High Country Press

A Solo Exhibition Of Oil Paintings By Artist Rebecca King Hawkinson to be Featured At Crossnore Gallery from July 14 to August 10

May 26, 2022 Western North Carolina Artist Rebecca King Hawkinson has a life-long passion for oil painting. This spring she returns to paint in the French countryside. Inspired by artists like Monet, Rembrandt, and Inness, King Hawkinson creates vibrant oil paintings full of colorful atmosphere and harmony. Fifteen delightful oil paintings will be included in an exhibition of the artist work at Crossnore Fine Art Gallery in Crossnore, NC, each designed to bring joy to the viewer. A Carolina native, King Hawkinson artistic sensibilities are a remix of Renaissance influenced feminine drawing, and a loose broken stroked style. King Hawkinson studied under Carolina native Benjamin Long IV, an oil painter and master fresco artist. King’s paintings are part of private collections in the US, and in Great Britain and France.

May 26, 2022. BRAHM (Blowing Rock Art & History Museum) is pleased to welcome textile artist and entrepreneur Rebecca Vizard as the 2022 Summer Luncheon speaker. The Luncheon will take place at Blowing Rock Country Club on Friday, June 24. Doors to the Clubhouse open at 10:15 am and the lecture will begin at 11:00 am. Entrepreneur, author, and antique textile pillow designer, Rebecca Vizard is based in the small Delta town of St. Joseph, Louisianna and regularly bounces from the idyllic country life to the hustle and bustle of the big city. Over the last 30 years, her enterprising endeavors have afforded her the option of both lifestyles. From her children’s clothing line to her tenure as an interior designer, to her current work designing and constructing bespoke antique textile pillows, she appreciates the contrast of both cultures. She is also the author of Once Upon A Pillow (published by Pointed Leaf Press) which is a visually stunning tome that weaves a magical story of textiles, creativity, and tenacity.

Movie Review: Acting, Writing, and Production Design are the Best Things Out in Full Force for ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’

May 26, 2022 It might not be the epitome of blockbuster entertainment, but I do understand the appeal of “Downton Abbey.” The British television series, which ran from 2010-2015, is recognized as the most acclaimed “international” series in Emmy history. And of course, it developed a fandom based on its impeccable 1920’s costumes and sets, as well as its intricate storylines and snappy dialogue. A post-series movie came out in 2019, and made just short of $100 million at the domestic box office. That performance warranted a sequel with “A New Era.” I don’t think the new film will find the same success as its predecessor, as it’s opening in a “New Era” of its own, one where theater attendance is way down. But I would love to be proven wrong, as this is a very enjoyable movie. Everyone from the aristocrats to the servants has a story at Downton Abbey, with over 20 billed characters interacting. The movie does the abundant cast better justice than I can in my story summation. Dowager Countess Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith) inherits a villa in the south of France from an acquaintance she hasn’t seen in decades. Her son Robert (Hugh Bonneville) brings his wife Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) and a host of family members and servants to the villa to meet the benefactor’s son (Jonathan Zaccai) and hopefully uncover the nature of their parents’ relationship (Robert fears the worst). By Bob Garver

Food Truck Festival Kicks Off Sugar Mountain Resort’s Summer Season Memorial Day Weekend Along with Chair Lift Rides and Music

May 26, 2022. Food Truck Festival goers will have the chance to eat to their heart’s content, slope side from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday, May 30 kicking off Sugar’s summer season. Those purchasing from a food truck receive a one-time, round-trip ride on the Summit Express chairlift for a reduced rate of $10. The Bad Kenny Band will perform on the deck at the base lodge from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, May 27 through Monday, May 30 scenic chairlift rides aboard the Summit Express will be available and the bike park will be open. In addition to the four-day Memorial Day weekend, the bike park and the Summit Express and Easy Street chairlifts will operate Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., July 1 until September 5. Mountain bike tours and lessons will be available each weekend. A summer season pass will provide unlimited use of the bike park and rides on the Summit Express and Easy Street chairlifts during the summer schedule and are offered for purchase online, in-person, or by calling 828-898-4521. Full-day and half-day tickets will be available for purchase on site.

