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“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: It is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken.’” ― C.S. Lewis

LAST CHANCE TO GET TICKETS

The Veterans Healing Farm’s Women Warriors’ Leadership Luncheon is the largest gathering of Veterans and community leaders in Western North Carolina. Seats are limited and fill up quickly—secure yours today by registering now!

Tubing with Green River Adventures

Tube the Green River in single or double tubes. Let us handle the gear and logistics, while you enjoy this mellow river with occasional Class II rapids.

This trip meets at our new Riverside Outpost located at 5476 Green River Cove Rd, Saluda, NC 28773. The farm will be running the van to take anyone who doesn't want to drive themselves. We will drop off and pick up at the outpost. Waivers will be sent when reminder emails are sent out to make check in easier.

When: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC or if you're driving yourself, Riverside Outpost located at 5476 Green River Cove Rd, Saluda, NC 28773

Time: 10am - 4pm (includes travel time)

All participants need to register through the regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE WITHIN THE 72 HOUR WINDOW OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NO-SHOW FEE**

Handbuilding Pottery

with Sophia from Dingbat Studios

In this 4 week class, you’ll learn the basics of hand building with clay. Come unwind, learn something new and connect with creativity. 

Designed for beginners and seasoned beginners, you’ll be introduced to some fundamental clay information, techniques and equipment. After some basics, you’ll see a demo on our slab roller. With our clay slabs, we will shape, texture and create projects such as flower frogs and decorative trays. 

Learn how to use underglazes on bisque ware and then create designs with the sgraffito technique. Then with our fired bisque ware, learn to use different glazes to finish off your pieces. 

When: Saturdays, August 1, 8,15, and 22. Open Studio in September

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - noon

All participants need to register through the regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE WITHIN THE 72 HOUR WINDOW OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NO-SHOW FEE**

Chair Massage

with Massage Therapist Lisa Mayfield BA, LNMT, LMBT

This quick, convenient treatment is perfect for melting away stress.

A chair massage is a short, session focused on relieving tension in the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and hands. Sessions can be 15 or 30 minutes, it uses a specialized ergonomic chair to provide targeted acupressure and Swedish massage techniques.

When: Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 3pm

All participants need to register through the regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE WITHIN THE 72 HOUR WINDOW OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NO-SHOW FEE**

Reiki

What is Reiki?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officially recognizes Reiki, classified as an integrative therapy, used to complement—not replace—traditional medical and mental healthcare.

Reiki is a Japanese alternative therapy that promotes stress reduction, relaxation, and healing. It is based on the idea that a "universal life force energy" flows through practitioners to recipients, typically by lightly placing hands on or just above the body to unblock energy pathways. Come have a 15 minute Reiki session at the farm! 

When: Friday, August 7, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 11am - 3pm

All participants need to register through the regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE WITHIN THE 72 HOUR WINDOW OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NO-SHOW FEE**

Kitchen Medicine Series - Everyday Adaptogens: Vital Nourishment for Modern Stress with Rebecca

Adaptogens and tonic herbs help your body better cope with the physical, emotional, and environmental stress of modern life, rebuilding vitality, energy, stamina, and overall resilience.

In this class, you’ll meet key herbs like Maca, Ashwagandha, and Tulsi, and learn how they support sleep, cognition, nervous system health, and a steadier mood. We’ll focus on food-as-medicine traditions, exploring simple ways to cook with these herbs, plus practical guidance on dosage and preparation. You’ll leave with ideas and recipes for weaving these everyday tonic allies into your daily rhythms. 

When: Friday, August 7, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 1pm - 4pm

All participants need to register through the regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE WITHIN THE 72 HOUR WINDOW OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NO-SHOW FEE**

Tomato Sauce Canning

with Patrina

Ever wonder what to do with all those beautiful ripe tomatoes in your garden? Come and learn how to turn that bumper crop of tomatoes into a shelf-stable sauce to use all winter. 

When: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 1pm

All participants need to register through the regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE WITHIN THE 72 HOUR WINDOW OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NO-SHOW FEE**

Simple & Nourishing Meal Prep: prioritizing your health through affordable, seasonal, and local ingredients

Learn simple and cost-effective meal preparation to nourish your body, and support your local community—all while saving time in the kitchen and reducing food waste! Join holistic chef, Sam Raph, for a demonstrative workshop where she'll cook and guide you through making a week’s worth of meals + snacks with a focus on nourishing, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients.

For beginner or seasoned cooks—you'll be provided with grocery lists, easy recipes, and knowledge that make healthy eating both affordable and achievable. Sam will walk you through how to plan meals around what's in season, and also provide adaptations for creating satisfying dishes that fit your lifestyle, food preferences, and budget.

