1) Family Fun Month Promotes Togetherness on Beech This June
Bringing families together is the focus this June during Beech Mountain’s inaugural Family Fun Month. For the entire 30 days, Beech Mountain offers organized activities, family fun initiatives and lodging specials. The list of group activities in June includes: guided hikes, photography workshops, Land of Oz tours, parent-child golf outings, mountain biking, running races, concerts on the lawn and movies under the stars in Eastern America’s highest town. Getting involved in Family Fun Month is easy. A daily schedule of events and participation cards are available at www.FamilyFunMonth.com. Parents can go to the site, select the dates with their favorite activities, then book one of two special lodging packages. The first package provides three nights for the price of two, while the second provides 25 percent off a stay of five nights or more. Many of the activities are free, such as the photography workshops, guided hikes, movies under the stars and swimming at Beech Mountain Club. Other activities have a nominal fee. Beech Mountain is an ideal summer getaway for families. It blends the amenities and lodging of a ski resort town with miles and miles of town-maintained hiking and biking trails. On weekends (Friday through Sunday) Beech Mountain Resort operates its downhill mountain biking park, complete with lift access for both riders and their bikes. The resort also offers disc golf and scenic chairlift rides to the summit, where a pub and observation deck await.
2) Author Meet and Greet at Watauga Public Library.
Meet author Mariah Burne on Saturday, May 17 at 12:30 p.m. in the meeting room at Watauga County Public Library.
3) Concerned Citizens Meeting May 13
You are invited to a meeting of citizens opposed to the Town of Boone’s water grab from the New River in Todd. The Town of Boone proposes to construct an intake in the area to make an additional four gallons per day from the New River. The proposed site borders Ashe and Watauga. The intake includes potential condemnation of part of the Cooper Farm and land along Brownwood Road from Railroad Grade Road to U.S. 421. The intake will adversely affect farming, tourism and fishing, canoeing, tubing, kayaking and other river recreation. The meeting will take place at Riverside Restaurant at 7181 Railroad Grade Rd. in Todd at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13. The speaker will be Frank Packard.
4) Operation Medicine Cabinet held May 17
The Watauga County Sheriff’s Department is sponsoring Operation Medicine Cabinet. Anyone having medications that are no longer needed or expired may bring to any of the listed locations. This includes prescription medications, over the counter medications, veterinary supplies and sharps. No questions asked. Operation Medicine Cabinet will take place Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Food Lions in Deep Gap, Blowing Rock and Boone and at the Deep Gap Fire Department. This Saturday is also Hazardous Waste Day at the Watauga County Land fill. Anyone having hazardous waste such as paint, batteries or the like can drop it off at the Watauga landfill.
5) Baha’i Devotional Meeting
There will be a Baha’i Devotional Meeting from 10 a.m. until noon at 300 Beaver Dam Road in Bethel on Sunday, May 18. The theme of the meeting will be “empowering our youth.” The Baha’i teachings center on unity and the removal of prejudice. All are welcome. For more information and for directions call 828-297-6222.
6) Eastern Snow Conference Held June 4-5 at Appalachian
Snow scientists, climatologists, National Weather Service meteorologists and others from across the U.S. and Canada will talk about snow and ice during the 71st annual meeting of the Eastern Snow Conference June 4-5 at Appalachian State University. The conference’s general theme is “Snow and Ice in Mountain Environments.” The conference will feature oral and poster presentations on topics related to snow and ice in mountain regions and precipitation, climatology and measurement of snow in the United States and impacts of snow. Snow scientist Nolan Doesken, author of “The Snow Booklet: A Guide to the Science, Climatology and Measurement of snow in the United States Climatology,” will be the featured speaker. Registration rangers from $100 for students and one-day participants to $200 to attend the entire conference. Registration fees include a buffet breakfast, lunches and refreshment breaks and the banquet for those registering for the June 4 event. The early registration deadline is May 23. On-site registration will be $250.
7) Williams Discusses Appalachian Travels May 22
When Olive Dame Campbell and her husband John traveled to the Appalachian Mountains in 1908. they opened a door into the world of the Southern Highlands region of Appalachia few had ever seen. Many of the couple’s books are modern day staples in the study of mountain communities and are cited in scholarly writings on the subject. It is, however the pages in the personal diary of Olive Dame Campbell that Elizabeth Williams brings to life for readers. Williams, who has been a librarian and associate professor at ASU for 13 years will speak on Thursday, May 22 at 3:30 p.m. in Belk Library and Information Commons Room 421. The presentation is part of the Summer Author Series and is free and open to the public. Parking will be available in the parking deck adjacent to the library on college street. The presentation will be followed by a book signing and reception. For more information call 828-262-2087.
8) Blowing Rock Concierge 101
Find out about all the fun things to do in Blowing Rock at Concierge 101! Register for door prizes, pick up coupons and plan your whole summer with fun activities in Blowing Rock. Concierge 101 is a crash course in all the fun things in our area. Participants will learn about everything from Grandfather Mountain to the Appalachian Summer Festival to area restaurants and outfitters. Restaurants will offer samples, giving attendees a taste of the dining that can be found in Blowing Rock. If you are an area business, Concierge 101 is like a business expo that helps get the word out about your business. For more information call Terri Bailey at 828-295-7851.
9) Summer Enrichment Scholarship Opportunity for Motivated Learners
Teachers, Mentors, and Community Members – Do you know a young learner who shows a passion and drive for his or her education? We are looking for 12 special elementary school students – no particular academic level – who show a drive and desire to learn more! Brain Food Boone is offering a Summer Enrichment Series – Science and Social Studies FUN, DYNAMIC lessons to keep skills sharp over the summer. Small group environment – maximum of 9 children/2 teachers. Never the same lesson twice, and subjects will include: conservation, environmental issues, animal habitats and adaptations, citizenship, etc. Language Arts and/or Math will also be integrated into each lesson.