Detmering, Garrett honored; Pardee Rx opens; Gallery at Flat Rock presents 'Women's Room'

Equilibar's Detmering appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce

Julie Detmering, exports manager for Equilibar, was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo on March 7 to serve on the North Carolina District Export Council. According to a news release, the NCDEC is an organization that encourages and empowers companies to successfully export products.

Equilibar's Julie Detmering poses with her certificate from the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
Equilibar's Julie Detmering poses with her certificate from the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

Businesses that export goods promote overall U.S. economic growth and create new, higher paying jobs for state communities. Equilibar, located in Fletcher, is a fluid controls company that provides valves and regulators for the most demanding applications in the world, including aerospace, biotech, oil and gas, hydrogen electrolysis and supercritical research.

Detmering, who lives in Mills River, began working for Equilibar when the company was founded in 2007. She originally handled general office management, the release said. She quickly began focusing her skills on managing the exporting side of the business and now serves as Equilibar’s export and compliance manager.

Garrett named CTE Teacher of the Year

Henderson County Public Schools has named Alison Garrett, the marketing teacher at West Henderson High School, as the district’s North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching’s Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year.

Scott Moore, the Henderson County Public Schools director of CTE, surprises West Henderson High School teacher Alison Garrett in her classroom at West recently when he told her she was the CTE Teacher of the Year.
Scott Moore, the Henderson County Public Schools director of CTE, surprises West Henderson High School teacher Alison Garrett in her classroom at West recently when he told her she was the CTE Teacher of the Year.

"Ms. Garrett exemplifies the spirit of excellence we strive for within our CTE programs," said Scott Moore, HCPS Director of CTE, in a news release. "Her passion for teaching, coupled with her innovative initiatives, has had a transformative impact on both her students and colleagues."

Garrett said she was humbled by the award.

"I work with the most outstanding educators, and to be recognized among them is an honor. Together, we strive to provide the best possible opportunities for our students, and I am grateful to be a part of such a supportive and inspiring team," she said in the release.

Garrett has expanded the program's offerings and provided numerous opportunities for students to develop essential skills for their future careers, the release said. This year, 35 students competed at the state competition, and 27 of them are new to DECA. Five students will be traveling to Anaheim, California, in April to compete at DECA's International Career Development Conference with over 23,000 students from all over the world.

UNC Health Pardee opens community pharmacy

UNC Health Pardee recently announced the opening of Pardee Rx, a community pharmacy for Pardee patients, teammates and community members. According to a news release, Pardee Rx offers a wide variety of generic and brand-name drugs as well as a complete selection of over-the-counter medications, vitamins, health and wellness needs, pediatric care items and common medical supplies.

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting recently for Pardee Rx.
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting recently for Pardee Rx.

The pharmacy is now open adjacent to the Pardee BlueMD, 1027 Fleming St., which is the primary care office in Hendersonville. Pardee Rx's pharmacists are Bryce Caldwell and Kenesha Smith.. Caldwell and Smith are available for consultations, whether to provide an answer to a question or education about medication.

The pharmacy is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information call 828-435-8142.

Gallery at Flat Rock to present 'Women's Room'

The Gallery at Flat Rock will be presenting "Women’s Room," a special show like none other staged thus far in the gallery’s eight-year history, according to a news release. The idea for the show started when the gallery bathroom was ready for a remodel and gallery owner Suzanne Camarata realized the potential for the room as an auxiliary space to show art on a regular basis.

“Our goal is for our visitor to be pleasantly surprised with a warm, calm, intimate and beautifully lit space.” Camarata said in a news release. “We’re excited to have this show the celebrate women and all their presence in the world.”

The show is open during the gallery’s regular business hours (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) and will continue through April 30. It features the work of 12 to 15 area women artists in a variety of mediums and styles. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday or by appointment. To learn more, visit the gallery website at galleryflatrock.com or call the gallery at 828-698-7000.

League of Women Voters accepting applications for Francee Sherman Student Award

The League of Women Voters of Henderson County is now accepting applications for the Francee Sherman Student Award. This annual $1,000 award is given in honor of Francee Sherman, Henderson County League’s first president.Applicants must be a senior enrolled in a Henderson County Public High School on track to graduate in May 2024. As part of the award application package, a 500-word essay is required on the topic: “When you can vote, what issue(s) will bring you to the polls and why?” Application details can be accessed at LWVHCNC.ORG. The deadline for applications is May 1.

This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Henderson County's Detmering, Garrett honored; Pardee Rx opens

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