that truly make a difference in the lives of our students and their families,” she shared. Closing the ceremony, Dr. David Sutton emphasized the Foundation’s essential role in supporting Rutherford County Schools’ mission to educate the whole child. “The good work of the RCSEF aligns perfectly with our vision for nurturing every student academically, socially, and emotionally,” Sutton said. The RCSEF extends its deepest appreciation to all who support its initiatives, ensuring that every student in Rutherford County Schools has the resources they need to thrive. Photos Contributed.
State-Of-The-Art Athletic Facility