May 26, 2022. Darren Nicholson is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is also a Grammy nominee, recipient of multiple International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, and founding member of Balsam Range – alongside banjoist Marc Pruett. Pruett is a Grammy award winner, and received an honorary Doctorate of Arts from Western Carolina University in 2010 in recognition of his many achievements as a professional musician. So what happens when you put the four of them together? Audience members will have a rare chance to hear this top-tier ensemble in West Jefferson as they perform at the Ashe Civic Center on Saturday, June 11th.

AppHealthCar Announces Children Ages 5-11 are Now Eligible for a COVID-19 Booster

May 26, 2022. On May 19, 2022, the CDC announced that children ages 5-11 years old are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster. It is recommended that children ages 5-11 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer vaccination series. Data from a clinical study released in April showed a third vaccine dose increased immunity against COVID-19 for children in this age group.We encourage those who are unvaccinated or eligible for a booster, to get vaccinated now. We are seeing cases increase across the country and vaccines remain our best protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. We have more access to vaccines and treatments so we encourage individuals to take advantage of these tools to protect yourself and your loved ones,” stated Jennifer Greene, Health Director, AppHealthCare.

May 26, 2022. Blowing Rock American Legion Post 256 Commander Albert Yount is pleased to announce a special community Memorial Day Service to honor our local citizens and all Americans who have died in combat defending our great country. The service will be held in the Gazebo in Memorial Park in Blowing Rock starting at 11:00 A.M. this Saturday May 28, 2022. Commander Yount and Post Adjutant Jim West are also pleased to announce that the speaker for this occasion will be U.S. Navy Captain Bryan Johnson, one of the most distinguished and highly decorated veterans of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs.

May 26, 2022. April 2022 saw average weather on Grandfather Mountain, according to data recorded at the park’s official weather reporting stations. The average high temperature for April 2022 was 52.3°, with an average low of 35.9°, for a mean of 43.6°. The warmest temperature recorded last month was 66.7° on April 25, just under 14 degrees shy of the mountain’s record April high of 80°, observed April 7, 2010.

May 25, 2022. BRAHM (Blowing Rock Art & History Museum) is excited to announce one of its most anticipated annual events: the 2022 Gala. This year’s Gala will take place in the Grand View Ballroom at Appalachian State University on Friday, August 5. The event will start at 6 p.m. Attire is black tie (optional). The evening will begin with cocktails on the App State football field, followed by a three-course dinner served by ASU Catering, live music by Continental Divide, and dancing. A Fund-A-Need Auction will take place during dessert where guests can raise their paddle to further support BRAHM’s impactful exhibitions and educational programs.

May 25, 2022. Jewels and sequins were sparkling amongst the casually clad at WAMY Community Action’s inaugural “Denim and Diamonds” event, raising funds to help fight poverty in the High Country. Approximately 250 people were in attendance for the ticketed dinner and live auction held Thursday, May 19, at The Mill at Rock Creek in Boone.

May 25, 2022. Carlton Gallery hosts its 40th Spring Group Exhibition on Saturday, May 28. It will be a “Drop-In Opening Reception with “Illuminate Your Spirit – With Fine Art” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some of the standing gallery artists will be present to greet visitors, and light refreshments can be enjoyed. This 40th Spring Group Exhibition has contemporary paintings in various styles and subject matter, along with impressionistic and abstract landscapes. They fill the gallery with color, charming compositions, and compelling artistic endeavors. This exhibition showcases the artwork of Andrew Braitman, Egidio Antonaccio, Debbie Arnold, Lisa Boardwine, Freeman Beard, Laura Hughes, Amos Westmoreland, Monique Carr, Trena McNabb, Holly Glasscock, Lori Hill, Sharon Rusch Shaver, Brian Carney, Linda Apriletti, Jean Rupprecht, Mary Kamerer, Marion Cloaninger, Arlene Mandell, and Toni Carlton.

Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: Remembering The Past, Hoping for the Future — And Saddened by Recent Events

May 25, 2022. What an emotionally-charged week this is for many individuals and families. The upcoming Memorial Day observance should put us all in a mode of solemn reflection and heart-felt gratitude for those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. At the same time, hundreds of local graduating seniors are preparing to walk across the stage for those long-awaited high school diplomas as they embark upon their plans for the future. And, as I sit down to write these words, my heart is so heavy for the victims, the survivors and the families who have lost loved ones in the Texas school shooting/tragedy. I can hardly breathe as I listen to the news this morning, trying to imagine the horror that surrounded the students, personnel, first responders, the families and all who were involved as the situation unfolded. And the pain that will persist long after the scene has been cleared. I can hardly wait to pick up my grandchildren from school later today, a privilege that has been stolen from so many others. So, my friends, what does this cooking column need to reflect this week? It’s a mixed bag, for sure. We cannot forget why we have the freedoms that are ours, so we have the annual picnics and cookouts for Memorial Day. We cannot ignore what has happened in Texas and we mourn with the broken-hearted. But, we also know that for many, life goes on. And it should. Graduations and celebrations for those accomplishing a major milestone should be celebrated. This is a tough one. So, as we gather —for whatever the reason —let’s decide not take anything or anyone for granted. If just for a day, but hopefully for longer. By Sherrie Norris

Watauga, Avery Obituaries – May 25, 2022

May 25, 2022. The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland.

May 25, 2022 Avery High’s 2022 graduation ceremonies will be held the evening of Thursday, May 26 at picturesque McRae Meadows near Grandfather Mountain in Linville. Graduation will commence at 5:00 p.m. Seniors are requested to arrive at McRae Meadows no later than 3:30 p.m. on May 26. Gates will open for families of those graduating at 4:00 p.m. Families and other guests are asked to bring their own lawn chairs to sit in during graduation ceremonies, although there will a limited supply of chairs available at McRae Meadows. By Tim Gardner

May 25, 2022. On May 24 at the Blowing Rock Country Club, High Country Caregivers hosted the inaugural Coaches Invitational Golf Tournament. During lunch, the fog was thick, and visibility was less than 100 feet on the course; however, by the 2nd or 3rd hole a little after 12:30 p.m., the fog lifted and revealed the beauty that is Blowing Rock Country Club. During lunch, Jacob Willis, the Executive Director at High Country Caregivers, said, “100% of the money raised at the tournament will go to help the mission of High Country Caregivers.”

14th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Boone Mall Returns on May 30 at 11 a.m.

May 23, 2022 In many previous years, the High Country community has honored fallen heroes on Memorial Day at the Boone Mall. This event has been co-sponsored by the High Country Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, the Watauga Community Band, and the Boone Mall. For the past two years, the ceremony has been canceled out of respect for the health and safety of the community due to the pandemic. However, the High Country Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America is proud to announce that the Memorial Day Ceremony is making its return this year. The 14th annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at Boone Mall on May 30 at 11 a.m.

Oasis Shriners to Return to Blowing Rock June 3 through June 5 for Major Meeting

May 23, 2022 Oasis Shriners, one of the largest organizations in Shriners International, will return to Blowing Rock, N.C. June 3-5, 2022 for a major meeting that will be attended by hundreds of Shriners. Oasis Shriners includes thousands of members from the fifty Western counties of North Carolina including the cities of Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Asheville. Oasis has for many years been the most generous contributor to Shriners Hospitals for Children contributing millions of dollars to provide superb medical treatment for orthopedic problems, burns, spinal problems, cleft lips and palates, and other serious conditions for thousands of children regardless of the family’s ability to pay for treatment. A number of High Country children have received treatment over the years at Shriners Hospitals. You can access this great treatment program for a child by calling 800-237-5055.

