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

1. Hospitality House Hosts Ashe Pig Pickin’ July 29

Hospitality House is rolling out the welcome mat for its Ashe County neighbors, friends and supporters on Tuesday, July 29. Serving Ashe County for nearly twenty years, Hospitality House is hosting an Old-Fashioned Pig Pickin’ and Open House to thank the Ashe County community and Board of Commissioners for their support.

“It is a privilege to serve the fine folks of Ashe County,” states Hospitality House director of development and Ashe County resident Todd Carter. “As a member of the Ashe County Coalition for the Homeless, I am acutely aware of the issues facing low-income and at-risk families in Ashe. It is a blessing that we are able to provide housing, nutrition and prevention services to them.”

Hospitality House has been serving Ashe County since 1995. In 2013 they provided 3,209 nights of shelter, food and life-changing services to Ashe County’s homeless population, 79% of which are women and children. Long-term success is made possible through the Transitional Housing, Family Housing and Supportive Housing programs that Hospitality House offers.

The Old-Fashioned Pig Pickin’ includes an all-day open house with lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ebenezer Community Church will be providing music along with Keith Noblett and the Traveling Thunders. First Baptist Church West Jefferson is organizing a “Taste Buddies” trip and Bald Mountain Baptist Church is bringing youth and missions groups to the event. Churches, individuals and civic groups are encouraged to come any time before lunch or dinner and take a tour of the Hospitality House facilities and multiple gardens.

“We are inviting everyone to this free community event,” states Carter. “Whether you are a current supporter, past supporter or just curious about what we do, we welcome you all to eat some great barbecue and listen to live music with us.”

Hospitality House, located at 338 Brook Hollow Road in Boone, is an easy drive down N.C. 221 to 421, just off Bamboo Road before you get into Boone.

For further information, please contact Todd Carter at 828.264.1237 ext. 107 or todd@hosphouse.org.  To learn more about Hospitality House, visit them online at www.HospHouse.org.

2. Help Maintain AT Vistas With Workday at Walnut Mtn. July 26

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is seeking volunteers to participate in a work project at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at the Walnut Mountain open area along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) on the North Carolina/Tennessee border. Carpooling to Walnut Mountain is available, and those interested should meet at 8 a.m. at the ATC’s Southern Regional Office parking lot, located by the U.S. Forest Service Office at 160 Zillicoa St. in Asheville, NC.

The primary goal of the work project, which is funded by a grant from the National Forest Foundation, is to improve vistas from the Walnut Mountain open area. The work will expand views of Max Patch and of the French Broad River valley north of Hot Springs, NC. The project offers the opportunity to visit one of the more scenic spots on the Trail and learn about additional A.T. conservation initiatives.

“Come join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and help maintain the beauty of this popular stretch of the Appalachian Trail,” said Morgan Sommerville, ATC regional director. “Volunteers are crucial to our trail management efforts, and we would love to have your support during this workday.”

During the workday, participants will clear brush with chainsaws, bladed trimmers and hand tools. U.S. Forest Service chainsaw certification is required to operate chainsaws, but non-certified volunteers are also needed to mow smaller brush and move small diameter logs for future trail construction. Additional work tasks include removing invasive exotic plants and maintaining the foot trail.

The ATC will provide all equipment needed for the workday, including personal protective equipment.  Volunteers are asked to wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Participants should also bring a lunch and at least two quarts of water. Those who carpool will return to Asheville by 5 p.m.

Event Overview:

  • Walnut Mountain Workday
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.
  • Date: Saturday, July 26
  • Place: Walnut Mountain, NC (Meet at 8 a.m. at 160 Zillicoa St. in Asheville to carpool)

Individuals or groups interested in volunteering should contact Rhys Brydon-Williams at rbrydon@appalachiantrail.org or by calling 828.254.3708.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

The ATC was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. A unit of the National Park Service, the A.T. ranges from Maine to Georgia and is approximately 2,185 miles in length. It is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. The mission of the ATC is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information, please visit www.appalachiantrail.org.