High Country Press

October 17, 2018. Work recently started along the South Fork of the New River on the former Bolick Property that the Town of Boone purchased in 2016 for the home of a new municipal center. The area of land is located just off of U.S. Highway 421 between Brookshire Park and the Blue Ridge Energy office. Brushy Fork Environmental Consulting, Inc. (BFEC) is working with the Town of Boone in the restoration of about 4,000 linear feet of the South Fork of the New River. The restoration work will involve stabilizing many of the streambanks along the river that have eroded over time. The natural channel design techniques used will include the installation of rock J-hooks that will concentrate water flow and deflect it away from the bank, toe wood and sloping of channel banks to create a more accessible floodplain. Some of the trees along the streambanks will be used as toe wood to stabilize the banks, which means the trees will be cut down and submerged to replicate a natural streambank . Once construction is complete, new native plant species will be planted. The streambank restoration is expected to take about six months. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 17, 2018 This Friday, Oct. 19, the North Carolina Symphony will be performing at the Schaefer Center for Performing Arts at 7 p.m. The North Carolina Symphony is an indispensable part of North Carolina’s cultural narrative. Founded as America’s first statewide orchestra in 1932, and traveling 18,500 miles throughout the state to engage 250,000 people each year, NCS is committed to presenting artistically excellent performances that delight and inspire. The performance features Llewellyn as conductor, Eliza Bagg as soprano and the Cherokee Chamber Singers. / Read more…

October 17, 2018 Beech Mountain Resort will once again feature its Winter Music Series to accompany the highly-anticipated 2018/2019 ski season.  As the snow thickens and the new state-of-the-art chairlifts kick into high gear; skiers from around the southeast will also be treated to a wide array of great live music during this exciting time of year. The Beech Mountain Resort Winter Music Series is sponsored by Pacifico; a popular Mexican beer brewed on the Baja side of the country that is now sold nationwide in the U.S. Headlining this 25-show, three-month concert series will be the The SteelDrivers, one of the most acclaimed bands in the bluegrass and roots music genres. The group has won a Grammy Award and an International Bluegrass Music Association award for their albums. / Read more…

October 17, 2018 The Hunger and Health Coalition is hosting its fourth annual Masquerade Ball in order to raise funds for programs geared toward Watauga county residents in need. The event will be held on Friday, Oct. 26 at the Blowing Rock Country Club from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The Masquerade Ball is the Hunger and Health Coalition’s largest fundraiser, and for good reason. The event has a multitude of attractions, such as hors d’oeuvres, costumes, drinks and performances from the Appalachian Musical Theatre Ensemble. This year, there will also be fortune tellers, tarot card readers and other exciting surprises. The Hunger and Health Coalition seeks to provide the basic necessities for a comfortable lifestyle, focusing on the supply of food and medications. They utilize programs such as the Food Pantry, Food Recovery Kitchen, The Fresh Market, Free Pharmacy, Thanksgiving Dinner and the Sharing Tree Program. These programs help to ensure low-income Watauga residents are being fed and given life-sustaining medications instead of having to choose between one or the other. / Read more…

October 17, 2018 Achievement Through Liberal Arts and Sciences (ATLAS) is hosting a free college fair for high school students throughout the High Country on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center in Boone (252 Poplar Grove Rd). The theme is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” The fair will host over 50 colleges and universities with respective alumni members, guaranteeing an insider’s guide on preparation measures. Students are encouraged to ask questions and engage with alumni. Further information about ATLAS as well as financial aid information will be provided. There will be free refreshments. / Read more…

