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Education

Grandfather Mountain to Kick Off Rhododendron Rambles May 24

May 14, 2025. Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, will celebrate the beauty of the spring season this year with its Rhododendron Rambles, a series of guided strolls that showcase the park’s blossoming rhododendron and other native species. The easygoing rambles take place at 1 p.m. daily May 24 through June 1. These short walks are led by the park’s naturalists and are included with the price of admission. If the rhododendrons continue to bloom beyond early June, Grandfather Mountain naturalists may extend the event dates. Interested attendees should meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. The rambles are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

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Grandfather Mountain Adult Field Course May to October Series Announced for 2025

May 14, 2025. Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is once again offering its adult field courses for 2025, allowing participants the chance to explore Grandfather Mountain like never before and take a deep dive into a variety of topics. The series runs from May through October, with topics including landscape design, geology, habitat identification, hummingbirds, fungi and astronomy. Each field course is limited to 20 or fewer participants, so they fill up quickly.

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BRAHM Announces Theme and Call for Submission for “ARS POETICA III: A Juried Exhibition” with June 13th Deadline

May 13, 2025. The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) is pleased to announce its third annual “ARS POETICA” exhibition, which will be on view in the Alexander Community Gallery from September 6 through November 13, 2025. The Museum invites poets and visual artists to submit their work by June 13, 2025. Inspired by Horace’s “Ars Poetica,” in which the Roman poet wrote, “as is painting, so is poetry,” this juried exhibition explores the profound relationship between visual art and the written word. While distinct in form, poetry and visual art each strive to move, inspire and deepen human understanding.

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Blowing Rock Community Library Receives Donation of Handcrafted Reading Tables for Community Room

May 13, 2025. The Blowing Rock Community Library recently received a generous donation of four handcrafted, maple and cypress wood tables for the library’s Community Room.  The handcrafted tables were donated by Jean and Hodge Kitchin and the Blowing Rock Civic Association. During the winter months, Blowing Rock Library Association Member Jamie Dixey took on the task of refinishing the library’s seven large reading tables. She found that four of the library tables had significant wear and would need repair. Dixey then put a call out to the community asking for assistance. Her request was quickly answered with a generous offer to replace the tables from The Blowing Rock Civic Association together with Jean and Hodge Kitchin, longtime residents of Blowing Rock.

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Project Dance Foundation Launches CAMP OF THE ARTS: A New Multidisciplinary Summer Program for Boone’s Youth

May 5, 2025 The Project Dance Foundation is proud to announce the launch of Camp of the Arts, a new multidisciplinary summer arts program designed to meet a growing need in the High Country. Starting June 2025, this immersive camp will offer children in grades K–12 professional instruction in dance, music, theatre, painting, and more. While Boone is home to several vibrant arts organizations, families still face limited options for comprehensive and affordable summer arts programming. Camp of the Arts aims to fill this gap by offering a structured, full-summer initiative that nurtures creativity, encourages self-expression, and fosters community among young artists.

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App State Spring Commencement Ceremonies are May 9–10

May 1, 2025 Appalachian State University will recognize spring 2025 graduates during commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10. Ceremonies will take place at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day in the Holmes Convocation Center on App State’s Boone campus. During the events, graduates will walk across the stage in Holmes Convocation Center and be professionally photographed receiving their diploma covers. App State Chancellor Heather Norris will confer degrees upon graduates at each ceremony, which will include graduates from each of App State’s academic colleges and the Hayes School of Music

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Registration is open for App State’s 2nd annual Aging Well Conference on May 15–16

April 30, 2025 Appalachian State University will host its second annual Aging Well Conference on May 15–16 at Levine Hall of Health Sciences, located at 1179 State Farm Road in Boone. Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Medicare, the event will bring together caregivers, health professionals, researchers and social service providers to explore innovative strategies for healthy aging. Conference topics include disease prevention, managing anxiety and depression in older adults, balancing exercise with physical therapy and lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive decline.

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App State ROTC Program Honored with Army’s General Douglas MacArthur Award

April 9, 2025 The Appalachian State University Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, known as the Mountaineer Battalion, has been awarded the U.S. Army’s General Douglas MacArthur Award, recognizing the program’s exceptional contributions to military leadership and training. A ceremony in celebration of the program’s achievement was held March 20 at App State’s Boone campus. Established in 1989, the award, conferred by the U.S. Army Cadet Command, honors the top eight ROTC programs in the country. The award highlights the success of programs in displaying Gen. MacArthur’s ideals — “Duty, Honor, Country” — and accomplishing its mission of training and commissioning second lieutenants for the U.S. Army.