By the end of the class, you'll have had the opportunity to sample/taste all of the dishes and ask questions—leaving with newfound confidence in the kitchen, and the knowledge to continue prepping nourishing meals on your own!

When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - noon

All participants need to register through the regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE WITHIN THE 72 HOUR WINDOW OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NO-SHOW FEE**

Lifestyle Medicine - An Exploration: Carol Whitaker, NBC-HWC, MBA, MSc, PMP.

Lifestyle Medicine is fast becoming the new paradigm in health care - helping thousands break free from the medical mill and the challenges associated with our health insurance / health care system.

Come and learn what it's all about. Explore the science, get cultural myths busted, dispel what you're hearing on social media and get your tough questions answered. 

We'll cover six different areas, enabling you to then make an informed decision about whether Lifestyle Medicine is right for you.

1. Your doctor relationship.

2. The cost of convenience.

3. The calorie conundrum.

4. Bone health.

5. Carb confusion.

6. Protein

Led by Carol Whitaker, AMA Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), and American College of Lifestyle Medicine, certified in Lifestyle Medicine for Health Coaching. You can learn more about Carol here. 

You are encouraged to explore more on this topic prior to attending the workshop, starting with Carol's website. Review her information, jotting down your thoughts/questions, and bring them to the workshop.

When: Friday, August 14, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 11am - 2pm

All participants need to register through the regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE WITHIN THE 72 HOUR WINDOW OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NO-SHOW FEE**

Nature Walk with Chris

Take a walk in nature and explore the amazing connections! We will discuss forest ecology, finding presence in nature, sit spots, learning about different life in the forest. And we will also forage for some wild edible mushrooms as well! Come and learn see what we find, and enjoy time in nature!

When: Friday, August 14, 2026

Where: UNCA Kellog Center, 1181 Broyles Rd, Hendersonville, NC

Time: 9am - 1130am

Beeswax Candle Making

A beeswax candle making workshop is a hands-on crafting class where participants learn to create eco-friendly, natural candles using pure beeswax from local hives 

When: Saturday, August 15, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 12pm - 4pm

All participants need to register through the regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE WITHIN THE 72 HOUR WINDOW OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NO-SHOW FEE**

Foraging Wild Foods

Many of the volunteer plants in and around our gardens are some of the most nutritious & tasty edibles you can find. Some of the plants we know as “weeds” are actually delicacies in their native regions. Plus they require no effort to grow & can save you lots on grocery bills. 

Come learn the wild edible plants growing at the Veterans Healing Farm. We will identify a dozen common wild edibles that grow freely around the garden and broader landscape. We will explore the culinary & traditional uses of these plants and taste a few in the field. You will think about your “weeds” in a whole new way by the end of this workshop. I look forward to foraging together!

About your guide:

Bryan Bramlett is a forager and permaculturist who leads events on wild food foraging, land stewardship and ecotherapy. He holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology which he fuses with his passion for Earth-care to facilitate therapeutic nature-connection experiences. He has practiced & studied foraging extensively with many top-tier teachers across the country and founded the non-profit Healing Ecosystems in 2016 to encourage wild tending and foraging in the broader community. Healing Ecosystems’ mission is to support ecological & communal health by empowering people to steward their bioregions.

When: Saturday, August 15, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - noon

All participants need to register through the regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE WITHIN THE 72 HOUR WINDOW OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NO-SHOW FEE**

Ecoprinting with Maddie

Calling all flower and craft lovers! Get ready for a fun class exploring different eco printing techniques on textiles and mixed media. Participants will learn about flower pounding, natural dyeing, and cyanotype printing using VHF flowers. We'll explore proper preparations, good flower choices, and other natural dyes that you can grow in your garden. We'll take a tour of the fields, cut some of our own flowers, and then settle into the creative process of floral textile design. 

When: Friday, August 21, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 3pm - 6pm

All participants need to register through the regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE WITHIN THE 72 HOUR WINDOW OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A NO-SHOW FEE**

Equine Therapy with Heart of Horse Sense

Join us for a day retreat focused on mental health and healing through the unique bond between veterans and horses. Hosted by Veteran Healing Farm in collaboration with Heart of Horse Sense, this special event offers a full day dedicated to learning, wellness, and self-discovery through equine connections.

Our interactions with horses can mirror the relationships in our lives, including the critical relationship we hold with ourselves. By engaging in this retreat, veterans will have the opportunity to explore these connections deeply. Our trauma-informed approach encourages participants to observe and reflect on horse behavior, gaining valuable insights into personal challenges and strengths."

