Click here to see our compiled list of emails for the week.
1) The Annual Election Period is Here
Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and SHIIP want to make sure that Medicare beneficiaries don’t miss the boat! The Medicare Part D Annual Election Period takes place from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 and SHIIP, the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program can help Medicare beneficiaries compare plans. “Now is the time to compare and evaluate your choices. You may be able to improve your coverage, save money or both,” said Goodwin. “As always, SHIIP is here to help, over the phone or in person, at counseling sites all across the state. Let s help you find the best Medicare prescription plan for you or your loved one.” SHIIP is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance and can assist anyone with questions about Medicare Part D coverage information and enrollment. Trained SHIIP counselors are available for one-on-one counseling appointments in all 100 North Carolina counties. For more information, contact SHIIP at 1-800-443-9354.
2) Flute Ensemble Performance Held Oct. 24
Nancy Schneeloch-Bingham leads the Appalachian Flute Ensemble performance Oct. 24, at Appalachian State University. The performance begins at 8 a.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall. Admission is free. The eight member ensemble will perform “Rose Cottage” from Catherine McMichael’s “A Gaelic Offering,” “Melange of Neumes” by Stephen Lias, “Prayer of Saint Patrick” by John Rutter arranged by Schneeloch-Bingham and “Serendade, Op.11” by Dag Wiren. The ensemble will also premiere “Express Route” by Joseph D. House Jr. House is a music composition student at Appalachian. His piece was written for flute ensemble, scored for concert flute, alto flute and bass flute. It is written in three continuous sections and features conventional playing as well as an exciting array of extended playing techniques. “These techniques are percussion sounds which are produced by the flutists’ air stream using various spoken syllables -CHA, SHH, TAH, THE – and a particularly percussive sound produced with a simultaneous burst of air on the BAP syllable,” Schneeloch-Bingham said. “These sounds are the hallmark of an emergent style of contemporary flute playing known as “Beatbox Fluting.” True to its name, Express Route is a fun, fast, kinetic ride with an amazing groove.”
3) Domestic Violence Awareness Month Event in Avery County
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for the community and nation to come together and build awareness and a movement toward safe and healthy relationships for all individuals and families. Nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men in the US has experienced physical violence, rape or stalking by an intimate partner. These statistics are the same for Watauga County. Survivors of domestic violence suffer physical and emotional trauma and face potential financial and legal struggles as well. Domestic violence affects every person in our community and society as a whole, not just the immediate victim. Stand up as a champion for survivors and join the movement for a safer and healthier community by joining OASIS at their October Awareness event. Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate the community about domestic violence and increase the public’s understanding of these issues for survivors. Please join OASIS in our mission to end domestic and sexual violence in Watauga County by coming to the Domestic Violence Awareness Month event: Domestic Violence 101 on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Watauga County Library at 140 Queen Street.
4) Meet and Greet with John Mena
Boone voters are encouraged to attend this informal Meet and Greet for an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, share ideas and hear straight from the candidate. This event will be held Thursday, Oct. 17 from 6-9 p.m. at Char Restaurant at 179 Howard Street in Boone. Light appetizers and drinks will be served.