October 17, 2018 The latest numbers from the North Carolina Board of Elections show 47,388 registered voters for the 2018 election. These numbers are as of October 13. Watauga County currently has 12,467 registered Democrats, 14,288 registered Republicans and 20,081 unaffiliated voters. There are also 543 Libertarian voters, five registered voters in the Constitution Party and four registered voters in the Green Party Female voters outnumber male voters in the county with 24,788 women registered to vote and 21,932 men registered to vote. Looking at other demographics, 43,511 registered voters are white, 1,139 voters are Hispanic, 1,059 voters are African American, 75 are American Indian and 2,743 voters declared themselves as other. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 17, 2018. One-stop early voting in North Carolina has officially started Wednesday morning and will last until Saturday, November 3. For Watauga County residents, they have six different locations available for early voting. Unlike on Election Day where voters have to go to their registered precincts, voters can vote at any of the six locations during the early voting period. Early voting locations in Watauga County are: Watauga County Administration Building Commissioners’ Board Room (814 W. King Street, Boone), ASU Plemmons Student Union Blue Ridge Ballroom (263 Locust Street, Boone), Blowing Rock Town Hall (1036 Main Street, Blowing Rock), Deep Gap Fire Department (6583 Old Highway 421 South, Deep Gap), Meat Camp Fire Department (4797 N.C. Highway 194 North, Boone) and Western Watauga Community Center (1081 Old Highway 421, Sugar Grove). Early voting dates and times are the same for each location. Early voting times are October 17-19, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., October 22-26, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., October 29 – November 2, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., and November 3, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 17, 2018. Appalachian State, one of college football’s hottest teams so far during the 2018 season, returns to action this Saturday, October 20 with a 3:30 p.m. Sun Belt Conference home game against Louisiana (Lafayette) in Kidd Brewer Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPN Plus. It also will be broadcast on the Appalachian State IMG Radio Network at the following affiliates: 97.3 FM (North Wilkesboro)-Flagship; 96.5 FM/1450 AM (Boone); 1270 AM (Gastonia/Charlotte); 1150 AM (Rock Hill, SC/Charlotte); 101.5 FM/600 AM (Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point); 107.7 FM/1450 AM (Hendersonville); 1350 AM (Asheville); and 620 AM (Raleigh-Durham). The Ragin’ Cajuns are the only West Division team to appear on Appalachian State’s schedule every year since they joined the league in 2014. Appalachian State has a 4-0 lead in the series. It won 35-16 on the road in 2014, 28-7 at home in 2015, 24-0 on the road in 2016 and 63-14 at home in 2017. The Mountaineers (4-1 over-all; 2-0 conference) have not lost since their season opener on September 1 at Penn State in overtime (45-38). Appalachian State has romped past all four of its other opponents–Charlotte (45-9), Gardner-Webb (72-7), South Alabama (52-7) and Arkansas State (35-9). By Tim Gardner / Read more…

October 8, 2018. On Saturday, Oct. 20, during the Woolly Worm Festival, the Babylon Brothers and special guest Matt Hemond will be performing at Elevations Tavern and Grill in Sugar Mountain. The music of the night will be performed as a tribute to Steely Dan. The Babylon Brothers’ music mainly focuses on influences of jazz, making their tribute to Steely Dan a felicitous one. Band members include brothers Andy and Zack Page, Jim Schaller on the vox, Aaron Price on the keys, Rick Hefner on the saxophone and John Spurrier on the drums. Elevations Tavern and Grill will rearrange the dining room in order to accommodate the band and audience for the perfect entertainment experience. Elevations Tavern and Grill will also feature a live performance by Matt Hemond in the bar area. Hemond is described as a one-man show with a versatile range and talent. Elevations Tavern and Grill opened June 1 of this year. Owner Ed Plante has been in the restaurant business for 15 years, starting out at hot dog stands to serving gourmet cuisine. By Kelyn Wilhoit / Read more…

October 17, 2018 The Tennessee Valley Authority & Mountain Electric Cooperative has postponed a major power outage that was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 27, moving it to November 10. The outage will begin at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night, November 10 and is anticipated to last for nine hours. Work should be completed and electricity restored by 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, November 11. The outage will impact 14,500 customers over much of Avery County including the following communities: Cranberry, Minneapolis, Banner Elk, Sugar Mountain, Grandfather, Montezuma, Linville, Pineola, Crossnore, Jonas Ridge, Newland and Linville Falls. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

