1) Herb Jackson Coffee Talk Held Saturday at The Art Cellar
Herb Jackson’s paintings are built up in many layers which are scraped off as they are being applied. Shapes and marks come and go as the painting develops to a hundred or more layers. The final outcome is the result of a process of discovery similar to the life experience itself. The coffee talk will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m.-noon. The artist reception will take place on Friday, Aug. 1 from 4-6 p.m.
2) Free Talk on Intro to Buddhism Offered in Johnson City Saturday, Aug. 9
The Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center (ADMC) is offering a free talk on an introduction to Buddhism on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 1-3 p.m. This is an opportunity for anyone who has ever been interested in discovering more about Buddhism to learn about the practice and the Dharma Center in an open and welcoming environment. The session will cover Buddha’s life, his basic philosophy and his prescription for overcoming suffering in our lives. The Appalachian Dharma and Meditation Center opened in June 2011. ADMC is a place where Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness and meditation can be learned and practiced. “Dharma” refers to the Buddha’s teachings and philosophy. Mindfulness and meditation can be practiced by anyone for stress relief, healing or for Buddhist awareness of mind. The center welcomes anyone interested in Buddhism or meditation. There are a number of groups practicing various Buddhist traditions at the center, including Zen, noble silence and Western Buddhism. There are also groups related to Buddhist healing such as grief support group and a 12-Step program for Buddhists. ADMC is located at 108 West 10th Avenue, Johnson City, Tenn. For more information on attending the introduction presentation or any other groups and courses, please contact [email protected] For more information about the center and its offerings, check the website at www.Dharma4et.org.
3) August Programs at Grandfather Mountain State Park
Caterpillar Prowl: Caterpillar Prowl will take place Aug. 1 from 2-3 p.m. at the Boone Fork Parking Area. Did you know that there are 3,011 moth species and 176 butterflies species found in NC, which equals 3,187 species of caterpillars in North Carolina alone? Join Ranger Sicard on a caterpillar prowl to search and learn about the different species that can be found at Grandfather Mountain State Park.
Moth Madness: Moth Madness will take place Sunday, Aug. 3 from 8-10 p.m. at the Lowes Foods Parking Lot. 2014 is the Year of the Lepidoptera for North Carolina State Parks. Lepidoptera is the scientific name for moths and butterflies and means “scale wing.” Moths are just as beautiful and varied as butterflies. Join a ranger for some Moth Madness as we turn on the lights after dark and try to lure in some moths for observation and identification. Please dress for the weather conditions.
Twilight Hike: The Twilight Hike will take place on Friday, Aug. 15 from 7:45-9:30 p.m. Join a park ranger for an evening stroll through the Southern Appalachian Forest and see the woods come to life after the sun sets. Experience the park from a different perspective and learn about nocturnal wildlife. Participants must bring flashlights and headlamps and are encouraged to bring hiking boots.
Volunteer Trail Work Day: The volunteer trail work day will take place Aug. 16 from 9:30-3:30. Join the parks staff for a day of trail maintenance and get a feel for what goes into managing a highly popular hiking destination. Volunteers will learn how to safely and effectively use tools, be shown sustainable trail design techniques and become familiar with trail labor. Work will be based on experience and skill level of volunteers.
Edible, Medicinal and Toxic Plants of Appalachia: This program will take place Saturday, Aug. 17 from 4-5 p.m. at the Profile Parking Lot. The wilds of the Southern Appalachians can be useful to those knowledgeable in woodcraft and a curse to those who consume a misidentified plant. Join a ranger for a stroll through the woods and learn some science and folklore behind our botanical bounty. Will will not be collecting or consuming plants during this program.
Grandfather Mountain State Park Family Day: This program will take place on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Foscoe Grandfather Community Center in Banner Elk. Participants will have the opportunity to earn a state park stewardship certificate by participating in fun activities.