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Great News—More Tickets Available for Power of the Purse on June 26! New Larger Venue at the Holmes Convocation Center in Boone

April 7, 2025 Thanks to your overwhelming enthusiasm, our Power of the Purse event featuring Laura Linney and Molly Grantham on June 26th sold out in just two days! We heard you, and we’re thrilled to announce we’ve increased our event capacity and reopened ticket sales! To accommodate everyone, we’re moving to a larger venue: The Holmes Convocation Center on Rivers Street in Boone.

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Grandfather Mountain Announces New Event: “Sounds of Nature – Kids’ Music Day”

April 7, 2025 The mountains will be alive with the sound of music as Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, hosts a new event, “Sounds of Nature – Kids’ Music Day.” The fun-filled, nature-themed afternoon of music will take place Saturday, April 26 in the Williams Outdoor Learning Space, located next to the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Families can groove to the sounds in nature through an interactive concert celebration, featuring lively performances from Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation staff, as well as visiting Chimney Rock State Park staff, plus eco-themed songs and hands-on activities.

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App State to Host Lab iMPACTLY Workshop April 3 to Help Nonprofits Maximize Effectiveness

March 26, 2025 Appalachian State University’s Department of Government and Justice Studies, in collaboration with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success, will host the inaugural Lab iMPACTLY Nonprofit Workshop on Thursday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 201A of the Plemmons Student Union. The workshop aims to equip local nonprofits with the tools, strategies and insights needed to enhance their impact, particularly in securing and managing grants.

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Avery County Woman Will Use $466,415 Win to Help People Affected by Helene

March 13, 2025 Tracy Bell of Banner Elk wants to give back to her community after she won a $466,415 jackpot playing a digital instant game. “Everyone around here has been through a lot lately,” she said. “I want to help some friends who lost a lot in the storm.” Bell played a $10 ticket on Sunday and won the top level ‘Epic jackpot’ in the Wheel of Bonuses game, a digital instant game featuring a progressive jackpot that can be won at any time. The odds of that win are 1 in 3.1 million. “It was pretty amazing,” she said.

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Infomation on Becoming a Sports Official in the High Country Coming April 10th

March 13, 2025 My name is Stephen Poulos, retired Director Watauga County Parks & Recreation.  I have been calling NC High School football since 1994 and am still the District Director for Tar Heel Leagues, Inc youth baseball/softball. I have been involved in officiating all sports and levels. Parks & Recreation NCHSAA, etc.  Have lots of contacts in our area if you are on this email. We have a FREE information opportunity, see attached on April 10th, 5:30 – 7 pm at the Watauga Community Recreation Center 231 Complex Drive, Boone.  Several local college and high school officials will be onsite to answer questions and offer assistance.  No matter the sport, no matter the level they wish to work.

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Springtime Fun at Grandfather Mountain

March 13, 2025 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is gearing up for springtime, with daily programs, special experiences, a slate of events — including new happenings! — and beautiful blooms all ahead. “We are especially excited for spring this year,” said Jesse Pope, president and executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “With our area ready to welcome visitors after Hurricane Helene and greatly needing the economic boost tourists provide, we are eagerly anticipating a return to a busier season on the mountain.” Check out these fun ways to explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain in the spring season.

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Join Lees-McRae College in Giving Back to the Community Following Hurricane Helene at this Year’s Mountain Day of Service on March 28

March 12, 2025 Each year Lees-McRae College holds Mountain Day of Service, an important annual tradition celebrated since the early days of the college in which students, faculty, and staff leave the classroom and spend the day at volunteer sites throughout the High Country. This year, in the college’s 125th year of operation, Mountain Day of Service is more important than ever, and parents and families, alumni, members of the local community, and friends of Lees-McRae are all invited to join the college in this important day of service on Friday, March 28. 

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Community Health Report Released for Watauga County from AppHealthCare

March 10, 2025 “AppHealthCare, in collaboration with various agencies and community partners, has released the Community Health Assessment for Watauga County. This report highlights community-identified public health priorities and provides a foundation for work that will take place in the following years. The Community Health Assessment report is published every four years in partnership with the Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative, Appalachian District Board of Health and AppHealthCare, including many other partnerships, individuals and agencies. The Community Health Assessment report follows a data-gathering and evaluation process involving the community to identify and analyze community health needs and assets. After completion, partners collaborate to strategically address the key health priorities and then implement the plan to address the unmet needs.

