October 1, 2023 The October 2023 edition of High Country Magazine, which is published by High Country Press Publications, is officially back from the printer and can be picked up in many locations across Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties. By Harley Nefe
September 30, 2023 Carlton Gallery hosts its 41st Autumn Group Exhibition on Saturday October 7, 2-5 pm. Some of the gallery’s standing artists exhibit new artwork in all media and plan to attend this exhibition to greet visitors and patrons. All are welcome to this free event on October 7, 2-5 pm. to view stunning artwork with many in beautiful autumn colors of the High County, while enjoying community spirit and light hors d’oeuvres.
September 30, 2023 Hundreds of people from the community came together on September 30 to make the Blowing Rock School’s Fall Festival event a success. “This is our second year,” explained Ashley Salley, PTO Board member. “Our PTO was defunct during the covid years, but we built it back up last year, and we’re really proud to host this event for the second time.” By Harley Nefe
September 29, 2023 BOONE, N.C. – W.A.M.Y. Community Action is proud to participate in and promote National Energy Awareness Month this October. This initiative emphasizes the importance of energy conservation, efficiency, and the advantages of weatherization. National Energy Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of our collective responsibility towards energy usage and its impact on our planet.
September 29, 2023 Once in a while it’s good to take a look around the High Country and see what is selling in different areas in similar price ranges.So many things can impact a home’s value…it’s more than bedrooms and baths; it’s also about features, location, age, condition, view, size of the lot…really, dozens of factors can play into what a house will bring on the market.
September 29, 2023 Justice Allison Riggs, newly appointed to the NC Supreme Court by Governor Roy Cooper, will give the keynote address at the Fall Rally of the Watauga County Democratic Party on October 7. The rally will take place at Boone United Methodist Church on New Market Blvd. in the church gymnasium. Tickets to the rally and barbecue are $15 and available online at WataugaDems.com.
September 28, 2023 The 2023 High Country Sporting Clay Championship proved to be a resounding success, taking place at the Chetola Sporting Reserve on Saturday, September 23. Hosted by High Country Caregivers, this inaugural event masterfully combined the thrill of clay shooting with a deep sense of community and philanthropy By Kris Testori
September 28, 2023 The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce recently hosted their much-anticipated Partner Appreciation Reception at the esteemed Gideon Ridge. This event was an occasion to extend gratitude to their partners for their unwavering support. The annual gathering celebrated the contributions made by these partners, contributions that go beyond regular membership. By Kris Testori
September 28, 2023 Vietnam veteran James R. “Jim” Todd of Sugar Grove and Grapevine, Texas, was honored on Sunday, Sept. 17, during an impressive Quilt of Valor ceremony at Glenbridge Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Boone. Hosted by close friends of Todd and his wife, Linda Stubbs Todd, the ceremony recognized the war hero for his service and sacrifice to the United States, and in particular, as a B-52 bomber pilot during his active duty with the US Air Force.Currently receiving rehabilitation at the local healthcare facility following several recent life-altering situations, Todd received the Hero’s Comfort Quilt, provided by the Boone Quilts of Valor organization. By Sherrie Norris
September 27, 2023 Please join the Ashe Chamber of Commerce to honor the nominees for the Outrageously Good Customer Service Awards on October 11. The event, which is sponsored by SkyLine SkyBest, will be held at Hensley Hall at West Jefferson United Methodist Church, located at 107 West Second Street in West Jefferson. Cost is $18/person, and attendees will receive a “full country breakfast” buffet. The check-in and buffet will open at 7:30 a.m., and the program will begin at 8 a.m. Please note that no shows will be billed. RSVP is required. The deadline to RSVP is Thursday, September 28 by 5 p.m.
September 27, 2023 The twelfth annual (2023) Wayne Benfield Memorial Benefit held on Saturday, September 16 at the Crossnore First Baptist Church Family Center in the Crossnore Township of Avery County was termed a success by its coordinator. By Tim Gardner
September 27, 2023 Carlton Gallery plans “Casual Conversations” with artists Andrew Braitman and Kevin Beck on Saturday, September 30, 2-4 pm. This is part of the “Diverse Imaginings in Landscapes” exhibit ongoing at the gallery. Braitman and Beck will share their observations and thoughts on painting the landscape and extend a question-and-answer time for visitors after their talks. Everyone is invited to enjoy an afternoon filled with their insightful dialogue while enjoying light hors d’oeuvres.
