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Email Announcements Received Today: See What’s Going On Around The Community

1) State Employees Credit Union Hosts Shred Day Aug. 16

State Employees’ Credit Union, located at 1470 Blowing Rock Rd., will host a Shred Day on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in the parking lot. CINTAS, a nationally recognized company in shredding and document management, will have a truck available to shred your personal documents on site. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions about Identity Theft and ways you can protect yourself. There is no charge for the shredding and the event is open to the public. For additional information, please call 264-0206 or 264-4881.

2) Overmountain Men Event Held Sept. 13

On Saturday, Sept. 13, our living history encampment celebrates the crossing of the Blue Ridge Mountains by the Overmountain Men on their way to an eventual battle with British Forces at Kings Mountain. The Museum of North Carolina Minerals in Spruce Pine on the Blue Ridge Parkway plays host to this annual event and transforms the grounds into a colonial militia encampment at the head of Gillespie Gap. The encampment provides a glimpse of various colonial activities and tells the story of the Overmountain Men and the Battle of Kings Mountain. From 9 a.m.-2 p.m. guests are invited to stroll through the encampment taking part in various demonstrations and visiting with reenactors. At 2:30 p.m. a reenactment of the battle will take place at the Orchard of Altapass, milepost 328 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The day is capped off with candlelight tours through the encampment at the Minerals Museum from 7-9 p.m.

3) The Blue Superfood is in Season at Banner Elk Winery

We all know that blueberries have been nominated among the “superfoods” of the United States. Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, which minimizes the amount of free radicals in the human body. Blueberries are used in juices, pies, jams and jellies, cakes, muffins, salads or can be eaten alone. Blueberries are a delicious and healthy snack for both children and adults. Come and pick your own superfood and enjoy it to the maximum in an unforgettable ambiance! At Banner Elk Winery and Villa, we believe that great things come from great soil. We work with nature – the microbes in the soil, the native flowers, the bees, the butterflies and birds – to create a patch of world we think we should all live in. We hope that when you come you will linger and explore the grounds, wander through the vineyards and the blueberry fields and discover the specialty gardens we’ve tucked away in the little micro-niches here and there. Whether you are interested in a healthy pause, a wine tasting or just relaxing with a glass of wine, we welcome you to Banner Elk Winery and Villa. Our award-winning Banner Elk Blueberry and Ice Wines continue to be very much appreciated by the wine specialists. Visit us and find out why we are the most acclaimed commercial winery in North Carolina’s High Country.

4) Avery Chamber Seeking Nominations for 2014 Man, Woman and Business of the Year

The Avery County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Man of the Year, Woman of the Year and Business of the Year for 2014. Those interested in nominating a person or business for one of these awards should send a letter or email to the Chamber discussing the nominee’s qualifications for this recognition. Deadline for nominations will be 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1Nominees for Man of the Year and Woman of the Year awards should be individuals who have displayed a pattern of service to the whole of Avery County over the duration of their time in our community. When nominating an individual for one of these awards, please include examples of how the person has impacted or enhanced businesses and our Avery County community. Nominees for Business of the Year should have a substantiated history as an established business in Avery County. When nominating a business for this award, please discuss how the business contributes to the economy and quality of life in Avery County. In 2011, the Centennial Coalition was the only recipient of this prestigious award which included 40 individuals and organizations. Nominations may be faxed to 828-898-8287 or emailed to director@averycounty.com or stop by the Chamber office open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

5) Registration Open for the High Country Half Marathon

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Institute for Health and Human Services (IHHS) at Appalachian State University announces the third annual High Country Half Marathon. All proceeds will benefit Girls on the Run of the High Country, an after-school program that inspires girls in grades 3-8 to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Early registration for the half marathon is $50 until Aug. 11 From Aug. 12 until race day the registration fee is $60. The High Country Half Marathon is the second race in the High Country Triple Crown. All races showcase the breathtaking scenery of the North Carolina Mountains combined with challenging terrain and great fun. Registration is now open at www.triplecrown.appstate.edu. The race will start at Kidd Brewer Stadium at 7:30 a.m. and will finish at the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve. Participants can register online or at the event starting at 6 a.m. Participants will receive t-shirts, finisher medals, goody bags, age category awards, overall awards and chances for numerous donated door prizes including golfing certificates, local hotel overnight stays and t-shirts. The last race in the High Country Triple Crown will be The Knob on Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m. A new run for 2014, which has been designated for less serious runners, is also scheduled for Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m. “The Bonk” gives participants the opportunity to run/walk down Howard’s Knob and will feature extra special starting awards. Runners who participate in all three High Country Triple Crown races will be eligible to win $1,500 in cash prizes, which will be awarded after The Knob and The Bonk. For more information and to register for the High Country Half Marathon, The Knob or The Bonk, visit www.triplecrown.appstate.edu or call 828-262-7557.

6) Western Piedmont Symphony Presents “Under the Sails” Sept. 17

From the classics of Haydn, Vivaldi and Brahms to music from movie favorites, this program celebrates the seasons and the changing weather that shapes our environment. Three ticket levels are available at $20, $10 and $5. $20 seats are located in the upholstered seating area. Tickets are available at Alleghany County Library, Books N Friends Book Store, Alleghany Chamber of Commerce, Sparky’s Coffee Shop and Becca’s Backwoods Bean Cafe. The event will take place Sept. 17 from 7-9 p.m. in the Alleghany Community Auditorium.

7) Tubefest 2014 at Green Valley Park

On Saturday, Aug. 23, Green Valley Park will host TubeFest 2014. A ride of approximately one hour will cost $10 per tube with a special family rate of $40 per family. Rides include shuttle service from the park to the start of the river float. A hot dog plate lunch will be available for $3. The first shuttle leaves the park at 10 a.m. and the last by 4 p.m. For more information visit www.GreenValleyPark.org.