When: Saturday, August 22, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 4pm

All participants need to register through the Regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **Cancellation within the 72 hour window of the workshop will result in a no-show fee charge.**

******AUGUST 30TH STAFF NAPPING DAY******

Making Herbal First Aid Kits Part 2

with Rebecca

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

When: Friday, September 4, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 1pm - 4pm

All participants need to register through the Regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **Cancellation within the 72 hour window of the workshop will result in a no-show fee charge.**

Horseback Riding Pisgah Forest

We are pleased to welcome you to Pisgah Forest Riding Stables. Join us in a wonderful walk around the Beautiful Pisgah National Forest. 2.5 hour trail ride from 10a-1230p.You can drive separate or we'll provide transportation leaving the farm around 9 and come back around 130p.

When: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 9am-130pm (includes travel time if riding in the van)

All participants need to register through the Regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **Cancellation within the 72 hour window of the workshop will result in a no-show fee charge.**

Painting at the Farm

with Lisa Underwood

Spend some time painting in a relaxed class setting with local artist and instructor, Lisa Underwood. Practice painting techniques and improve your drawing skills too. Explore color mixing and brush strokes with vibrant acrylics. Paint subjects of your choice to develop your own interpretation. You will be amazed at what you can do when your reativity is unleashed. This class is all about fun and self-expression!

When: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - noon

All participants need to register through the Regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **Cancellation within the 72 hour window of the workshop will result in a no-show fee charge.**

Art of Transformation with 🎭 Veterans: Reclaim Your Voice Through Theater!

Join Ronald Rand, acclaimed educator, award-winning actor of stage and screen and solo performance coach, for a 2-hour transformative workshop designed especially for Veterans.

Whether you’re new to performance or have some experience, this isn’t about memorizing lines—it’s about finding your voice, telling your story, and connecting with your own creativity.

What You’ll Do:

✅ Engage in physical & voice exercises that unlock confidence and presence

✅ Transform personal experiences into short solo performances

✅ Share and connect in a supportive group environment

✅ Practice creative transformation & storytelling techniques

✅ Leave with a tangible piece of creative work you can be proud of

Why Veterans Love It:

• Process experiences creatively instead of traditional therapy
• Reclaim identity beyond military life
• Build confidence in speaking, presence, and expression
• Connect with others who understand the veteran journey

“This workshop isn’t just theater—it’s a tool for expression, growth, and self-discovery.”  

When:  Saturday, September 5, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 2pm - 4pm

All participants need to register through the Regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **Cancellation within the 72 hour window of the workshop will result in a no-show fee charge.**

Meal Prep

with Sam

Simple & Nourishing Meal Prep: prioritizing your health through affordable, seasonal, and local ingredients.Learn simple and cost-effective meal preparation to nourish your body, and support your local community—all while saving time in the kitchen and reducing food waste! Join holistic chef, Sam Raph, for a demonstrative workshop where she'll cook and guide you through making a week’s worth of meals + snacks with a focus on nourishing, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients.For beginner or seasoned cooks—you'll be provided with grocery lists, easy recipes, and knowledge that make healthy eating both affordable and achievable. Sam will walk you through how to plan meals around what's in season, and also provide adaptations for creating satisfying dishes that fit your lifestyle, food preferences, and budget.By the end of the class, you'll have had the opportunity to sample/taste all of the dishes and ask questions—leaving with newfound confidence in the kitchen, and the knowledge to continue prepping nourishing meals on your own! 

When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - noon

All participants need to register through the Regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **Cancellation within the 72 hour window of the workshop will result in a no-show fee charge.**

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is a skill's-based training course that teaches participants to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges.

This basic course on mental health and substance abuse conditions will give you the skills to notice and engage individuals experiencing these symptoms. Through engagement, you can offer understanding and invite them to expand their care team with resources that can help ease their suffering. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of this course. This course is foundational and part of the training curriculum for NCServes Providers Staff, Peer Supports, and Community Stakeholders

When: Friday, September 11, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 9am - 5pm (lunch provided)

Preserve and Press Flowers

with Maddie

Flowers are often a short-lived gift when fresh, but when properly dried, flowers can adorn your home for months to years to come. Learn what kind of flowers dry best and how to dry them for best color and shelf life. Once we understand dried florals, participants will get to build their own Floral Press and create artwork with VHF flowers.

When: Friday, September 11, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 3pm - 6pm

All participants need to register through the Regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **Cancellation within the 72 hour window of the workshop will result in a no-show fee charge.**

Blacksmithing

with Jasper Herr

Come work with Jasper making a throwing knife. This is your chance to try your hand at blacksmithing!

The class is designed to have you participating in almost every step of the process and I make sure you end up with a high-quality product.