October 17, 2018. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper made a brief appearance in Valle Crucis last Thursday to get a first-hand look at some of the storm damage that has hit the High Country over the last month. Cooper made stops in several other mountain and piedmont counties as part of the trip. The main focus of Cooper’s stop in Watauga County was a tour of Valle Crucis School and to hear how the community has been impacted by severe weather. “I was able to describe to Gov. Cooper the continued flooding issues we face at the school as well as the ways in which our roads and other infrastructure are impacted by heavy rain storms,” said Dr. Scott Elliott, Watauga County Schools Superintendent. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 16, 2018. The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland. / Read more…

October 17, 2018. Football is huge in the High Country right now and tailgating is at its peak, even if the Autumn leaves are surprisingly not. Record crowds are expected to be pouring into the area this weekend for a big game and two signature outdoor festivals, so make sure you pack lots of patience. You won’t be getting anywhere fast, I’m afraid. If it’s to the football stadium for your tailgate party, hopefully we can throw out a few ideas to make the day a real winner even before the game begins.. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

What’s going on in your community? Here’s a brief update on the emails we received today. Check back each day for an updated list of events going on in the area. As always, please feel free to email us about your event or update.

What’s Happening This Week at Lost Province Brewing

WEDNESDAY: Stand in Solidarity at Sanford Mall

2019 AgOptions Grant Cycle Now Open, Watauga Information Meeting on Thursday, October 18

Turchin Center Highlights Art from Australia and New Zealand

Cirque Italia Coming to Hickory October 18-21

Annual Black Saturday 5k with Appalachian State to be Held November 17

Beech Mountain Season Passes Still Available

Attorney General Josh Stein Announces Investigation into E-Cigarette Maker Juul

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

October 16, 2018 The 63rd Annual Farm City Banquet will be held on Thursday, November 1, at 6 p.m. at the Boone United Methodist Church located on New Market Boulevard in Boone. The theme for this year’s banquet is “High Country Grown” to celebrate the home grown success of our county’s farms and the community and town folk that support them. The banquet and awards ceremony is organized annually by the Town of Boone, ASU, and Watauga County Cooperative Extension. This year, the program includes special guest, Nashville recording artist, and author Radney Foster, who will share music and stories from his collection of short stories “For You to See the Stars.” Radney finished writing and editing this, his first book, right here in Boone! Following dinner, supplied from local farms, awards will be presented to those in our farming, civic, and business community who have made significant contributions to our agricultural economy. / Read more…

October 16, 2018. Legendary old-time, bluegrass and folk musician, Alice Gerrard, comes to the Jones House Cultural and Community Center on Saturday, October 27, for a singing workshop and afternoon concert with the Piedmont Melody Makers. The Piedmont Melody Makers will be giving a singing workshop, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Jones House, followed by a ticketed concert at 4:00 p.m. The singing workshop is free, although advanced reservations are requested. Tickets for the afternoon concert are $20 each, and advanced reservations are also recommended – although open seats will be available for purchase at the door on the day of the concert. / Read more…

October 16, 2018. Hundreds of mourners from all walks of life filled First Baptist Church of Crossnore on Sunday afternoon, with a long line stretching around the building for nearly three hours before the funeral service began. It was a fitting tribute to the late Edward Truitt “Tudor” Vance, who not only was born and raised in Crossnore, but who also served as its mayor since 2001. Vance died after a brief illness in the early morning hours of October 11. Family members, friends, business associates, fellow golfers and others came from miles around to pay their respects to a man who wore many hats. The flag-draped coffin told a story in itself of an American hero who served his country, but also that of an everyday hero to his wife, children and grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and others who knew him intimately.. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

October 16, 2018. What a special treat for Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music to present “Mountain Treasures,” featuring Bobby McMillon and Glenn Bolick – two admired keepers of mountain traditional storytelling, ballads and songs! This JSMHM show is the final “Pay As You Exit” Matinee of its 2018 25th Silver Anniversary Season and takes place on Thursday, October 18th at the Harvest House in Boone at 2:00pm. Both McMillon and Bolick, along with Bolick’s wife Lula, are recipients of the two most prestigious awards for folk artist in their home state – the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award and the North Carolina Folklore Society’s Brown Hudson Award. JSMHM’s director, Rodney Sutton, spoke of the pairing of these two storytelling, singing and musical performers. “Bobby and Glenn have been friends for many years and when you put them on the stage together, their songs and stories seem to remind each other of ones they may not have sung or told for years, creating a one-of-a-kind performance that cannot be scripted.” / Read more…

