1. August Programs at Elk Knob State Park
Trail Work Days
Every Saturday beginning April 5 and running through the middle of November (except Sept. 13), staff and volunteers will meet at the Summit Trailhead at 9 a.m. and work until approximately 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. Tools are provided, but volunteers should wear close-toed shoes and bring work gloves, lunch and water. Most of the time will be spent building our new one mile loop trail, the Beech Tree Trail, although we may include some repair work on the Summit Trail. If you would like to be involved in a fulfilling project that will fill you with a well-deserved sense of pride, then join us on Saturdays at Elk Knob State Park. For more information, please call 828-297-7261.
Otto Wood the Bandit Hike
Join a ranger as he presents Otto Wood, celebrated Appalachian folk hero and convicted felon. Participants will hike as they learn how the criminal genius broke the law, escaped from prison and captured the imagination of the American public. Hike is weather dependent. Hiking attire to include boots is recommended. Meet Sunday August 3 at the summit trailhead at 2 pm.
From Caterpillar to Butterfly
What kind of butterflies can you see at Elk Knob State Park? On Sunday, Aug. 10 at 2 pm, we will discuss the metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly and view some pictures, through PowerPoint, of the butterflies and caterpillars that call this park home. We will discuss the anatomy of the insects and then we will venture out and see what is flying in the field of wildflowers at the entrance gate. Please meet at the Park Office.
Elk Knob Nature Hike
Come out Saturday, Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. for a beautiful nature hike and learn about the natural history of the area. Hiking attire to include boots is recommended. Program is weather dependent.
Become a Citizen Scientist
A great way to get kids interested in science is to enroll them in a citizen science program. There are several options to choose from that involve observing nature and reporting findings to a database. These observations teach kids about nature and help scientists by increasing their data. Come Sunday, August 17 at 2 p.m. to learn how to get involved. Meet at the park office.
Night Hike
Saturday, August 30 at 7:30 p.m., come explore the park with a ranger at night. While some critters are settling down to sleep, many are waking for their day. Learn about nocturnal adaptations and how you use your senses at night. Meet at the trailhead parking lot.
Wildflower Hike
There are some gorgeous summer and fall wildflowers at Elk Knob. Come explore the field with a park ranger and discover what lies just beyond the roadside at the park. Please meet Sunday, Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. at the Park Office.
2. Evensong at St. Mary of the Hills July 27
The choir of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church will present choral evensong this Sunday afternoon, July 27, at 3:30 p.m. in the nave of the church. Service music will include the Tallis setting of the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis and the Smith 4-part Preces and Responses. The Introit will be Hildegard von Bingen’s O viridissima virga, and the anthem Behold the Tabernacle of God by Willen.
The choir of St. Mary’s sings Evensong one Sunday each month through October, and everyone is welcome. Donations support the Choral Scholarship program at St. Mary of the Hills which provides financial support to students and budding young singers.
The service of Evensong or Evening Prayer combines elements of two services, Vespers and Compline, which were part of the seven-service daily cycle of prayer in monasteries. It is said or sung every day in the cathedrals and collegiate churches of England, as well as in this country since 1785. The service is a fragment of the worship offered to God by christian people at every hour, in every part of the world. The form of the service has changed little since the 16th Century, but the content dates back much earlier – to the Psalms, the hymnbook of the Jewish temple, and the Canticles (Magnificat and Nunc dimittis), which are taken from the New Testament. The service is a lovely, quiet way to end your weekend.
For more information on this service, please contact St. Mary of the Hills at 828.295.7323.
3. Need Help With Your Kindle?
Charles Safrit will be hosting a two part class at the Watauga County Public Library designed to help new users become familiar with their device. Part I will be on Aug. 13 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.. Topics covered will include: connecting to Wifi, an overview of your Amazon account and downloading e-books using Overdrive & Kindle Reader. Space is limited. Please contact the reference department to reserve a spot or for more information at 828-264-8784 ext. 2
4. Rehearse With Watauga Community Band on Tuesdays
“Music Watauga Community Band rehearses every Tuesday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at Boone Mall in the space next to TJ Maxx through Aug. 12. We are a woodwind/brass/percussion group playing many styles of music. If you play an instrument, come join in, or just listen and enjoy the music.”
5. Rock ‘n Roll and Alt Folk at AMB July 31
With an acoustic rock ‘n roll and alternative folk style, Jay Alm will perform at Appalachian Mountain Brewery on Thursday, July 31, from 7:30-11:30 p.m.