1) Programs at Grandfather Mountain
- Winter Tree Identification Hike: On Dec. 16 at 2 p.m., participants will learn how to identify local trees without the aid of leaves by learning differences in bark, limb, bud and branching patterns. Hiking boots are recommended.
- Christmas Hike: On Dec. 25, get out and enjoy the brisk mountain air at 1 p.m. for a guided hike along the Profile Trail. Learn about trees, community types, birds ad forest ecology in winter.
- First Day Hike: New Year’s Day at 1 p.m., join a ranger on a winter exploration hike looking for tracks and other signs of animal activity.
2) Town of Boone Special Public Hearing
The Boone Town Council and the Boone Area Planning Commission will hold a Special Public Hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. with a Planning Commission meeting immediately following in the Town Council Chambers located at 1500 Blowing Rock Road regarding the adoption of the revised Unified Development Ordinance.
3) Maintain Don’t Gain this Holiday Season
Many Americans gain between one and five pounds each holiday season. While it may not sound like much, most people never manage to lose those extra pounds. That means five years from now you could be twenty pounds heavier, just from weight put on during the holidays. Instead of piling on the pounds, North Carolinians are invited to join the eighth annual Eat Smart, Move More…Maintain Don’t Gain Holiday Challenge. Rather than focusing on trying to lose weight, this free six-week challenge provides participants with tips, tricks and ideas to help you maintain your weight throughout the holiday season. The challenge began Nov. 25 and runs through Dec. 31. To join, all you have to do is sign up at www.esmmweighless.com, click on the Holiday Challenge tab and sign up. All participant information is kept confidential. Once you join you will have access to a calorie counter, a food log and an activity log to track your progress, a chance to receive bonus healthy holiday recipes if you sign up early and complete the pre-survey and six free weekly emailed newsletters.
4) Brookside Christmas Eve with Morris Hatton
For what will be the 21st year in a row, Morris Hatton will be the special invited guest musician for the 21st annual Service of Adoration, Communion & Candlelight at Brookside Presbyterian Church-ARP in Boone at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24. This Nativity Service of Lessons and Carols was inspired by and patterned after the famous service of “Lessons and Carols” held each Christmas Eve at the King’s College Chapel, Cambridge University in England. Brookside is located at 1122 Old U.S. 421 S off of U.S. 421. Call 262-5020 for more information. All are welcome.