1) Appalachian to Test Emergency Notification System Sept. 11
Appalachian State University will conduct a full test of its emergency notification system- including sire, email and text messaging- on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 11:55 a.m. The siren test will consist of a 75-second discontinuous air horn tone followed by a pre-recorded voice message that says, “This is a test. This is a test of the emergency warning system. This is only a test.” The all-clear activation will consist of a 20-second alert tone followed by a pre-recorded voice message. Appalachian uses multiple methods to notify and communicate emergency information to the campus community. The AppState-ALERT siren warning system is designed to provide campus students, staff, faculty and visitors will an audible notification of an emergency event that affects campus. Other than tests, the warning system will only be activated during a high risk, life-threatening emergency such as an active shooter on or near campus, a major hazardous material spill on or near campus or a tornado warning for campus. In the event of an emergency activation, individuals registered with the system should seek safe shelter immediately, seek more information by going to the University Emergency Web Page, check cell phone, email or web updates until the all clear is given.
2) Relay for Life Scarecrow 5K Run/Walk
Join us for the 7th annual Relay for Life Scarecrow 5K Run/Walk benefiting the American Cancer Society. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 5, at 8:30 a.m. to be able to participate in the 7th annual Relay for Life Scarecrow 5K Run/Walk taking place on the Greenway Trail in Boone. Registration fee is $15 with a deadline of Sept. 25, and $20 after, and a family rate of $40 before the Oct. 4 deadline and $45 after Oct. 4. Meeting the Oct. 4 deadline guarantees you a long-sleeved tee shirt and after this date it will be on a first come first served basis. Cash prizes will be awarded to the Overall 1st place Male and Female and to the Master’s male/female. Awards will also be given to the top 3 male/female age group winners. Refreshments will be served and all participants will be eligible for door prizes. Plan to join us for a great time while raising money for a wonderful cause! For more information contact Paula Ward at 828-297-4876 or visit the website at www.wataugarelayforlife5k.com.
3) Grandfather Mountain State Park Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 12-4 p.m.
We held a contest with Avery High School art students last year. The winning artist’s design was made into our Junior Ranger Patch! We are awarding the winning artist and the top two finalists at the Family Day. John Bond at Art Mart in Boone provided a generous donation of gift certificates as prizes. We are encouraging kids ages 6-12 to come for the afternoon. If they participate in at least five of the activities, they will be able to earn their Junior Ranger Patch. Our award ceremony for the new Jr. Rangers and the winning student artist is at 3:30 p.m. Our musicians are the Blue Ridge Mountain Belles, a bluegrass gospel band, and the Junaluska Wildcats, who play bluegrass. They are young musicians from Watauga and Ashe counties. Activities really will be fn for kids and adults alike.