ASHEVILLE, N.C. /eNewsChannels/ -- NEWS: A retrospective look at 2013 shows that the aging of western North Carolina's population, together with retirement relocations, has resulted in a rise in the numbers of individuals who may need specialized care during serious illness or at end of life, according to Four Seasons Compassion for Life.

FLAT ROCK, N.C. /eNewsChannels/ -- NEWS: 'January is often the time when family members reassess the amount and quality of care they can give, versus what Grandma or Grandpa needs,' says Chris Comeaux, Four Seasons Compassion for Life. As the holiday season draws to a close and families return home to resume work and school, the days following Christmas are frequently a time when the question of how to cope with an aging loved one's long term illness is no longer a concern for the future.

SYLVA, N.C. /eNewsChannels/ -- NEWS: Respected physician and western North Carolina hospice and palliative care pioneer, Ron Fisher, M.D., will be honored by Four Seasons Compassion for Life, Highlands, peers and colleagues as he retires as medical director of Med-West Health Systems, Sylva, after 27 years of distinguished service. An informal, drop in reception will be Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. /eNewsChannels/ -- NEWS: The Music Department of the University of UNC-Greensboro has given The Bob Moog Foundation a collection of vintage synthesizer hardware and other equipment. The gift, which will be on permanent loan at the Foundation, was announced today by the Foundation's executive director Michelle Moog-Koussa.

FEARRINGTON VILLAGE, N.C. /eNewsChannels/ -- NEWS: Fearrington Village announces that Fearrington House Restaurant Executive Chef Colin Bedford and Wine Director Maximillian Kast will showcase their talent and receive their Rising Stars of the Carolinas awards today, at the StarChefs Rising Stars Gala in Charleston, S.C. StarChefs is an award-winning online magazine for culinary insiders.

HIGHLANDS, N.C. /eNewsChannels/ -- NEWS: Individuals of any age who have recently lost a loved one may find Thursday's ritual of Thanksgiving and the onslaught of the holiday season to be constant reminders of their loss. 'In order to cope, it's important to meet grief where it is,' says expert Michael Lee, a chaplain and grief counselor with the western North Carolina offices of Four Seasons Compassion for Life.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. /eNewsChannels/ -- NEWS: The Bob Moog Foundation is proud to announce a raffle for a vintage Minimoog synthesizer, signed by English electronic pop music icon Gary Numan. The raffle runs from November 20, 2013 through December 31, 2013. This raffle is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; a chance to own the most sought-after vintage synthesizer of all time.

KITTY HAWK, N.C. /eNewsChannels/ -- NEWS: John Amrhein, author of the award winning book 'Treasure Island: The Untold Story' (ISBN: 978-0983084303; New Maritima Press), reminds everyone that November 13 is 'Treasure Island Day,' and among the many locations which played a role in a true story of buried treasure that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson is Assateague Island.

ARDEN, N.C. /eNewsChannels/ -- NEWS: In celebration of its 10th anniversary and National Family Caregiver's Month in November, Mountain Home Care announces the creation of its 'Caregiver Leadership Award.' The award recognizes exemplary professional caregivers with dual roles of service in the workplace and in their families.

FLAT ROCK, N.C. /eNewsChannels/ -- NEWS: Four Seasons Compassion for Life, a respected hospice care provider in North Carolina for almost a decade, leads the western region of the state for its significant percentage of patients served. Four Seasons serves an average of 1,000 persons daily.