1) Grace Academy Sponsors Chili Cook-Off Nov. 8
Join Grace Academy for the sixth annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at Watauga High School. In addition to sampling numerous varieties of chilies and baked goods, patrons can bid on auctioned items to help support classical educational K-8 school in the High Country. If interested in donating items for this event, contact Kim Chasteen at 828-773-7830. Grace Academy is a 501(c)3 corporation.
2) Appalachian Philharmonia Performs Works by Beethoven Oct. 26
It is an all-Beethoven program when the Appalachian Philharmonia performs Oct. 26 at Appalachian State University. The concert, directed by Dr. Chung Park, begins at 2 p.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall. Admission to this event is free and the concert is open to the public. The show will open with “Overture to Heinrich Joseph von Collin’s Tragedy ‘Coriolan,’ Op. 62,” followed by “Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major, Op. 60.” Dr. Rodney Reynerson from the Hayes School of Music will be featured on “Concerto No. 4 for Piano and Orchestra in G Major, Op. 58.” Reynerson has taught in the music school since 1980.
3) Jazz Ensemble II Performs Oct. 28
Jazz and brass go hand in hand for the Oct. 28 Appalachian Jazz Ensemble II concert at Appalachian State University. The performance, directed by Hayes School of Music adjunct instructor Rodney Berry, begins at 8 p.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall. Admission is free. The proram will be selected from a variety of mellow and high-energy tunes, such as “Intermission Riff” by Ray Wetzel, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” by Harbach and Kern, “We’re Not Just Delivering Pizza Anymore!” by Tom Kubis and “Mexicallie Nose” by Harry Betts.
4) First Annual Miss Fraser Fir Pageant Held Nov. 15
The First Annual Miss Fraser Fir Pageant and Little Miss Photogenic Contest will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. at Newland Elementary School. This event is intended to launch Newland’s full Christmas holiday season and celebrate the dynamic local Christmas tree industry’s contribution to Newland and the High Country. This event is sponsored by the Newland Business Association. Prizes will be awarded in five age categories from six months to 12 years. For more information contact Donetta McKinney at 828-733-5199 or Amy Southern at 336-416-0280.
5) Philanthropy Luncheon Day Held Nov. 13
The 9th annual Philanthropy Day Luncheon, featuring Watauga County Community Foundation’s 2014 grant recipients and the Spirit of Philanthropy Award will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13 at noon at the Blowing Rock Conference Center. The venue is located at 1818 Goforth Rd. in Blowing Rock. Please RSVP to 828-264-4275 by Friday, Nov. 7.