October 15, 2018. The Watauga Pioneers are one step closer to an unbeaten regular season after a 49-7 victory over St. Stephens at home on Friday night. Watauga is now 8-0 overall and 4-0 in the Northwestern 3A/4A Conference. Junior quarterback Anderson Castle had his best game since returning from injury, completing 4-of-5 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns while running for 92 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Jaiden Bond added four carries for 78 yards, Bryce Satterfield had nine carries for 62 yards and a pair of touchdowns, Jackson Greene had two carries for 22 yards and Zach West had one carry for four yards. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 15, 2018 None of us like to think about cancer. Much like other banned household words, we tend to believe that if we just ignore it long enough, if we don’t talk about it and if we pretend that it isn’t there, it will somehow leave us well enough alone. Of course, we all know that it doesn’t work that way, but sometimes avoiding the truth just seems easier than looking in the mirror. After surviving breast cancer, Blowing Rock resident Kimberley Burns, was diagnosed a few years later with terminal brain, thoracic, spine and abdominal cancer. On February 26, 2016, she was told that she only had three to six months left to live. The word cancer, which she had bravely defeated only a few years before, was back with a vengeance and it would not be ignored. Anger and depression loomed heavily over the Burns household until one day she woke up, parted ways with her self-pity and looked in the mirror. By Josh Jarman / Read more…

October 15, 2018 On Monday, October 15, a coalition of nonpartisan groups will host a 90-minute, town hall in Boone as part of a statewide tour to educate voters about proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot this fall. The Watauga County stop will feature presentations and Q&A with voting experts and Watauga County residents and students opposed to the amendments, as well as provide voting resources, and share ways attendees can help other voters learn more about the proposed amendments. “Polling shows most North Carolinians know very little about the important constitutional changes proposed on their ballot this fall,” said Jen Jones of Democracy North Carolina, one of eight nonpartisan groups taking part in the town halls. “We’ve found that voters are very surprised to hear the details and broad implications of these vaguely-worded amendments. The more voters learn, the less they like these proposals, and the more willing they are to help other voters make an informed choice.” / Read more…

October 15, 2018 Soccer has been a staple in Watauga County for decades. Appalachian State Men’s Soccer played their first season in 1962 and the Women began playing in 1994. Watauga County Parks & Recreation has been offering youth soccer since 1973 and High Country Soccer Association has been providing professional youth coaching and competitive travel soccer since 1986. The last 10 years has seen unprecedented growth in the sport not only nationwide butlocally as well. Part of the area’s growth is due to the beautiful facility at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex built in 2009. Its artificial surface makes for an ideal playing space even under extreme weather. But artificial turf eventually needs replaced. / Read more…

October 15, 2018. Appalachian State University received approval last week from the University of North Carolina Board of Governors on several upcoming development projects, including the 75-acre “Appalachian 105” property at the site of the old Watauga High School. “Appalachian is the premier, public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina and a national leader in higher education,” said Appalachian’s chancellor, Dr. Sheri Everts. “To continue providing the highest quality educational setting, we must ensure a sound foundation, both in physical infrastructure and human potential. We appreciate the continued support of the Board of Governors in these goals.” Four areas were designated as “Millennial Campus” status, meaning they can be developed through private partnerships as well as being able to secure financing through bonds, lease properties to private sector partners for development and retain revenues from those leases. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 15, 2018 The University of North Carolina Board of Governors voted to approve several items this week that will solidify improvement and development plans for Appalachian State University. “Appalachian is the premier, public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina and a national leader in higher education,” said Appalachian’s chancellor, Dr. Sheri Everts. “To continue providing the highest quality educational setting, we must ensure a sound foundation — both in physical infrastructure and human potential. We appreciate the continued support of the Board of Governors in these goals.” Five key items were presented to the Board of Governors. / Read more…