May 23, 2022. Local music legends the King Bees will lead a pair of free Thursday evening Blues Jams at the Jones House to help usher in the unofficial start of summer. On May 26 and June 2 from 7 to 9 p.m., Rob “Hound Dog” Baskerville and Penny “Queen Bee” Zamagni of the King Bees will bring their signature soulful sound to host local blues enthusiasts in two special blues-style jam sessions at the Jones House. All acoustic instrumentalists with a knowledge of basic chords are invited to participate. “This is a great opportunity for musicians to interact with like minded individuals and to gain the skills necessary to play alongside others in a ‘jam’ format,” says Town of Boone Cultural Resources Coordinator Brandon Holder. “Blues is one of the most common genres for a jam and a great style of music for beginner-level musicians.”

Movie Review: Many Things are Wrong with ‘Firestarter’; Hard to Think of Anything Positive

May 20, 2022 It’s the week after a big blockbuster in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and you know that means: I’m going to review a movie that got absolutely stomped on at the box office. There can be respectable runners-up in busy holiday seasons, but very rarely does something worthwhile open right after that first-weekend-in-May extravaganza, especially when the MCU is involved. Make no mistake, Universal sent this movie out to die, its only audience comprised of people who “have” to see a movie every week (people like me, come to think of it). And being sent out to die is exactly the kind of release this movie deserves. The film is based on a Stephen King novel about a girl with telekinetic powers that can cause deadly destruction when emotionally triggered. Not “Carrie,” a different one, though I can’t help but think that giving the main character a name that’s about two letters off isn’t going to make it seem less derivative. 11-year-old Charlie (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) can start fires with her mind whenever she wants, and sometimes when she doesn’t want. It’s basically the opposite problem as the main character from a certain kids’ movie, and yes, I did sarcastically sing “Let It Go” a few times while watching this garbage. By Bob Garver

May 20, 2022. Ashe County Habitat for Humanity received a $25,000 donation from a runner in the Blue Ridge Relay, which is an annual event that passes through Ashe County every fall. After running parts of the Relay through the county and meeting Habitat volunteers helping with the race over the past few years, he began to feel a connection with Ashe County. The donor runner, who wishes to remain anonymous, was impressed with the work of the mostly volunteer-run affiliate and knows his money will help increase the organization’s impact on the affordable housing shortage in the county. His donation will help break ground and lay the foundations for the next two homes in the Hickory Hill community, speeding up Habitat’s ability to build decent, affordable homes in partnership with hard-working Ashe County families.

See Art in the Heart of Banner Elk at Four Summer Shows at Historic Banner Elk School

May 20, 2022 Four times this summer, Art on the Greene brings original artwork in a variety of media to the green at the Historic Banner Elk School. Located in the center of this small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the shows create an idyllic setting for meeting artists, admiring their work and shopping for handmade pieces. The two-day shows take place on the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend May 28-29; July Fourth weekend, July 2-3; the first weekend of August, Aug. 6-7; and Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-4. “The arts are important to the town of Banner Elk, and Art on the Greene is one way we celebrate them,” says Nancy Owen, Banner Elk’s tourism director. “We’re in such a beautiful spot in the mountains; the scenery and aesthetics are very fitting for an event like this.”

Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock to Open Doors to Artists in Residence Program on Memorial Day Weekend

May 20, 2022 Visiting Blowing Rock this summer? Stop by Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock, the circa 1890 home and studio of renowned American artist Elliott Daingerfield. On Memorial Day weekend, the doors of the Cottage will swing open to welcome visitors to a series of free weekly art shows featuring the works of 25 juried High Country artists. Come meet the artists and enjoy their works, to include photography, painting, pottery, fiber art, wood furniture, glass, ceramic, and leather. Art for virtually every interest and budget! This free weekly program runs from May 28th through September 11, 10 to 5 daily. See https://www.artistsatedgewood.org/2022-schedule for detailed information about each artist and his/her media. The Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage program is sponsored by the Blowing Rock Historical Society. The Society operates both Edgewood Cottage and the 1888 Museum and continues to celebrate and promote Blowing Rock’s heritage through its events and programs. To learn more, please visit the Society’s website at www.blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com