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Regional Community Centers Recognized at WNC Honors Awards

March 6, 2025 The WNC Honors Awards, a program of WNC Communities, is built on a 75-year tradition of recognizing rural community development clubs for their innovative ideas and grassroots solutions. These centers and clubs are the backbone of community cohesion running through our beloved mountains. The culmination of this year’s WNC Honors Program occurred virtually on February 27th with community leaders and volunteers from 15 Western North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These 73 communities received a total of $106,500 in cash awards.

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Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris Named Chancellor of Appalachian State University

February 27, 2025 Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris has been named chancellor of Appalachian State University, effective March 1. University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans made the announcement upon election by the Board of Governors of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System on Feb. 27. “Dr. Norris has been a widely respected leader and scholar in the Appalachian community for more than two decades, and her service as interim chancellor since last April has been exemplary,” Hans said. “Dr. Norris has risen steadily through the ranks of academic and campus leadership, showing a deep capacity for aligning institutional incentives to student success in a way that has strengthened her university and benefitted a generation of Mountaineer graduates. “Everyone who has worked with Dr. Norris praises her ability to take on complex problems without losing sight of the university’s core mission of service,” Hans said.

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Looking back on 20 Years of the New Opportunity School for Women at Lees-McRae College

February 21, 2025 Each summer since 2005, Appalachian women have been gathering on the Lees-McRae College campus for a three-week transformative experience that seeks to give them the skills and tools to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. This summer, the 2025 cohort of the New Opportunity School for Women (NOSW) marks 20 years of the program that changes lives one summer at a time. Over the past two decades of its operation, NOSW has served dozens of low-income women in the region and has remained unique among similar programs. Unlike many peer organizations, the NOSW experience is truly immersive, bringing participants to the college’s campus where they live, learn, and grow in an enriching environment for the duration of the program.

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Appalachian State University’s Chancellor Search Advisory Committee to Meet Feb. 21 at 4 pm

February 20, 2025 Appalachian State University’s Chancellor Search Advisory Committee will convene via conference call at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee in accordance with N.C.G.S § 143-318.11(a)(6).

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App State Reports Record Spring 2025 Enrollment of 20,291 Students, Strong Retention Rate Despite Helene Impacts

February 19, 2025 Months after Hurricane Helene disrupted the fall semester, Appalachian State University announced a 2.2% increase in spring 2025 enrollment numbers compared with spring 2024 — a milestone achievement that University of North Carolina System leaders credit to an “all-hands effort” from faculty and staff, as well as state leaders. The census day enrollment of 20,291 students represents a record spring enrollment at App State. In addition, the retention of first-year students from the fall to spring semester is 94.4%, a five-year high.

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Lees-McRae College Introduces New Bachelor of Science Degree in Tourism & Resort Management

February 19, 2025 Core Strategy III of the Lees-McRae strategic plan, INEXPRO 2030, is Distinctiveness, specifically leaning into the institution’s unique identity by establishing majors and sports that help students stand out. The college’s newest academic program, Tourism and Resort Management, is the latest step in achieving that ongoing goal. Tourism and Resort Management will build on current programming within the School of Business and Management to prepare students for careers in the international tourism industry through curriculum that integrates leadership skills, experiential learning opportunities, and entrepreneurial training.

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Blue Ridge Chapter NCNPS Announces Planting Day on Saturday, March 1st

February 18, 2025 On Saturday, March 1st at 1pm, we will be having a livestake planting party at Green Valley Park.  These livestakes have been donated by Blue Ridge RC&D.  All the shrubs along the riparian area along the river were displaced by Helene.  These plantings will serve to secure the remaining land along the river. Instructions for how to plant a livestake will be given at the planting day.  If you can, bring a piece of rebar, hammer and clippers.  This is a fun activity and does so much native habitat

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Shape Young Minds with a Rewarding Career in Early Education

February 18, 2025 The Children’s Council of Watauga County is committed to ensuring that every child receives an excellent start in life. In line with this mission, The Children’s Council is inviting community members to participate in the Early Care and Education Academy, which offers free, comprehensive training designed to build careers in early childhood education. The academy’s training courses are tailored for beginners and cover everything from required safety training to creating engaging lesson plans, classroom management, and more. No prior experience is required.

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Blowing Rock Community Foundation Accepting Scholarship Applications for College

February 17, 2025 For 2025-2026, the Blowing Rock Community Foundation, Inc. has earmarked monies to fund new scholarships. These scholarships will be available for distribution for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education. Example: a $2000 scholarship will be payable at $1000 each semester. These scholarships are established to honor Blowing Rock students attending institutions of higher education – community college, technical school or two/four year colleges and universities.

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