October 12, 2018 Hurricane Michael is long gone, but it certainly had a lasting impact on the High Country over the last couple of days. According to the National Weather Service, Linville, Seven Devils and areas near Deep Gap received upwards of eight inches of rain on Thursday. Boone, Newland and Vilas all received between five and six inches of rain while Blowing Rock and Banner Elk saw over four inches of rain. On Grandfather Mountain, it was certainly an active day of weather. The weather station at the Mile High Swinging Bridge received a wind gust that reached 88 MPH and temperatures dipped to near freezing at 34 degrees. The NWS had rainfall totals reaching as high as eight inches on the mountain as well. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 12, 2018. The song, “How Do You Keep the Music Playing,” is a Michel Legrand composition that asks a question for which a local group of musicians would like to provide at least a local answer. The High Country and Foothills have long been the cradle of great music, with many notable musicians and bands born and nurtured in the area. And the Hayes School of Music at ASU has, for decades, fielded many outstanding professional musicians and teachers. School systems are seeing more pressure for academic courses, sometimes squeezing arts and music, so the danger seen by the Watauga Community Band is that some talented student musician may miss a lifelong opportunity. / Read more…

October 12, 2018. Come share the excitement at the Watauga County Farmers’ Market this Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon at Daniel Boone Park, Horn in the West parking lot in Boone. From market manager Michelle Slaton: “As I write this I can help but notice that it is raining yet again. However come this Saturday it will be a beautiful and sunny Fall day. The forecast called it “seasonably cool” which means it’s finally “SWEATER WEATHER”! So pull out your favorite Fall sweater, grab your grocery list and head out to the Market for all your seasonal favorites. We have Jest Country performing on the Main Stage, our Kid’s Market and plenty more. Also next week we will be welcoming back Chef Back for his sorely missed cooking demonstrations. Looking forward to seeing you at the Market!” / Read more…

October 12, 2018. Voters in Watauga County have a chance to hear what county commissioner candidates, sheriff candidates and other state and federal election hopefuls have to say about issues that affect their lives. The annual Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum is set to take place on Tuesday, October 23 from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. inside the large courtroom at the Watauga County Courthouse. The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce typically sponsors the event, but this year, the chamber is co-sponsoring this event with the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. “The Boone chamber and Blowing Rock chamber combined to co-host the event this year because the races have such a big county-wide impact,” said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “In this particular cycle with county commissioners, school board and the U.S. House race, it’s a much larger forum.” By Nathan Ham / Read more…

What’s going on in your community? Here’s a brief update on the emails we received today. Check back each day for an updated list of events going on in the area. As always, please feel free to email us about your event or update.

This Week Marks National Fire Prevention Week

High Country Operation Medicine Cabinet Happening October 13

Students Can Begin Filing for Financial Aid

High Country Jazz Society Hosting Final Concert of the Season October 14

Tenor to Sing Final Performance of the Season in St. Mary’s Concert Series October 14 

Watauga County Parks and Recreation Now Hosting Pickleball on Sundays

Goodnight Brothers Issues Statement Regarding Johnston County Ham Product Recall

Watauga County High School Hosting Senior Family Night on October 18

Teaching Math and Literacy in the Garden 

Friends of the Ashe County Public Library Receives $25,000 Grant

Attorney General Josh Stein Fights to Stop Illegal Robocalls and Spoofing that Plague Consumers

Patricia Alexander Honored as Founder Emeritus of the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

Public Art Sculpture Washed and Waxed; Girl Scout Troop Rises to the Challenge

Horizon Bistro Welcomes Southern Novelist Kathleen Grissom to the Bistro stage November 3

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

October 12, 2018 “Fellowship” and “fun” were the catchwords in October of 1978 when the parishioners of Holy Cross Episcopal Church jumped headlong into the adventure that was the first Valle Country Fair. The little church fete has grown by an undreamt-of extent in its first 40 years, but the friendships and community built as the people of the Valle come together to put on the 2018 celebration are as strong, enduring and rooted in a sense of place as those from the first Fair. Alongside fellowship and fun, the Valle Crucis community is on a mission to raise funds for helping people in need. Over the past 39 years, the Fair has raised many hundreds of thousands of dollars for area charities and families in crisis. Admission to the Fair is FREE and paid parking is available in the adjoining field. / Read more…

