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Email Announcements Received Today:

1) Inaugural Lighting of the Tree Held Dec. 4

Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center warmly invites all High Country residents to help decorate and light a festive tree in honor of or in memory of loved ones who have faced cancer, no matter where they were treated. People of all faiths are welcome. The inaugural Lighting of the Tree will be held Dec. 4 from 6-7 p.m. at the Watauga Medical Center Auditorium, located at 336 Deerfield Rd. in Boone. Decorated trees will be on display in the auditorium until Jan. 5, 2015. Elegant ivory porcelain ornaments with navy blue ribbon have been chosen for this occasion. Each honoree’s name will be hand-printed on an ornament.

2) Gentle Yoga Class Coming to Watauga County Public Library in December

Fridays Dec. 5, 12 and 19 in the meeting room in the main library. The Watauga County Public Library is co-sponsoring a three-part Gentle Yoga Class with Sejan Shah, a yoga instructor with the Art of Living Retreat Center. Sri Sri Yoga (gentle yoga) will be taught by Dr. Shah, a yoga teacher from India with 20 years of experience. Give yourself a complete and authentic yoga experience with rejuvenating postures, energizing breathing techniques, blissful meditations and practical yogic wisdom. This method is a simple and profound type of yoga suitable for all levels, sizes and shapes. Please RSVP for the classes via email to MCaruso@arlibrary.org or by phone with Monica at 828-264-8784.

3) YP Holiday Party Benefiting Western Youth Network Held Dec. 4

A YP Holiday Party benefiting the Western Youth Network will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5-7 p.m. at Murphy’s Restaurant and Pub. The event will feature a 50/50 raffle with $1 tickets, where half goes to WYN and half to the raffle winner. You do not have to be present to win. The event will feature magician Jay Spry the Magic Guy, appetizers, network with fellow young professions and more. The event is open to all. To purchase raffle tickets or for more information please contact Sallie Aceto at 704-953-6113 or Matt Harris at 828-295-2292.

4) December Programs at Elk Knob State Park

Turkeys and Ravens: Learn about these fascinating birds that love to call Elk Knob home. Meet at the park office at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. This program will be held indoors.

Black Bears: The black bear is one of the most exciting to see yet feared large mammals in our mountains. Discover their habits and habitats and learn how humans can peacefully coexist with these magnificent mammals. Please meet at the park office at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, for a close-up look through a powerpoint presentation at this beautiful animal. This program will be held indoors.

5) Ensemble Stage Presents: It’s a Wonderful Life Nov. 29

Start the season with the holiday classic. Fourteen actors, nearly forty characters and five of the actors creating the sound effects live on stage brings the treasured holiday film to life before your eyes in the style of the classic 1940s radio dramas. Complete with all the characters you love and love to hate, it’s a story of redemption that resonates with all ages, It’s a Wonderful Life has become our American Christmas Carol. Experience the true spirit of the season with this gift for the entire family. A special treat for anyone kicking off their Christmas holiday season in our real-life Bedford Falls, Blowing Rock. The show will take place on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium, located at 160 Sunset Dr. in Blowing Rock at 7 p.m. The show is approximately one hour and ten minutes in length. Tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for kids and students with valid ID. To purchase tickets, go to www.ensemblestage.com or call 828-414-1844. Tickets may be purchased at the door using cash or check only.

6) Cornerstone Summit Church Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary Dec. 5-7

Cornerstone Summit Church will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary throughout the weekend of Friday, Dec. 5th – Sunday, Dec. 7th with various events and activities including a Welcoming Social, an Evening Extravaganza and concluding with a special anniversary church service on Sunday, Dec. 7th at 10 a.m. Members, alumni and friends of Cornerstone Summit and those who want to learn more are encouraged to go online to find more details and register at www.cornerstonesummit.org. Come celebrate with us!