4) Watauga-Ashe-Wilkes Golf Tournament Slated for September
The 14th anual Watauga-Ashe-Wilkes Golf Tournament will take place Thursday, Sept. 18 at Jefferson Landing in Jefferson. The deadline to register is Aug. 30. The annual tournament is the primary fundraiser for the Watauga-Ashe-Wilkes Scholarship, organized in 2001 by Phil Stevens, who has ties in all three counties. The competitive scholarship which emphasizes financial need, annually awards $2,000 to graduating seniors in each of the named counties and is renewable for up to three additional years. The scholarship endowment’s board selects up to six recipients each year. Aside from Stevens, members include Kim Barnes, Kimberly Foster, Charles Hartzog, Danny Holman, Michael Lyall, Daphne Petrey, Bradley McNeil and Allison Phillips. More than $325,000 has been awarded to more than 60 students since the scholarship’s inception. The annual golf tournament is the scholarship’s principal fundraising event. The format is Captain’s Choice with four player teams.
5) The Extraordinaires Return to Banner Elk’s Summer Concert Series
On Thursday, Aug. 7, the Extraordinaires will be welcomed back to the stage in Tate Evans Park. All the concerts in the series are free and start at 6:30 p.m. The Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Banner Elk sponsor these family and pet friendly concerts and they are a popular destination for visitors in the area. The concerts run until the end of August. The Extraordinaires were formed from a group of guys who love the classics and rhythm and blues. They have put together a unique blend of music that is sure to get people out of their seats and on the dance floor. From the powerful kickin’ horns to the smooth lead vocals, The Extraordinaires have been a hit in Banner Elk. This week’s concert sponsor in Elk River Realty. They offer a variety of home choices and homesites at Elk River. For more information call 828-898-8395.
6) Hearts for Hospitality House to Host Meeting, Plan for Fundraiser
Hearts for Hospitality, an organization that acts as Ambassadors and Supporters of the Hospitality House is hosting a meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Grace Lutheran Church in Boone. Area women are invited to attend. Discussion will center around a fundraiser billed as “30 Years of Hope” planned at the Blue Ridge Mountain Club. The fundraising event is scheduled for Friday. Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. Hospitality House is located in Boone. The organization provides shelter, food and other services to the homeless and hungry in the counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. To find out more information or to attend the Aug. 6 meeting or the Aug. 22 fundraiser, please contact Eileen Gaddy at [email protected] or Emily Stallings at [email protected]
7) Back to School Bash Held Aug. 16
The response for the Back to School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. has been great. We have more than 85 interested parties that are either donating school supplies or participating in the Saturday event. Land Harbor is working to create a fun and helpful day for students and families. We will send out a map of the area and a list of all participants soon and tables will be provided for those participants. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be on sale during the lunch hour. While we have a variety of activities planned, the main purpose is to offer free school supplies for our students. If you are able to donate items, please have them at the Board of Education by Aug. 1. The Avery High Marching Band will perform at noon. Students will have the chance to meet Ronald McDonald and the Chick Fil a Cow, get a free dental screening offered by the NC Tooth Bus, visit Scottie and Buster the School Bus, shop for school clothes, enjoy demonstrations by local law enforcement and first responders, have the opportunity to support our troops, pick up free school supplies and much more. There will also be a “Support Your Teacher” fun run and walk sponsored by Mountain Run Properties and Rentals from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. on Aug. 16. This event will help to raise funds to help support teachers in the classroom. All funds will be sent to the school of our choice. Thank you in advance for your support.
8) Wellness Dinner Held Sept. 9 at Chetola.
Strong bones, strong body. A plant based dinner featuring guest speaker and OrthoCarolina physician Dr. James Califf will be held at Chetola Resort on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Cocktails will be served at cash bar with appetizers at 6 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 7:5 in the Evergreen Room. Plant based, multi-course buffet incorporates foods that promote bone health. Dr. Califf’s presentation, which includes a Q and A session, will focus on the benefits of particular foods regarding spine care, osteoporosis, and strength and balance. Such foods include yogurt, soy milk, almonds, dried beans, tofu, broccoli, kale, okra, spinach, bok choy and turnip and mustard greens. Cost is $30 per person and reservations are required. For reservations call 828-295-5533.
9) Local Art Unveiling Held Aug. 17
Local art unveiling, Grandmother’s Truth, held Sunday, Aug. 17 from 2-4 p.m. at the Boone Healing Arts Center. Join us as we welcome Treva McClean of Fire & Elements Studio to Synergy Hall for the celebration and unveiling of her grandmother’s works entitled “Grandmother’s Truth.” This is a free event including refreshments and live music.