When: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 4pm

All participants need to register through the Regpack system and pay the $1 system charge. **Cancellation within the 72 hour window of the workshop will result in a no-show fee charge.**

Wisdom Card Art

Participants will be guided through meditation and access inner wisdoms of positive message. A variety of collage and other media supplies will be available. This is followed by a short personal writing and pair sharing as comfortable.

When: Friday, September 18, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 11am - 2pm

HeartMath

The Coherence Advantage is a comprehensive, evidence-based training program that provides practical tools for managing stress, building resilience, and improving overall well-being.

Over the course of the day, participants will:

• Learn the science of heart-brain communication and how emotions affect our physiology

• Practice simple, effective techniques to shift from stress to coherence in real-time

• Experience HeartMath's biofeedback technology that provides immediate visual feedback

• Understand how to apply these tools to manage PTSD symptoms, anxiety, sleep issues, and more

• Receive take-home materials and resources for continued practice

• Connect with others in a supportive, judgment-free environment

When: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 4pm

Chair Massage

with Massage Therapist Lisa Mayfield BA, LNMT, LMBT

A chair massage is a short, session focused on relieving tension in the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and hands. Sessions can be 15 or 30 minutes, it uses a specialized ergonomic chair to provide targeted acupressure and Swedish massage techniques.

When: Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 3pm

Wellness Retreat Day

Come out to the farm for a full day of wellness! All sessions are free and lunch is provided!

Yoga 10-11

Acupuncture or massage 11-12

Lunch 12-1230

Sound Therapy 1-2

Acupuncture or massage 2-3

When: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 3pm

Veterans Day 5k - Registration Now Open!

We are excited to announce the First Annual Veterans Healing Farm 5K and Kids Fun Run, taking place on November 8, 2026. This special event for Veterans Day with bring our community together to support the Veterans Healing Farm, a place dedicated to healing, connection, and growth for our nation’s veterans, and their families.

Whether you’re an avid runner, a local business or someone who simply wants to give back, there are several ways to get involved:

🏃 Participate

Join us on race day! The 5K and Kids Fun Run are designed for all ages and fitness levels. Come out, get active, and show your support. Walkers are absolutely welcome and what I’ll be doing myself!

🤝 Become a Sponsor

We offer multiple sponsorship levels – Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Sterling, each with unique opportunities to promote your business while supporting a powerful cause. Sponsors receive benefits such as logo placement on race materials, event day presence, and complimentary race entries.

📣 Support the Event

Even if running isn’t your thing, we would love to have you come out, cheer on participants, and help us create an uplifting, community-driven experience.

Your involvement directly supports programs that provide veterans and their families with therapeutic farming, wellness activities, and a strong sense of community.

 Important Deadlines:

August 1, 2026 – Deadline to be included in printed marketing materials

September 1, 2026 – Final deadline for all sponsorship commitments

If you’re interested in sponsoring, participating, or learning more, we would love to connect with you.

Thank you for helping us make this inaugural event a meaningful success. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Warm regards,

Alan Yeck

director@veteranshealingfarm.org

828-595-6111

Admin Updates



First Time Registering? Our registration system has had a makeover (thank you, Rob)! This should make it a LOT easier to get registered. Now when you click a link it will take you directly to the login/register page. If you already have an account, PLEASE do not create a new one. We will be cleaning out duplicates in the coming weeks and everything should run a bit smoother. If you have any issues please contact veteranshealingfarm@gmail.com

Cost: Each workshop is $1 (system processing fee). If you haven't paid this fee, you are not registered.

No-Show Policy: If you do not cancel at least 72 hours before the workshop, a $20 no-show fee will apply. This policy ensures that those on the waitlist have time to adjust their plans. Thank you for helping us make workshops more accessible and efficient for everyone!

Flower Harvesting Crew every Tuesday evening 4p-6p **NEW**

Saturday Garden Group days:

August 8th and Aug 22nd 9-12 **NEW**

Sept 12th and Sept 26th 9-12 **NEW**

Normal volunteering -

• Wednesdays Garden Group with Maddie 9-12
• Friday Herb Squad with Rebecca 10-2

Our registration system has had a makeover (thank you, Rob)!

This should make it much easier to get registered. Now when you click a link it will take you directly to the login/register page. If you already have an account, PLEASE do not create a new one. We will be cleaning out duplicates in the coming weeks and everything should run a bit smoother. If you have any issues please contact veteranshealingfarm@gmail.com

The Veterans Healing Farm is a VA Telehealth Outpost!

The Veterans Healing Farm's Telehealth station features:

• Private appointment room
• High-speed, reliable internet access
• Technology for a video appointment

This station makes it easier for Veterans to receive the care they need without any barriers by minimizing travel time and alleviating internet connectivity issues. Read the latest article on VA Telehealth here.

For more information on how you can use this service, please email veteranshealingfarm@gmail.com or call 828-595-6111.