Rutherford Weekly

Thursday, June 8-June 14, 2023 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 3 Florence Baptist Church 201 South Broadway Street Forest City, NC 28043 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JUNE 12-15 5:45-8:30PM CLASS FOR ALL AGES • BIRTH - ADULT Smith's Drugs has sold more than 56 copies of the book "It's About Jesus" 48 copies of "Heart On Wheels", the book about Tommy Hicks have sold. Continued from front page. "We can say that we are a favorite destination for visitors from all over the world," echoed Linda Reandeau, Marketing/ Communications Chair for The Flowering Bridge. Reandeau said when she and her husband were visiting Lake Lure as a potential place to move, one thing that attracted them to the area was the bridge. She is among more than 45 dedicated volunteers who regularly tend to the fl owers, gardens and its future. "Many tend the gardens, but we also have volunteers who help with infrastructure, community outreach, education and other responsibilities," said Reandeau. "People who visit the bridge are enamored by all that is offered. The bridge is open every day of the year and is always free. Many of the gardens are wheelchair accessible and we have a sensory cell phone tour which includes information for visitors who are sight impaired," she said. Tour groups of all sizes and ages are invited to come to the bridge. During the year, volunteers install different features highlighting the current season. One of the most popular features returned on Tuesday, June 6 as fun and whimsical fairy gardens were installed through the gardens. Classes are offered throughout the growing season and are usually on the last Tuesday of the month and are free to interested persons. The changing of seasons and various topics are featured throughout the year at the bridge. The Christmas season is among the most beautiful times on the bridge as white lights decorate the entirely of the bridge. One of the most popular areas is the small Rainbow Bridge and area dedicated to four- legged friends. The Rainbow Bridge serves as a memorial to pets who have passed away and pet owners put their collars on the bridge. People travel from across the country to put their pet collars on the bridge. Other 10th anniversary plans for the bridge in addition to a new Education Center with a possible ground breaking this year, there will also be an exhibit at the Lake Lure Welcome Center that will detail the Bridge's transportation from a dilapidated structure into the beautiful gardens today and a unique symbol will be offered for the annual brick promotion to make the 10th anniversary. An estimated $20,000 was raised at Friday night's garden party. The money will go toward the construction of an education center on the site. To learn more about the LLFC visit LLFB.org Elsa Gillis from WSOC TV in Charlotte interviews Linda Reandeau, marketing chair and newsletter editor, about the growth of the bridge over the past 10 years. The Rainbow Bridge (Alice Garrard Photo). A winter scene (Alice Garrard Photo). Birdbath and fl owers along the bridge (Amy Meade McSwain Photos). A spring view (Amy Meade McSwain Photo). Fast Way Oil Kids Corner...............16 Community Calendar.....................10 Business & Services Directory........7 Obituaries....................................18 Local Churches............................17 Outdoor Truths................................9 Classified Ads.........................22-23 Rutherford County Weather...........15 I n s i d e T h i s W e e k I n s i d e T h i s W e e k The community is invited to become a hometown hero and answer the call of patients in need by donating blood at the following convenient locations: • Mon., June 19; 2:30-7pm Bethel Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall- 479 Main St., Ellenboro • Frid., June 23; 10am- 2:30pm First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton, Fellowship Hall- 246 N. Main St., Rutherfordton • Sat., June 24; 10am- 2:30pm Pilgrims Way Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall- 485 Hamilton Rd., Rutherfordton Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767. Blood donations needed

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