Jamie Parson Named Chief Diversity Officer at Appalachian State University

May 18, 2022 Jamie Parson has been named chief diversity officer at Appalachian State University, effective immediately. Parson is the second cabinet-level chief diversity officer to hold the position at App State. Parson has held the position of interim chief diversity officer at App State since May 2021. “Jamie came into the interim role well known for her leadership with diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at App State, and she is widely respected on our campus and nationally,” Chancellor Sheri Everts said. “Her research, scholarship and service have consistently included diversity, equity and inclusion work.” Everts continued, “In the last year, since I appointed Jamie interim chief diversity officer, she has led many important diversity, equity and inclusion accomplishments for App State. Her work has included promoting transparency in policies and expectations, continuing to enhance the university’s evaluative methods, disaggregating data to assist with making data-driven decisions, advancing professional development and networking opportunities, and partnering with numerous individuals and units across the university to implement unit-level and campus wide diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.”

May 18, 2022. The Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center’s diabetes self-management education program in Boone, NC has been awarded continued Recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The program was originally recognized in August, 2018. This program offers high-quality education services to the patients it serves. The ADA Education Recognition Program (ERP) effort, begun in the fall of 1986, is a voluntary process which assures that approved education programs have met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Programs. Programs that achieve Recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide state-of-the-art information about diabetes management for participants.

2022 Avery Primary Election Results… Henley, Burleson, Aldridge, Young, Jr., Singleton and Edwards Win County Races

May 18, 2022 Three first-time political candidates were the top vote-getters in their respective races to highlight Tuesday’s primary in Avery County. Mike Henley won the Sheriff’s race. He received 2,843 votes. Lee Buchanan got 1077; and Russell Carver received 173. With three seats open in the County Commissioners race, Robert Burleson received the highest number of votes with 1,963. Incumbents Dennis Aldridge and Wood Hall (Woodie) Young, Jr. followed with the next highest voting numbers. Aldridge got 1,853 votes and Young, Jr. 1,812. In the non-partisan Board of Education race, winners to fill the two seats open were: Randy Singleton, who got the most votes with 1,878, and incumbent Patricia (Pat) Edwards with 1,355. By Tim Gardner

+ More Articles

A Solo Exhibition Of Oil Paintings By Artist Rebecca King Hawkinson to be Featured At Crossnore Gallery from July 14 to August 10

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum to Host Summer Luncheon Featuring Rebecca Vizard

Movie Review: Acting, Writing, and Production Design are the Best Things Out in Full Force for ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’

Food Truck Festival Kicks Off Sugar Mountain Resort’s Summer Season Memorial Day Weekend Along with Chair Lift Rides and Music

Mountain Home Music and the Ashe County Arts Council Present an All-Star Evening of Bluegrass at the Ashe Civic Center on June 11th

AppHealthCar Announces Children Ages 5-11 are Now Eligible for a COVID-19 Booster

Blowing Rock American Legion Post Announce Memorial Day Service Saturday at 11:00 am

Grandfather Mountain April 2022 Weather Report; An 80 MPH Wind, 17.8 Degree Morning

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum Announces its Annual Gala for August 5

Inaugural Denim & Diamonds Event Raises Money for WAMY Community Action

Carlton Gallery Opens The Art Season with its 40th Spring Group Exhibition

Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: Remembering The Past, Hoping for the Future — And Saddened by Recent Events

Watauga, Avery Obituaries – May 25, 2022

Avery County High School to Hold 2022 Graduation Ceremonies on May 26 at Grandfather Mountain’s McRae Meadows

High Country Caregivers Hosts Inaugural Coaches Invitational Golf Tournament at Blowing Rock Country Club on May 24