September 27, 2023 By the looks of local fields — and current photos showing up on social media sites — this year’s potato crop is a banner one, for sure. Beautiful brown-skinned potatoes of all sizes are being dug from the ground by the bushel right about now. We have been enjoying the “fruit” of our neighbors’ labors this year, and thanks to some special friends on the other side of town, we’re lovin’ us some taters. And, yes, those green-thumb friends of ours are still keeping us supplied with big, beautiful tomatoes. How blessed we are! By Sherrie Norris
September 27, 2023 Students at Riverside Elementary School, located in the Ingalls Community in the southern section of Avery County, learn from a featured part of its curriculum that is one of the most innovative and needed programs any school could offer. Riverside Elementary School’s mission of increasing food security amongst students, families, and the community at large is achieved through its gardening and outdoor learning program, a volunteer-based activity centered around growing fresh produce and donating it to those in need. By Tim Gardner
September 27, 2023 As the Jewish high holy days drew to a close, the Temple of the High Country rang with the voices of an interfaith choir comprised of members of the Temple choir and those of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church. The evening of September 24 marked the most holy night of the Jewish year, also known as Kol Nidre, the name of the prayer sung in Jewish synagogues around the world at the beginning of the service on the eve of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement.) The interfaith nature of this service is an expression of the collaboration of these two faith communities in making the High Country a better place for everyone. By Judith Geary
September 27, 2023 The inaugural Cole’s Cattleman Supper, planned to become an annual fundraising event for a scholarship fund in memory of Cole Ellis, will take place Tuesday, October 10 at The Mill at Rock Creek in Boone. Friday, Sept. 29th will be the last day to reserve your tickets for this worthwhile event. When the life of young Ellis ended in a tragic farm accident almost a year ago, the High Country rallied together in his memory. The Ellis family found comfort, as best they could, by the support and respect shown to them in the difficult days that followed. By Sherrie Norris
September 26, 2023 Avery and Watauga Counties, NC – Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) and Camp Lutherock (NovusWay Ministries), a Lutheran camp and conference center, recently settled a lawsuit with WFG Sugar Pointe, LLC, a developer who encroached and trespassed on a conservation easement in Avery County. A conservation easement is one way BRC protects land, and is a voluntary, legal agreement that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. In this case, the developer cut down protected trees on Camp Lutherock’s property to create a view for a lot they sold. This is the first time BRC has sued to defend a conservation easement, and sets a precedent for the enforceability of conservation easements.
September 26, 2023 VALLE CRUCIS, NC — Attend the Valle Country Fair and you’ll experience a fall harvest festival that celebrates hand-made crafts, home-cooked food and live mountain music. But permeating the festivities is a spirit of caring and generosity that calls hundreds of members of the Valle Crucis community together to raise monies that are used to help our neighbors in need.
September 26, 2023 Newland, NC.—With animal shelters across the nation facing an overcrowding crisis, thousands of highly adoptable pets are waiting for their second chances. Avery Humane Society is proud to partner with BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, for its Fall National “Empty the Shelters.” From Oct. 1 – 15, BISSELL Pet Foundation will sponsor reduced adoption fees of $50 or less at more than 345 shelters in 42 states.
September 26, 2023 Santa is on summer vacation. He will be HIKING through the Beech Mountain Farmers’ Market on Friday, July 7th. Come visit Santa from 4 – 6pm and learn what he loves to do on the mountain. FREE photo opportunities and children’s activity area. PLUS…35 vendors will showcase their local fresh organic produce, honey, baked goods, ice cream, plants, flowers, microgreens, gourmet dog treats, art, homemade crafts, jewelry, body and hemp products, farm raised beef/poultry/eggs and much more.
September 26, 2023 BANNER ELK, N.C.─ At noon on Thursday, Sept. 28, King-Shivell Gallery in the Cannon Student Center will welcome students, faculty, staff, and members of the community for the opening of the 2023 Communication Arts and Design faculty exhibition. This show will give students and other members of the community the opportunity to observe, learn from, and be inspired by the work of their professors in a professional exhibition setting.
September 26, 2023 Following last year’s 20th Anniversary Celebration for the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition (AMPC), the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is announcing the call for entry to this year’s upcoming 21st Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition exhibition.Inspired by the Banff Centre’s Mountain Photo Competition(https://www.banffcentre.ca/mountain-photo-essay-competition), the AMPC is updating its submission process to a single-image and series submission format. The single-image submission application will be the most familiar to previous AMPC artists. In lieu of submitting images to themed categories, artists will be able to submit 1-5 standalone images aligned with the theme of “Roots, Ground, Water, Seeds” for $10.
September 26, 2023 Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, North Carolina. Tuesday, September 26, 2023 – Heading into the 2023-24 winter season skiers and snowboarders visiting Sugar Mountain Resort can expect to experience a smoother and more convenient equipment rental process. In partnership with Wintersteiger, an online equipment rental sign-up system along with newly installed touch screen kiosk stations are expected to streamline the guest’s experience.
September 25, 2023 Boone, NC – The Watauga County Farmers’ Market is gearing up for a fantastic celebration of all things apple with the upcoming AppleFEST happening on September 30th. Located at 591 Horn in the West Dr. in Boone, this bustling market with over 60 local vendors runs from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM every Saturday through November. This event promises a day filled with the aroma of warm apple pie, captivating live music, educational demonstrations, and a strong sense of community. It’s an ideal way to embrace the autumn season.
September 25, 2023 BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies (CJHPS) will host Dr. Leonard Rogoff for a lecture and colloquium on Thursday, Sept. 28.Rogoff has taught at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina Central University. A former president of the Southern Jewish Historical Society, Rogoff currently serves as historian and president of Jewish Heritage North Carolina.