Today’s Email Announcements

Vendors: Apply Now for the Watauga County Farmers’ Market in 2016

The Watauga County Farmers’ Market is now accepting vendor applications for the 2016 season until January 31st.  Applications for new vendors have been posted on the Market’s website.  www. http://www.wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org.  New Craft Vendor Applications are not being accepted this year, but will be accepted in 2017. All other applications are due with a $25.00 application fee no later than January 31, 2016.

Watauga County Farmers’ Market is a 100% producer-only market, meaning that all of the products sold at the market are made locally by our member vendors. Producers who reside and produce in Watauga County and the adjacent counties are eligible to apply to sell at the market.   

For additional information, feel free to contact, Ben F. Massey, Jr., Market Manager, at info@wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org.

JCCH Senior Life Solutions Program Receives Award

The signs of aging aren’t always visible. Sometimes there is emotional stress that can only be treated through therapy and counseling.

In rural areas like Johnson County, that can be hard to find. But thanks to the intensive outpatient program (IOP) at Johnson County Community Hospital, seniors are finding it much easier to get the help they need in dealing with the psychological changes associated with aging.

The program provides assistance to patients 55 and older who live near critical access hospitals like JCCH in the form of psychiatric evaluation, group or personal therapy, dietary consults, medication educational groups, or psychiatric medication management.

Last week, Senior Life Solutions, a division of Psychiatric Medical Care, LLC, and parent company of the IOP, presented Sarah Campbell and Johnson County Community Hospital (JCCH) with their annual Program of the Year award for her service at the facility.

Campbell, a licensed clinical social worker and lifelong resident of Johnson County, is a psychotherapist and the program manager for JCCH’s branch of the Senior Life Solutions program.

Campbell became the resident psychotherapist for the program when it was started more than three years ago and also helped spread information about it across the region along with the program’s head nurse, Joyce Tugman.

“Sarah believed in this program from the beginning,” said Dwayne Taylor, VP and CEO of Mountain States Health Alliance’s Southeast Market. “Her passion for serving the people of Johnson County is evident and this award is really a testament to that.”

Chastity Trivette, associate administrator at JCCH, had similar praise for Campbell.

“She does such a great job of taking care of our patients,” Trivette said. “They truly love Sarah as much as we do.”

The award was presented in front of family and co-workers at JCCH by Alex Gayle, Regional Director for Senior Life Solutions, which is headquartered in Nashville.

“She’s caring and passionate about her patients,” Gayle said. “She’s really just a genuine person and such a great representative of the program and the hospital. She is truly deserving of this recognition.”

Campbell believes that helping others is the core principle behind Senior Life Solutions.

“I became a psychotherapist just because of my love of people,” she said. “I want to help them and figure out what the best solution is for them. And, being able to do this kind of work in my hometown makes it that much better.”

Winter Happenings at Buckeye Rec Center

Snowman Building/Snow Angel Contest at Buckeye Set for Feb. 6

We will be hosting our snowman building competition and a new snow angel decorating contest this year. Contestants are encouraged to bring props for their snowmen. Snow Angels will be decorated with colored water, so lets see those creative and artistic minds at work!

Buckeye Recreation Volunteer Association

Here at Buckeye Recreation we’re always looking for volunteers for events. We also want our volunteers to feel as though they are truly being appreciated. In light of this topic, we are pleased to announce the development of the Buckeye Recreation Volunteer Association (BRVA).  Stay tuned this February for more information on this exciting new venture!

Winter Guided Hikes
Winter Guided Hikes

Snowshoe Rentals

Ever want to try snowshoeing? Let Buckeye help outfit you and get you hiking. Be sure to check with us on current snow conditions.   Rentals are free, and you may rent them for 2 hours.  We have 8 pairs of adult sized snowshoes.  We have trails we can recommend you going on for the most fun.  Snowshoes cannot be reserved, and are on a first come first serve basis.

Adopt-A-Trail

This program is designed for volunteers to have input on our trails with upkeep and safety as our main concern.  We are offering seasonal maintenance of the trail as well.  In helping us out we would qualify your help as part of our volunteer hours, which entails you to a volunteer party and more. We will also have a sign posted at Buckeye with your recognition of help. Call Buckeye for more information or check our website.

Ruffed Grouse in Winter

 If you’re seasoned to the outdoor life of Beech Mountain you’ve likely encountered or heard this unique pheasant-like bird.  If you’re new to the Mountain – well, you’re in for a treat.  The Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a smallish, primarily ground-dwelling bird that is partial to higher elevations and early successional forests.  The beech gap forest-type found atop Beech Mountain and its slopes are just the place you’re likely to spot (or hear) a ruffed grouse.  In fact, if you’re abreast of your Beech Mountain history you’ve probably heard the word “Klonteska” or seen it referenced in place names on the mountain.  Local author Sheppard M. Duggar claimed in his 1895 book, The Balsam Groves of Grandfather that the Cherokee referred to Beech Mountain as Klonteska, or pheasant.

When you’re out enjoying a quiet hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski this winter on one of our trails, pay special attention to small holes in the snow that may have curious markings around it.  You may have spotted a grouse snow den!  Grouse eat quickly during the dawn and dusk hours to avoid predators, and then hole up in their insulated snow dens during the day – staying warm and conserving energy.  If you startle one on your outdoor adventure you’re sure to remember the loud beating of wings and snow explosion.

Fitness Schedule
Fitness Schedule

Fitness and Wellness in January

If your New Year’s resolution was to hit the gym and add fitness and nutrition into your life, do it the smart way! Make a couple changes at a time, you are more likely to stick with it if you make small changes. Try drinking at least 8 cups a water a day, or parking a little further out at the grocery store. Give it a try, there is a lot of 2016 to go!

Learn to… Pickleball!

Every Friday night through the month of February we will have learn to Pickleball class.

Sun Salutation

We offer yoga every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 11am.  I encourage you to give it a try.  For a small sample of class here is a yoga sequence by Sarah, which is best in the morning to help you wake up, and get your day started.

Weekly Events at Lost Province Brewing Co.

Monday January 11

Family Night-Buy any regularly priced pizza and receive one free kid’s meal.

Wednesday January 13

½ Off Beer and Wine Specials.

7pm-9pm Trivia Night: Beginning at 7pm, Lost Province will be hosting Trivia Night with Zak Norris. Compete on your own or on a team! The competition gets started at 7pm so come a little early for a pizza and a pint and get your seat!

Thursday January 14

$3.00 Thursday-$3.00 pints on all Lost Province brewed beers (except high gravity)

Friday January 15

Tapped at 5pm, we feature something fun and new every Friday. Get it while it lasts; there is only a limited amount!

8pm-Closing Live Music: The Djangovers. The Djangovers, formerly The Hot Club of Lenoir (HCOL), features some of the best musicians the area has to offer. Steeped in the Americana tradition mixed with Manouche Swing flavors and modern styles, The Djangovers is a family friendly musical group of amazing talent.

Saturday January 16

8pm-Closing Live Music: The King Bees. The King Bees have been stingin’ & swingin’ the blues since 1987. Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Lincoln Center New York City (several times), we’ve played ’em all as well as Mississippi juke joints. Our great good fortune has allowed us to tour & record with the best & most culturally significant Blues artists including Carey Bell, Nappy Brown, Jerry McCain and many others…We’ve played with Bo Diddley and were part of B.B. King’s 80th Birthday Tour.

Sunday January 17

Lost Province Sunday: Residents of “The Lost Province” (Watauga, Ashe, Avery and Alleghany) receive 10% off food with verification of residency.