October 12, 2018 Banner Elk’s famed Woolly Worm Festival celebrates its 41st year the weekend of Oct. 20-21. The festival is known worldwide for its quirky mission of conducting races among woollybear caterpillars, known locally as woolly worms. Races are held both days, with Saturday’s winner getting the honor of forecasting the winter weather in North Carolina’s High Country. Saturday’s winning worm also receives $1,000, while Sunday’s champion wins $500. / Read more…

October 12, 2018 Appalachian State senior running back and team captain Jalin Moore will miss the remainder of the 2018 season after suffering a fracture and dislocation of his right ankle at the end of a 27-yard touchdown run during Tuesday’s 35-9 win at Arkansas State. After surgery, Moore is expected to need eight to 12 weeks for a full recovery. One of the best runners in school history, Moore ends his App State career with 3,570 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns, as well as 235 receiving yards and a score through the air. He ranks sixth in the school record books in rushing yards, seventh in rushing touchdowns and sixth with 17 100-yard rushing efforts. The Shelby, N.C., native rushed for 400 yards and six scores through five games this season. He piled up 119 yards in one quarter vs. Gardner-Webb and 123 yards through three quarters in a Sun Belt-opening win over South Alabama.  / Read more…

October 11, 2018 As the remnants of Hurricane Michael enter North Carolina and the state experiences its second major storm in a month, a new Elon University Poll explores how threats to coastal communities and potential environmental disasters are being viewed by N.C. voters and how they are approaching policy questions related to climate change. The Elon Poll also sought to find out how people throughout the state were impacted by Hurricane Florence, what they did to prepare and what they might do differently next time. In its exploration of climate change and environmental regulation policy, the poll found strong support for restricting real estate development in flood-prone areas (76 percent) and for increasing environmental regulations for coal ash ponds (72 percent). Sixty-two percent support incorporating findings from climate change scientists into local government planning and ordinances and 59 percent support increasing environmental regulation for hog farms. / Read more…

October 11, 2018 The Lees-McRae College cycling team recently captured the Southeastern Collegiate Cycling Conference (SECCC) championship, winning the conference’s mountain bike discipline. “This was the closest finish that I can recall in the history of the conference,” said head cycling coach Tim Hall. Lees-McRae finished with 1,620 points and separated from second-place Brevard by just 62 points (1,558), while Union College (Ky.) finished narrowly behind Brevard with 1,545 points. Auburn took fourth with 1,453 points, while Lindsey Wilson finished fifth with 1,342. Milligan finished in sixth with 1,331 points, while King (Tenn.) took seventh with 1,058 points. The University of Tennessee (876), Georgia Tech (825) and Kennesaw State (782) rounded out the top 10 finishers in the conference.  / Read more…

October 11, 2018 F.A.R.M. Cafe, Boone’s donate-what-you-can community cafe, welcomes its downtown neighbor ECRS as the newest sponsor for the ‘Buy Boone Lunch’ program.   On Wednesday October 17, between 11-2, ECRS staff members will be serving in the various volunteer roles and welcoming the community to join them in supporting F.A.R.M. Cafe. As a ‘Buy Boone Lunch’ sponsor, ECRS has committed a donation to cover the basic cost of Wednesday’s lunch. ECRS is headquartered on Howard Street just behind F.A.R.M. Cafe’s King Street location.   “We are very pleased that our neighbors at ECRS will be participating in the ‘Buy Boone Lunch’ program,” said Tommy Brown, Volunteer Coordinator at F.A.R.M. Cafe. ECRS has previously supported F.A.R.M. Cafe with donations and many of their staff including Pete Catoe (ECRS President & CEO) have come in for lunch. Yet, we are really looking forward to having staff from ECRS volunteer with us because there is no better way than the hands-on experience of volunteering to really learn what F.A.R.M. Cafe is all about – bringing the whole community together and making sure everyone is fed really good food.” / Read more…