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Email Announcements We Are Receiving Today: See What’s Going On Around The Community

1) American Legion Post 130 Regular Meeting

The Watauga American Legion Post 130 will have their regular business meeting at 135 Bear Trail at Junaluska City Park in Boone tonight at 7 p.m. All veterans and legion members are welcome to attend. 

2) Bone Builders Program at Lois E. Harrill Senior Center

Join us Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for exercise which strengthens your bones! Gradually build up your strength with this class, taught by certified instructor Marie Schaedler. Class begins on Monday, July 8 and will be held in the upstairs conference room. There is no charge for this class. Any age may attend by priority is given to people aged 60 and over if number of participants exceeds class space. Please call the center to register at 265-8090.

3) Writers’ Workshop Series at the Harrill Senior Center

Are you a writer or have you ever wanted to try it? Writer/humorist Vicki Wentz will be leading a four class series called “Write Your Way” on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-3:00 p.m. starting July 9 and ending July 18. Learn skills for writing memoirs, creative writing and humor depending upon your interest. Pre-registration is required by 1:30 p.m. on July 9. Cost is $30 for the 4 class session. Please come by the center to register of call 265-8090 for more information. 

4) AARP Drive Safety Class Offered for Older Adults

Friday, July 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone. Cost of program is $12 per person for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Please bring your AARP card for verification. Some auto insurance companies will offer a discount to persons who have completed this class, so please check with your insurance company. Coffee, water and a light snack will be provided. Call the center for more information or to reserve a seat. 

5) Medicare 101 Seminar

Approaching 65? Confused about Medicare? Work with older folks? Join us for a seminar at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone on Thursday, July 11, from 2:30-4:00 p.m. We will discuss the basics of Medicare, supplements and drug plans. Please call Tabitha Thomas to register at 265-8090. The event is part of the SHIIP program (Seniors Health Insurance Information Program) and is not sponsored by any insurance company or agent. 

6) Watauga County Summer Camp

The Watauga County Parks and Recreation proudly announces another week of Camp! Fun in the Sun Camp held at Hardin Park School will be extended an additional week. Registration is being taken now at the Recreation office at 231 Complex Drive in Boone. Camp space for this encore week is limited so sign up soon. For more information, contact the Recreation office at 828-264-9511. 

7) Grandfather Campout Offers Chance to Camp with Experts

This year’s second annual Grandfather Campout, from July 26-28, offers the public a rare opportunity to cam at the base of Grandfather Mountain at night while enjoying special programming during the day. One of the most unique features of the event, however, is the chance for hands-on instruction from the Mountain’s staff of outdoor experts. Camping can be a challenging experience for a novice. Improper technique could leave someone waking up to a rain-soaked sleeping bag or to a large furry visitor. Not only will participants in this year’s Grandfather Campout get instruction in setting up their campsite during the event, but they can carry that knowledge to all their outdoor adventures in the future. The Grandfather Campout is not necessarily for first-time campers. Families, couples and solo adventurers are all welcome to atend. Camping at the base of Grandfather Mountain while enjoying interesting activities all over the mountains in the daytime is a truly unique and wonderful experience for anyone, regardless of their camping background. “The Grandfather Campout is my favorite event of the year at Grandfather Mountain,” said Chief Naturalist Katie Gray. “It has something for everyone, whether they’ve never camped before of they’ve been doing it their entire lives.” Some of the topics on this weekend’s schedule are climate and weather, plants, orienteering, birding and butterflies. The full weekend schedule and registration documents for the Grandfather Mountain Campout are available online. Registratio forms must be printed and mailed in. Those who wish to register for a guided hike and/or behind the scenes your must be sure their registration is received by July 23. Registration for the campout must be submitted by July 26. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources. 

8) Experience Sunset at Grandfather Mountain Aug 10

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is once again offering the public the opportunity to experience sunrise and sunset inside the nature attraction. The first sunset opportunity is set for Saturday, Aug. 10. Participants will be able to experience sunset from the Swinging Bridge area, one of the best places on Grandfather to see the sun go down behind the surrounding mountains. This opportunity would be great for photographers wanting to get incredible photos during a time when the public is usually not able to be inside the attraction and also a great idea for families and friends wanting to enjoy a special evening. The cost is $10 per person plus regular park admission. Those just wanting to come for the sunset and only pay $10 should arrive at 7 p.m. when the park closes to the public. The official Linville sunset time for Aug 10 is 8:24 p.m. and participants will be able to stay on the Mountain until 9 p.m. Reservations for this opportunity are required and must be made by calling 800-468-7325 before Aug. 9 at 5 p.m. A total of three sunset opportunities will be offered from August through October. Additional sunset dates are Aug 30 and Sept 28. Sunrise dates are Aug 25 and Oct 5. Details for each occasion are listed on the Featured Events calendar on www.grandfather.com. Sunrise and sunset opportunities were offered on special dates during September 2012 as part of the Swinging Bride’s 60th year. “We had a great response last year and have received many questions regarding sunrise and sunset opportunities,” said Director of Communications Landis Taylor. “These special times are really ‘can’t miss’ events. It is something to experience at least once in their lifetime.”